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:
- The perfect combination of modern appearance and reliability.
- The model has the traditional set of advantages of the Passat line.
- This is a reliable and well-built German vehicle station wagon class with a range of high-quality engines.
- Large interior and trunk space.
- Relatively inexpensive repair.
All these advantages once again confirm that the car is one of the best among representatives of the “family” class .
Landmark Volkswagen history The B4 received a controversial front design, 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.
Volkswagen Passat The B4 was available not only as a sedan, but also as a station wagon. 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 is 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.
Clients were provided with cars with gasoline engines working volume 1.8 l (1781 cm³) and 2.0 l. (1984 cm³), with bodies such as four doors “sedan” and “station wagon” five doors. New release cars has a perpendicularly located engine in the engine compartment, and in previous generation cars it is 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 an arrangement camshaft above. 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. 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 sensor may “fly off” temperature regime motor. 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 stabilizer idle move. 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 to replace air filter 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 experts and representatives 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:
- You should not place 100% confidence in a supported odometer. It is best to replace it together with the tension roller.
- The manufacturer assures that it is necessary to replace the timing belt every 120,000 km. But we all know our harsh operating conditions. Because the best option will be the installation of a new timing belt after ¾ of the period specified by the concern.
- A supported pump is also subject to replacement. If the mileage reaches 100 thousand km, then it is best to install 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 other 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 5 summer car small class. Typically, 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 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 such dimensions have modern cars C - class, 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 The Passat is 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 Volkswagen owners 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 valve, which manifests itself in louder engine operation than usual, as well as increased consumption fuel. 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 The fourth Passat is 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 engine oil, 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 replacing the belt in the engine German car should be carried out every 60,000 km, in which case it is necessary to replace tension roller, then the timing chain serves 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 of the same type, because maximum speed 224 km comparable to speed capabilities 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 correct operation 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 over noisy work MCP.
Strong bumpiness of the lever manual transmission gears, as well as difficulty switching gears, will tell you about the 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, VRG of this car was equipped with a cable drive, which VAZ workers are so proud of today, who installed a manual gearbox with a cable drive on 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, they were installed not only at the front, but also at the rear. disc brakes. When replacing brake pads On disc brakes, the brake pad guides must be lubricated.
The great advantage of the fourth Passat is its durability and reliability. 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 Volkswagen price 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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Volkswagen Passat B3 - short review
Volkswagen Passat B2 - mini review and specifications
The debut of the fourth generation Volkswagen Passat took place in 1993. Although the car received its own B4 index, it was in fact the product of a serious modernization of the previous generation model, while maintaining the technical part. The car remained on the assembly line until May 1997, and during this time 690 thousand of these Passats saw the light of day.
In respect of appearance The VW Passat in the B4 body quietly moved away from the “be-third”, but at the same time received a radiator grille that changed the appearance of the car for the better.
Front headlights and tail lights, the bumpers, hood and trunk lid were redesigned, and the sides became more sloping due to the disappearance of the “waterline” from the headlights to the stern.
The “fourth” Volkswagen Passat is a representative of the D-class, which was offered in sedan and five-door station wagon versions. The length of the machine is from 4597 to 4610 mm (2624 mm is allocated to the wheel base), height - from 1433 to 1491 mm, width - 1714 mm. Ground clearance modest - only 110-120 mm.
The interior of the fourth generation Passat has minimal differences from the interior decoration of the B3: only the door handles and trim and the lighting control panel are different. Otherwise, the architecture and interior design of the cars are similar: a simple instrument panel, a massive center console, well-thought-out ergonomics.
A special feature of the Volkswagen Passat B4 is a large amount of interior space in both rows of seats, comfortable front seats and a flat rear sofa suitable for three people. The car's trunk is large: 580 liters for the sedan with the possibility of increasing to 870 liters, for the station wagon the figure is more modest - 495 liters (maximum 1500 liters).
Specifications. The 4th generation Passat was initially equipped with the same engines as its predecessor.
The gasoline part consisted of engines with a volume of 1.6 to 2.8 liters, producing from 72 to 174 Horse power and from 125 to 240 Nm of torque.
The diesel side was formed by units with a volume of 1.6 to 1.9 liters, the output of which ranged from 68 to 80 “horses” and from 127 to 155 Nm of thrust.
In 1994, the power range changed somewhat: gasoline engines of 1.8-2.9 liters appeared, producing from 90 to 190 “mares”, as well as a 110-power turbodiesel with a volume of 1.9 liters.
The units were combined with a five-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
In technical terms, the VW Passat B4 had no differences from the “be-third”: independent front and semi-independent rear suspension, power steering, disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear (on advanced versions - all disc).
Prices. In 2015 at Russian market You can purchase the “fourth Passat” at a price from 110,000 to 210,000 rubles.
The positive aspects of the machine are ease of maintenance, maintainability, spacious salon, a trunk with a huge volume, cheap spare parts, good looks, reliable design and unpretentiousness.
Negative points - stiff suspension, poor head lighting and low ground clearance.
Quick transition to sections:
Engines
Cooling, heating and air conditioning system
Injection and ignition systems
Fuel system
Exhaust system
Front and rear suspension
Brake system
Steering
Gearboxes, clutch
Body
Electrical equipment
General documentation
Engines
(Engines)
Injection and ignition systems
(Injector, ignition system)
Volkswagen Passat 1988-1996. Models with petrol and diesel engines (rus.) Repair and maintenance. The book covers models with sedan and station wagon bodies with front-wheel drive, with four-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, including special and limited editions. Gasoline engines: 1.8 l. and 2.0 l. Turbodiesel engines (TD and TDi) 1.9. Models with sixteen-valve engines with engines with a displacement of 1792 cm3 are not considered. VR6 and engines with a displacement of 1.6 liters. 365 pages. 90 MB.
Volkswagen Passat B3/B4 Release 1988-1996 Gasoline engines: 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.8, 2.9 (rus.) Operation, maintenance and repair manual in photographs. 181 MB.
VW Passat/Variant from 4/1988 to 9/1996 (rus.) Repair and maintenance. 167 Mb
VW Passat B3 (04/88-10/93): Maintenance and repair manual (rus.) This publication is an authorized translation of the original German edition "VW Passat April 88 bis Oktober 93 Benziner Vierzylinder ohne G60 und syncro". The book is a manual for the operation, maintenance and repair of VW Passat cars with gasoline engines, produced from April 1988 to October 1993.
The manual contains technical characteristics of the main units and systems of the vehicle. The sequence of disassembling and assembling components and assemblies is described step by step, clarifying the features of the work, safety measures, measurements of the necessary parameters and advice to motorists who prefer do-it-yourself repair. There are lists at the end of each chapter possible malfunctions, the reasons for their occurrence and methods for eliminating them. Descriptions of faults are accompanied by tips that will help avoid car breakdowns and extend its trouble-free operation. The last chapter contains a troubleshooting chart and a schedule for regular Maintenance. 13 MB.
Volkswagen Passat / Variant 1988-1996. Repair and operation manual (rus.) We examined Volkswagen Passat B3/B4 cars produced in 1988-1996, equipped with gasoline engines with a displacement of 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.8, 2.9 liters, as well as diesel engines with a displacement of 1.6 and 1.9 l. Mashservice, 2002, 289 pages.
VW Passat 1988-1996 (B3/B4) Repair and operation manual on CD (rus.) 305 Mb
Volkswagen Passat B4 1995-1997 (eng.) Translation of the Bentle disk by Volkswagen repair Passat B4 in pdf format.
89 Mb. 4313 pages!!!
Contents: Select an Automotive System, Indicates new or revised information, Component Locations, Troubleshooting Procedures, Wiring Diagrams, Engine Mechanical:
1.9 Liter 4-Cyl. 2V TDI Engine Mechanical, Engine Code(s): AAZ, 1Z
2.0 Liter 4-Cyl. 2V Engine Mechanical, Engine Code(s): ABA m.y. 1995
2.8 Liter VR6 2V Engine Mechanical, Engine Code(s): AAA
Fuel Injection & Ignition
1.9 Liter 4-Cyl. 2V TDI Fuel Injection & Glow Plug, Engine Code(s): 1Z m.y. 1997
1.9 Liter 4-Cyl. 2V TDI Fuel Injection & Glow Plug, Engine Code(s): 1Z m.y. 1996
1.9 Liter 4-Cyl. 2V TDI Fuel Injection & Glow Plug, Engine Code(s): AAZ
2.0 Liter 4-Cyl. 2V Fuel Injection & Ignition, Engine Code(s): ABA m.y. 1995
2.0 Liter 4-Cyl. 2V Fuel Injection & Ignition, Engine Code(s): ABA m.y. 1996-1997
2.0 Liter 4-Cyl. 2V Generic Scan Tool Fuel Injection & Ignition, Engine Code(s): ABA m.y. 1996-1997
2.8 Liter VR6 2V Fuel Injection & Ignition, Engine Code(s): AAA m.y. 1995
2.8 Liter VR6 2V Fuel Injection & Ignition, Engine Code(s): AAA m.y. 1996-1997
2.8 Liter VR6 2V Generic Scan Tool Fuel Injection & Ignition, Engine Code(s): AAA m.y. 1996-1997
Manual Transmission: 5 Spd. Manual Transmission 02A
Automatic Transmission: 4 Spd. Automatic Transmission 01M, 4 Spd. Automatic Transmission 096
Suspension, Wheels, Brakes, Steering, Brake System On Board Diagnostic (OBD), Suspension, Wheels, Brakes, Steering, Wheels and Tires Guide, Body Collision Repair - General Information, Body Exterior, Interior, Body Collision Repair, Heating & Air Conditioning , Refrigerant R134a - Servicing, Electrical Equipment, Maintenance.
General service information
Suitable for many VW, Skoda, SEAT, Audi cars
Deciphering the car's factory configuration (English)
Deciphering the VAG factory equipment in Russian!
Diagnostics Volkswagen, Audi, Skoda, Seat, error codes.
If you have not found information on your car, look at the cars built on the platform of your car.
Most likely, the information on repair and maintenance will be suitable for your car.
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 outwards, but this is so meager, 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 high speed- 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 to boil, 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.
