THE PASSAT F.A.Q.
*Although many companies’ products are listed in this FAQ, the authors do not promote any single one.
These products are listed to help YOU, the ClubB5 member based upon our past experiences.
Body and Exterior Appearance
What is a B5?
- B5 refers to the chassis designation of the Passat (3B is the European designation)
- B5 is associated with Model Years 1998-2001.5 (3B)
- B5.5 is associated with Model Years 2001.5 to present (3BG)
What is a variant?
- A cooler way of saying: “station wagon”
How do I decode my VIN?
-
http://web.njit.edu/~rxp0835/b5/vin.phpWhat is my paint code?
-
http://a-listproductions.com/djjewelz/passat/passat%20paint%20codes.jpgWhere can I find my paint and engine code?
- Paint and engine codes can be found on a sticker in the spare tire area (was on the left hand side in my B5.5).
- An alternative area to find your engine code is right on top of the head, closest to the crank. (You’ll have to remove
Your plastic engine cover to see it)
How dark in tint can I go?
-
http://www.iwfa.com/iwfa/Law_Chart/State%20Law%20Chart.htmHow do I tint my tail lights?
-
http://www.jonstintedtails.comWhere can I find a bodykit for my B5?
- Check the classifieds
- The votex body kit (OEM) can be bought here:
http://www.clubb5.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=17881-
www.passat3b.de has a comprehensive list of aftermarket body kits that are available. Below is the translation to help you guys out.
Blenden = eyelids
Blinker = clear corners
Dachflugel = trunk spoiler
Frontschurzen = front spoiler
Heckflugel = sedan spoiler
Heckklappe = trunk extension
Kuhlergrill = grilles
Rucklecuchten = taillights
Scheinwerfer = aftermarket headlights
Seitenblinker = sidemarkers
Seitenschweller = sideskirts
Sonstiges = random parts
Spiegel = aftermarket mirrors
VW-Teile = VW aftermarket parts
How do you wash and detail your car?
-
http://a-listproductions.com/djjewelz/passat/washandetail.txtEverything You Wanted To Know about Wheels!
What should I set my tire pressure at?
- Follow the manufacturer's ratings on the sidewalls.
What is the correct lug bolt torque?
- 89 lb/ft
What is the bolt pattern?
- The lug pattern is 5x112 on B5's and B5.5's. Jetta, Golf, and BMW wheels will not fit on a Passat.
My buddy has a cool set of XXXX wheels, will they fit on my Passat?
If they are 5x112 then yes. If they are 5x114.5; (Honda/Acura) you will have to fill and re-drill the wheel, but it can be done.
If they are 5x120 there is an adapter that H&R makes, but you may also have to fill and re-drill the lug holes.
Don’t cut corners doing this right. Take the wheels to a reputable shop with a lot of experience. You don’t want
To be rolling down the road and your wheels break free from the bolts! (Whoops!)
What is an offset?
-
http://www.tirerack.com/wheels/tech/offset.htmWhat is the standard offset off-set of most OEM wheels?
- B5 = 45mm
- B5.5 = 37mm
- W8 B5.5 = 45mm (I believe for the Atlanta wheels as well but definitely the Madras).
What are the recommended tire sizes for
15: 195/65-15
16: 205/55-16
17x7.5: 225/45-17
17x8: 225/45-17
18x8: 225/40-18
18x8.5: 225/40-18 or 235/40-18
19x8.5: 235/35-19 or 245/35-19
Where can you find the factory alloy locking lugnut key?
- Should be located in the pouch with the emergency jack.
It is in a perforated pouch WITHIN a pouch. Tricky to find.
- If yours is gone VW dealerships have a “master set” you might be able
To use in a pinch, but typically the key sells for about 35 dollars @ said dealerships
What size Wheel Spacers can I fit on my car?
- It depends on your wheels and offset, seriously. You’ll probably need to take some measurements
- Before you buy; but since “rubbing” generally isn’t a problem in the
Rear, up to 20mm has been mounted without any problems. For the fronts, 5mm is fairly conservative, although
Many folks have gone up to 8mm without issue.
Suspension Secrets
What are the height drops for the most popular brand of springs?
- Eibachs tend to drop @ 1.25”
- H&R Sports and Bilsteins shocks about 1.75” (a two finger gap)
- XXXXXXXX (MINI-FAQ) XXXXXXXXX
What is a Rear Sway Bar?
- Reduces rear body roll and less understeer while aggressive cornering
- If your car tends to “plow” through the corners, adding a RSB will “flatten” out
your vehicles body during these aggressive turns.
What is a Front Sway Bar?
- Creates less front body roll and slight increase in understeer
What in the hell is a Chas/Andy Bar?
- This handy invention is a lower tie bar. Chas’ bar was Aluminum, and Andy’s was steel.
- Neither of them need drilling as they fit in pre-existing holes in the frame. (Located in the
Sub frame slightly behind the transmission
- Keep in mind a bar made for a manual car will not fit on a Tiptronic equipped vehicle
I’ve found it adds more responsive steering in ALL aspects of day-to-day driving
- Combine with rear sway bars and a spring/shock kit for some SERIOUS handling!
Maintenance Items
How to replace an air filter (V6)
-
http://www.tobio.info/passat/howtos/passat_air_filter.htmlHow to replace an air filter (1.8T)
- ????????
What is the easiest way to change my oil?
- check out:
http://toolparadise.com/company/B5/ What are the bulb sizes for a B5
- Bulb sizes and wattages:
Low beam headlight (non-HID):
High beam headlight: H4
Fog light:
City light: W5W
What are the bulb sizes for a B5.5
- Bulb sizes and wattages:
Low beam headlight (non-HID): H7 @ 55w
High beam headlight: H7 @ 55w
Foglight: H3 @ 55w
City light: W5W @ 5w
Performance Items
All that and a bag of Chips:
What is the best chip out there?
- There is no simple answer to this question. (Sorry)
Learning about the pro’s and cons of chip-tuners can be a lengthy process,
But all your effort won’t be in vain if you are persistent in your quest.
Few people if any have driven with EVERY chip in the SAME CAR with the SAME MODS.
So almost everyone’s opinion is very biased. But to make your search simpler,
There are a few things you can ask yourself.
- Do I want raw power, options be damned?
- Bells & Whistles and different programming options?
- All chips will give you a “Kick in the pants” feeling, but do you want
The power delivery to be a smooth as possible, or a “Neck snapping jolt”?
- How important is good customer service when something DOES go wrong?
One you arrange your wants in needs in a prioritized list, the choice may become clear.
VWVortex has a great FAQ on chips and whatnot.
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=450388&postid=11249538#11249538Do I need to upgrade my DV (Diverter Valve) or anything else after I chip?
Stereo Help
I’m locked out of my Monsoon head unit, what now?
“Hidden Features”
Did you know that….
