Passat b4 years of production. Mini review and Technical characteristics of Volkswagen Passat B4. Reviews from Volkswagen Passat B4 owners

Before that I owned a 8, 10, Audi 80, Passat B3. When purchasing, I was looking for B4, because on all the forums I was already tired of reading legends about its indestructibility and durability. And my b3 was already completely falling apart, I spent every weekend in service. I searched for a B4 for a long time, carefully, more or less good copies were very expensive (adding 40-50 thousand you could get a B5). But suddenly I saw an advertisement: handsome, all shiny, garage-built - 165 rubles. Of course, I rushed to watch it.

I arrived, the body is perfect, polished, not a single scratch or dent, everything under the hood is shiny. Started it, drove it, day and night after my third. The suspension is simply gorgeous, you don’t feel any potholes at all, the hydraulic booster allows you to turn the steering wheel with just one finger, rushing like a tank with 90 hp. Without thinking for a long time, I threw off some money and took my swallow. I drove without problems in April, May, June, July, August, I only filled up with gasoline and washer, I couldn’t be happier. But my illusion about invincibility quickly faded away...

At the end of August I noticed antifreeze leaking between the engine and the cylinder head to the outside, but this is so small, so I haven’t started doing it yet. Then the ignition coil burned out, before service in tow. It cost about 3000 rubles. A month later it stopped again, wouldn’t start, the fuel pump burned out, took it to service in tow, replaced it, RUB 3,500. A week later the side flange on the engine leaked, replaced it, 1000 rubles. A week later, front pads, 2000 rubles. In wet weather it started to leak a lot - I changed the spark plugs, wires, slider, 3000 rubles. The service center said that the distributor would soon die...

Next - the rear pads, and with them the cylinders, 3500 rubles. A week later, minor problems with the electrical system (the horn disappeared), 600 rubles. Then a problem with the gasket surfaced, it got inside, so I went to change it. In the service: “It would be nice to change the timing belt at the same time, then at the same time the caps, guides, etc.” We did it, 20,000 rubles. Started to fly. After two weeks, I began to feel jolts under the hood when braking and starting. The bolts that secure the engine to the mount are bent on the right. The bolts had their threads stripped and bent. As a result, I had to remove the box to crawl underneath and cut a new thread. We did it, 4000 rubles.

Then, two weeks later, the outlet hose from the heater radiator burst, replaced it with antifreeze, 1000 rubles. Then there were drops in speed when switching gears. Diagnostics - 1000 rubles, everything is set up. Then the car became sluggish at high speeds - the catalyst burned out, cut it out, and at the same time changed the rear can, 6000 rubles. It got a little better. Then the main radiator leaked, I didn’t start it - I replaced it right away, 3500 rubles. Two weeks later I was driving - it started boiling, I open the hood - the hose that goes to the heater radiator is hanging loose, the radiator pipe to which the hose is attached has broken off. Result: replacement of the stove radiator, 5000 rubles.

Now we are planning to repair the suspension, everything is knocking and rattling. Saving money.

The Volkswagen Passat B4 is not sold in the showrooms of official Volkswagen dealers.


Technical characteristics of Volkswagen Passat B4

Modifications of Volkswagen Passat B4

Volkswagen Passat B4 1.8 MT

Volkswagen Passat B4 1.8 MT 90 hp

Volkswagen Passat B4 1.8 AT 90 hp

Volkswagen Passat B4 1.9 TD MT

Volkswagen Passat B4 1.9 TD MT 90 hp

Volkswagen Passat B4 1.9 TD MT 110 hp

Volkswagen Passat B4 1.9 TD AT 110 hp

Volkswagen Passat B4 2.0MT

Volkswagen Passat B4 2.0 AT

Volkswagen Passat B4 2.0 MT 150 hp

Volkswagen Passat B4 2.8 MT

Volkswagen Passat B4 2.8AT

Odnoklassniki Volkswagen Passat B4 price

Unfortunately, this model has no classmates...

Reviews from Volkswagen Passat B4 owners

Volkswagen Passat B4, 1994

Initially I wanted to buy a 2- or 3-year-old VAZ 10 model, but in the end, relatives and friends advised against it. My uncle had a Passat about 5 years ago and I really liked it, so the choice fell on the Volkswagen Passat B4. I was lucky with my purchase, I bought it from a woman, she constantly maintained the car with good service. The only “jamb” was a crack on the windshield. I owned the car for about a year and was just happy. Started in any frost, never let down. During all this time, in addition to the consumables, I only changed the rear struts. I was very pleased with the car's dynamics and handling. On the highway at 150 km/h, the Volkswagen Passat B4 moves confidently like a ship. I spent money sparingly, good oil, belts, candles. After the purchase, I installed 15-piece wheels on low tires, tinted them and installed more or less acceptable music. I was simply in love with the car. I was pleased with the rather low fuel consumption - 7 liters on the highway and 10 in the city, for 2 liters, I think this is very good. A separate plus of the Volkswagen Passat B4 is the sound insulation, it is excellent. The salon is very comfortable, everything is at hand, nothing superfluous. The driver's seat is adjustable as desired, which is very convenient on long trips. The trunk is huge. There is more than enough space in the cabin. I drove and was happy until a guy in a UAZ “loaf” jumped out into the oncoming lane towards me on the highway. A frontal tangential impact and I was thrown into a ditch against a tree. As a result, the car cannot be restored, and I only have 3 scratches on my hand from spilled glass. The pillows did their job. I ran around with insurance companies for a long time, cursing. The damage to me was estimated at 190 thousand rubles, but they paid only 120 at the “maximum rate”. Well, a friend of mine also turned up a Volkswagen Passat B4, only a diesel and a weaker package. I’ve been driving for 3 months now and I understand that the Passat B4 is truly a “people’s car.” The machine is worth the money. For all the time I have never regretted that I bought this model.

Advantages : maintainability. Available spare parts. Dynamics. Safety. Comfort.

Flaws : constantly freezing door after washing in winter.

Sergey, Bryansk


Volkswagen Passat B4, 1995

There is an opinion that the Volkswagen Passat B4 is a very cheap, reliable, unpretentious, comfortable car. I want to use my own example to understand these dogmas. Definitely, for a 1995 model, the Volkswagen Passat B4 is very reliable, breakdowns are extremely rare, and with timely replacement of worn-out spare parts with high-quality ones, they rarely occur twice with the same owner. This does not apply to the suspension; on our roads, this element of the car can be considered a “consumable”. But even here you need to understand that the more original the spare part in the suspension, the longer it will last. Comfort: yes, this is definitely a comfortable car. The salon is not just big, but huge. There is enough space for both front and rear passengers. I, with a height of 192 cm, do not move the seat all the way back (if I move it all the way back, I won’t be able to reach the pedals with my feet) and people of my own build can sit behind me quite easily. Despite the fact that the car is a sedan, the trunk is large and roomy, plus the rear seat backs fold in a ratio of 60:40, which allows you to transport long cargo. There may be problems with loading large luggage due to the somewhat narrow trunk opening, but this is a sedan, if you need a “workhorse” for transporting large luggage, then the Variant (station wagon) is more suitable for you. The ergonomics of the Volkswagen Passat B4 are excellent. There are not many functions in the car, and all of them are very convenient to operate. A quick glance is enough to next time adjust the temperature in the cabin, turn on the air conditioning or raise the mirrors without looking at the controls: everything is at hand, everything is convenient. Engine 2E: 2.0 liters, 115 horsepower. Great motor. Of the entire line of Volkswagen Passat B4 engines, in my opinion, the 2E is the most balanced. Economical: city 10-11 liters, highway 7 liters. Acceleration to “hundreds” is 11 seconds, which is quite enough for dynamic driving. Reliable and unpretentious. I have never heard or read any complaints about this unit. And I won’t scold him myself, it’s just not worth it. The main thing is to maintain it on time and use high-quality fuels and lubricants.

Advantages : not expensive, reliable, unpretentious, comfortable car.

Flaws : sound insulation.

Roman, Moscow


Volkswagen Passat B4, 1995

My first car was a 1985 Audi 100, also a diesel, not a bad car, but I wanted a newer one. I was looking for a sedan or hatchback, a station wagon was not to my taste, I chose from Renault Laguna, Audi and VW Golf. But the choice fell on the Volkswagen Passat B4 1.9 td. Imported from Belgium. During the first year of operation, no problems. I bought it on November 20 - as soon as it came from there, no replacements. I changed the fuel filter only in the summer and still continue to drive it. In winter it started in any frost and never let me down. I don’t know how it is in Russia, but in Latvia DT is at the highest level. If you don’t spare money and refuel at good gas stations, then there will be no problems. Fuel consumption in the city in the summer is 6-6.5, and in the winter 7-7.5; on the highway you can invest 5 liters if the speed is 90 km/h. During 15 months of operation, the Volkswagen Passat B4 changed the rear struts, the front left bearing and the stabilizer link. Recently oil began to drip in the filter area, I thought that it was bad after changing the oil, but no, it was a gasket, the replacement cost 10 euros, I did it at the service center, I didn’t dare. And so only “consumables”, oil, filters and that’s it. But I’m not happy with the door handles, they don’t open well, and in the cold they break like matches. Since diesel does not like high speeds, I drive on the highway within 100 km/h, and in Latvia the fines are large for exceeding them.

Advantages : economical. Acceleration. Easy to maintain and operate.

Flaws : I think there is one drawback on the Volkswagen Passat B4 - the doors.

Janis, Daugavpils

There is more than one line of cars in the world, the history of which from the very beginning is shrouded only in positive aspects. One of these is the Volkswagen Passat family. Produced by the German automotive giant, these cars were able to gain wide popularity around the world and became one of the most recognizable.

He was not deprived of such an honor, having at one time made a real breakthrough in design thought. Nowadays, this car rightfully bears the title of a tough nut to crack, and we will try to figure out why.

Car suspension

The chassis is based on the B3 model with all its advantages, which became a logical continuation for the fourth generation models. The machines are equipped with the same engines, longitudinally mounted. The most powerful of them is a 2.9 liter, 184 horsepower petrol engine.

As standard, the car was produced in a front-wheel drive version. If desired, you can also find an all-wheel drive version. Such models have the prefix Syncro in their name. There is a power steering with good responsiveness. Combining all these elements of a car with a reliable suspension, we end up with a car with good handling and directional stability.

Changes that have occurred in the Volkswagen Passat B4 station wagon, relative to previous models

The B4 model differs from its predecessor mainly only in body panels and interior design.

Body changes

Changes in the body and interior can be seen without any difficulty. New body panels, which became the progenitors for the fifth generation of cars. A radiator grille appeared. This was done in order to match the style of the cars of that time: Volkswagen Golf MK3 and Volkswagen Jetta.

The front and rear bumpers have received a new look. The headlight design has also been changed. They began to take on the shape of the headlights of modern cars. An interesting feature was that about 60 percent of the Volkswagen Passat B4 models were produced in the station wagon configuration. This approach justified itself for the reason that the car was readily purchased by all segments of the population.

Modified interior

The salon was simply huge. With the rear seats folded down, you could easily stuff a whole refrigerator into the resulting space, and when folded, the trunk volume was 465 liters.

The interior decoration has changed. More expensive and high-quality materials began to prevail in it, but they did not acquire abrasion resistance. Improved details and good build quality gave the interior a businesslike look. In this regard, some of the cars went to businessmen.

Passenger seats were also equipped with the AirBag system, the Safety door lock system was added, and it became more difficult to steal such cars.

This car owes its popularity to this day to its consumer qualities, namely:

  • reliability (with timely maintenance and planned replacement of consumables);
  • attractive appearance;
  • comfort;
  • ease of maintenance;
  • wide possibilities for replacing parts;

In conclusion, of course, I would like to say that no matter how good the car is, there will always be shortcomings. U Volkswagen Passat B4 station wagon This is high cost of maintenance. The Germans make their parts wisely, and if they break, they demand considerable sums to replace them.

However, in view of the similarity in technical terms of models B3 and B4, you can safely select similar parts that will be cheaper or even buy alternative ones. This approach to solving the issue of spare parts is used by many car enthusiasts, and judging by their reviews, this does not in any way affect the quality of operation.

The German automobile concern has been producing the Passat line since 1988. But if we are talking about the B4 model, then it is worth understanding that it rolled off the assembly line from 1994 to 1996 inclusive. This model has spread widely throughout Russia, especially in the used car market. The phenomenon is due to several reasons:

  1. The perfect combination of modern appearance and reliability.
  2. The model has the traditional set of advantages of the Passat line.
  3. This is a reliable and well-built German station wagon with a range of high-quality engines.
  4. Large interior and trunk space.
  5. Relatively inexpensive repair.

All these advantages once again confirm that the car is one of the best among representatives of the “family” class .

A landmark in the history of the Volkswagen B4 was the controversial design of the “front”, changed to a regular one, with a radiator grille. This design was used once in a wide generation of concern’s machines. The list of additions has been slightly expanded. In the produced variations, 2 front airbags and seat belt pretensioners and an ABS system were installed.

The Volkswagen Passat B4 was available not only as a sedan, but also in the station wagon class. It was sold with a TDI turbodiesel. This variation remains desirable in the US market to this day. It is characterized by high cost, which is due to the savings in gasoline and the possibility of refueling with locally produced biofuel. But now it’s becoming increasingly rare to find a Volkswagen Passat B4 TDI station wagon on the US market for the reason that only about 1,000 vehicles were imported.

The range of cars was famous in the UK in 1988.
Customers were provided with cars with gasoline engines with a displacement of 1.8 liters (1781 cm³) and 2.0 liters. (1984 cm³), with bodies such as four doors “sedan” and “station wagon” five doors. The new release of cars has a perpendicularly located engine in the engine compartment, while in previous generation cars it is located in a longitudinal position . Due to such technologies, the new Passat B4 models have a much larger interior than previous ones. Most of the engines in the presented models were four-cylinder, with a top-mounted camshaft. In the engine compartment they were perpendicular. This arrangement greatly facilitates easier repairs.


Four-cylinder petrol engines

In practice, the engines installed in the station wagon are unpretentious and durable. With proper maintenance, they can last in the range from 300 thousand to 350 thousand km. During operation, it is recommended to adhere to one rule: if the motor is acting up, it is better to contact a service center than to carry out repairs yourself. What is this connected with? Unlike other structural elements, Volkswagen B4 engines cannot be repaired by self-taught people. This requires a subtle approach, a strong base of knowledge and experience. Choosing a suitable service is not difficult - the organization must have a motor test VAG -1551 , specially designed for the concern’s motors. If there is none, then you can safely put pressure on the pedals, looking for another place where they will repair B4.

1.6 liter engine. This engine was installed on the Passat just before it was discontinued. It has a power of 100 horses. The 1.6-liter B4 engine is now used in other lines of the concern. There are very few Volkswagens with such filling in European countries. There are few of them on Russian territory either. Our person does not want to be the owner of a large station wagon with a small engine.

Oldest engine version

The 1.8-liter B4 engine was the first one the designers awarded to the vehicle. This engine has central injection. Its assembly resembles a carburetor. There are 2 types of such motors:

  • for 75 horses;
  • with a power of 90 horsepower.

The first type of engine will suit only a person from the last century or an overly passive, melancholy person. In terms of acceleration and speed, such a car is inferior even to the old Zhiguli car. But at the same time, he is not picky about the quality of gasoline. But the second variation of the station wagon, a model with 90 horses, seems more appropriate in a large, heavy car. In addition, such a motor is widespread on old Passats. To typical features B 4 to 1.8 liters refers to rapid wear of gaskets . The seal between the injection unit and the manifold is aging, which makes it necessary to replace it, i.e. repair the part.

The engine temperature sensor may fail. The problem will be indicated by difficult starting of an engine that is not warmed up. A widespread failure of B4 is “sins” in the operation of the idle speed stabilizer. This is evidenced by:

  • increasing the speed to 1.5-2.0 thousand per minute;
  • the occurrence of a kind of “failure” immediately after pressing the accelerators.

If the owner notices these signs, then it is better to take the car to a service center for diagnostics and repairs.

2-liter V4 engines

Some auto experts from the German concern are surprised that the old Passat was produced with two and four valves for each cylinder. The first type is not one of the most reliable B4s installed on vehicles. The engine produces 115 horsepower. It is equipped with a distributed injection system and is considered more demanding in terms of air filter replacement than other engines. If the owner of a Volkswagen Passat station wagon neglects the operating rules, then most likely the air flow controller will fail . Repairing it costs about $300. The breakdown will be confirmed by repeated loss of power and some “failure” when accelerating.

But the sixteen-valve relative of the previous version is capable of developing power up to 150 hp. But it was undeservedly and deliberately overlooked by many Volkswagen B4 fans. This is justified by the fact that the previous variation of the car in this line had such a motor. And he earned himself a bad reputation. The disadvantages of the equipment that was installed on the old Passat include poor perception of Russian fuel . But the 1994 Volkswagen had a slightly different type of engine. According to a wide range of specialists and representatives of service centers, the problems that were observed earlier will no longer bother the owners of the updated Passat. But when driving a car with such an engine, there are several points to consider:

  1. You should not place 100% confidence in a supported odometer. It is best to replace it together with the tension roller.
  2. The manufacturer assures that it is necessary to replace the timing belt every 120,000 km. But we all know our harsh operating conditions. Therefore, the best option would be to install a new timing belt after ¾ of the period specified by the concern.
  3. A supported pump is also subject to replacement. If the mileage reaches 100 thousand km, then it is best to install a new part. Using an old pump can cause the belt to break.

If you do not want to carry out expensive repairs, then it is better to buy and install all the necessary parts in advance.

Diesel

The 1Z engine, which is precisely the marking of the Volkswagen Passat turbodiesel, was produced for cars of the same volume - 1.9 liters. Such engines have a power of 90 and 110 horsepower. As practice says, this is excellent an engine that is in no way inferior in its dynamics to gasoline ones B 4 . In this case, the rated torque of the equipment is 202 N*m. The number of valves for each cylinder is 2. And the arrangement of the cylinders is in-line.

But, like any development, it has its drawbacks. Owners often notice that the Volkswagen Passat B4 with a turbodiesel engine begins to warm up worse. Quite often the temperature when driving does not exceed 75 degrees. An inexpensive repair will help solve the pressing issue - installing a new thermostat.

There were a choice of gearboxes available on the market: automatic and manual. All car models have fully independent front suspension and semi-independent rear suspension. On certain versions of the station wagon class, an air suspension was installed. The choice of consumers largely depended on the quality of the car’s additional options, and not just the B4 engine. Late models were characterized by both an established standard set of functions and options:

  • presence of an airbag;
  • anti-lock brake system;
  • air conditioning.

Thanks to timely maintenance and compliance by the owner with operating conditions, the Volkswagen Passat will serve as a comfortable and economical car that does not require repairs.


Today, with about $8,000 in your pocket, you can become the owner of a completely “fresh” Lada Priora, or some budget foreign car. Nowadays, not many people will decide to buy a fairly large car more than 15 years old, if its cost is comparable to the price of a 5-year-old small class car. As a rule, powerful six-cylinder sedans with independent suspensions require significantly more investment than city cars with 1.6 liter engines, but today we will look at a car that, despite belonging to the D-class, is distinguished by its simplicity of design, maintainability and availability of spare parts, We are talking about the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat. Production of the Volkswagen Passat B4 began in 1993 and in fact, the Passat B4 is a deep modernization of the previous model -. Of course, you won’t recognize it in the B4, but from the B3, the fourth Passat has not only an engine, but also a suspension with a gearbox; the difference between the new model mainly lies in the new body. The release of the Passat B4 was completed in 1997, when it entered the scene.

A few words about appearance

Look at the photo of the Volkswagen Passat B4, the B4 differs from the B3 primarily in the presence of a traditional radiator grille, which the B3 did not have. The body of the B4 is only partially galvanized, and therefore if you buy the fourth Passat today, it is quite possible that you will notice rust on the car body. Pay attention to the corner in the front door, in the area of ​​the side mirror, according to reviews from the owners, it is in this place, under The rubber seal accumulates moisture due to water that flows into the seal from the side glass, which over time leads to rust. In addition to the sedan, the B4 was also produced as a station wagon, which was called Variant according to Volkswagen. Dimensions of the fourth Passat: length - 4610mm, width - 1715mm, height - 1433mm. Despite the fact that today modern C-class cars have similar dimensions, I repeat, at that time, the Passat B4 was a full-fledged D-class car. From the factory, the ground clearance (clearance) of the Volkswagen Passat is 119 mm. Basic modifications of the Passat are shod with tires: 185/65 R14, the powerful modification VR6 is shod with tires: 205/50 R15.

Volkswagen Passat B4 salon

The basic equipment of the B4 includes an airbag - and for the driver and front passenger, which is also a positive thing. According to reviews from owners of the Volkswagen Passat B4, over time, the teeth in the raising and lowering mechanism grind down, which leads to difficult functioning of the window regulators. Most Passats are equipped with hydraulic power steering. Also, according to reviews, the Volkswagen Passat B4 is equipped with a powerful stove. The fourth Passat is distinguished by a very spacious rear sofa, which is ready to accommodate even four passengers; in general, it would not be an exaggeration to say that in those years the Passat B4 was the most spacious D-class car. The sedan's trunk holds 495 liters.

Technical component and Characteristics of Volkswagen Passat B4

According to the reviews of specialists on the Fourth Passat, it is better for yourself to look for a car with distribution rather than mono-injection, because the mono-injection of the Fourth Passat suffers from failure of the electronic throttle, which manifests itself in louder engine operation than usual, as well as increased fuel consumption. In addition, in mono-injection Passats, the gasket between the injector and the intake manifold often burns out, which is also unlikely to please the owner.

All power plants of the fourth Passat are equipped with hydraulic thermal gap compensators, which eliminates the need for the car owner to periodically adjust the valves. Usually, with a timely change of oil in the engine, hydraulic compensators last for 250,000 km.

The four-cylinder Passat engines have a timing belt drive, and the powerful six-cylinder Passat VR6 have a chain drive timing mechanism. If the belt in the engine of a German car should be replaced every 60,000 km, and the tension roller must be replaced, then the timing chain lasts the entire life of the engine.

For the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat, the following gasoline engines were offered: 1.6 16v (sixteen-valve) with a power of 101 hp, 1.8 with 75 and 90 hp, 2.0 8v with a power of 115 hp, 2.0 16v - 150 hp and a powerful six-cylinder modification VR6 with a volume of 2.8 develops power of 174 hp. The Passat VR6 reaches 100 km per hour in 8.7 seconds, and on the highway such a car can compete with BMW and other powerful sedans, because the maximum speed of 224 km is comparable to the speed capabilities of the Mitsubishi Galant and BMW E34 525 Vanos. Diesel engines have the same volume of 1.9 liters, one of the two engines is supercharged. According to experts, with a mileage exceeding 200,000 km, the front and rear crankshaft oil seals on a turbodiesel engine may leak. The turbine itself, with proper operation, is capable of reaching 250,000 km.

The fourth generation Volkswagen Passat can be equipped with a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission. According to reviews, the bearings of the primary and secondary shaft of the Passat manual transmission may require replacement after 200 thousand km; worn bearings can be heard from the noisier operation of the manual transmission.

A strong looseness of the manual gearbox lever, as well as difficulty switching gears, will tell you that you need to quickly replace the rocker bushings. Unclear gear shifting on the Passat B4 may be the result of a loose cable. It is worth saying that already 20 years ago, the VRG of this car was equipped with a cable drive, which VAZ employees are so proud of today, who installed a manual gearbox with a cable drive on the new Lada Kalina.

On Passats, whose engine power does not exceed 115 hp, drum brakes were installed at the rear, and on cars with a power over 115 hp, disc brakes were installed not only at the front, but also at the rear. When replacing brake pads on disc brakes, it is necessary to lubricate the brake pad guides.

The great advantage of the fourth Passat is its durable and reliable chassis. The ball joints on this car, as well as the silent blocks, are changed separately from the levers. Ball joints usually last for 80,000 km, and the rear hinges of the front arms (which last less than all other silent blocks) last for 60,000 km. Silent blocks of the rear beam serve 70,000 - 80,000 km. The stabilizer struts on the Passat B4 last about 40,000 km.

Volkswagen Passat B4 price

The Volkswagen Passat is one of the most liquid cars on the used car market. So the price of a Volkswagen Passat B4 is about $8,000. Of course, with $8,000 in your pocket, you can buy not only a Volkswagen Passat, but also some other, more prestigious cars of those years.

Below, you can write your review on the site, just your opinion about the Volkswagen Passat B4. Maybe you own or have driven such a car, your opinion will be useful to many people who may be looking at the fourth generation Passat.

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