Entscheidungshilfe: Passat 3BG V6 2,5 | Posts 16+

@ Bertil

Yes, I'd believe that. As far as I know, torque converters already struggle to get the power to the road. Then, adding another 800 kg or more through the gearbox... I can still understand that. (It only costs VW tens of thousands, after all. I once read in a Passat forum, 'Be glad it's just the engine; what do you think a Tip 5 costs -> the V6 starts at 8000 and up.')

@Draal

My standard suspension in my 3B is completely shot (way too soft), and it's also possible that the shocks and springs are worn out (it has around 127,000 km on it).

Best regards, WarLord.

127,000 km, at that mileage, my suspension would also be completely worn out .
I'm happy if a VW shock absorber lasts over 60,000 km... but then it's time to replace it.

Marco wrote:

Hello Bertil, This brings me to a general question. How do V6 engines with a 6-speed manual transmission perform compared to 4-cylinder engines when towing a trailer?

Based on my own experience with the (small) 4-cylinder engine, I can say: No problem.
JOERGS, RAINER, and JAN6K will probably be able to tell you something similar.

I think that the 6-cylinder engine is likely to be a bit more confident, especially in a sidecar configuration . Displacement is just something that can't be replaced

Manuel V wrote:

. Whether the extra cost is worth it for just a few kilometers per year with a sidecar is something that each person has to decide for themselves.

..... then again, driving with 800 kg or more through the mountains... I would still consider that understandable.


You can't win a competition with a weight of only 800kg!
Even the small cars of today weigh significantly more, with models exceeding 1300/1500 kg.
Horse trailers and car trailers weigh around 600 kg even when empty. A horse can easily weigh 400-500 kg, and a (competition) car can weigh around 900-1000 kg.
That Passat/Audi A6 is already being driven close to its performance limits.


In terms of the engine, both the 4-cylinder and 6-cylinder versions handle it without any problems, but the transmissions (whether automatic, manual, or semi-automatic), clutch, or torque converter are already struggling. However, the semi-automatic version seems to be slightly more prone to issues in these load ranges.
These are observations from my circle of acquaintances who, while using the tip in a tandem operation , experienced all sorts of problems, up to and including fatal damage }.
For the average "OTTO" driver, this tip is likely not a significant issue.

hi,

Okay, so: I was traveling with a Wowa (likely a brand name for a trailer) and one other person. Initially, it was without any modifications, and later with a tuning box. I did manage to reach my destination with it, but it was sometimes a real struggle, especially in the mountains. However, the offer for a 96kW Passat Variant 3BG was so good that I simply had to take it, so I ended up switching cars. And I haven't regretted it. This car handles the trailer effortlessly and even has some reserve power. The towing capabilities in heavy trailer operation are also impressive. I occasionally haul building materials with a large trailer. It easily handles the 1600kg load. No problems there either. The only thing is that the clutch could be a bit stronger.

Certainly, the V6 is probably the better choice, especially when towing a trailer. However, on the other hand, how often do you actually use a trailer? The effort involved doesn't really seem to match the benefit in those situations.

Hi,
I'd like to add my two cents.
As far as I know, the AKN also has a tendency for worn-out bearings, so only the newest engines are suitable, or perhaps check them during purchase and use preventative PD oil.
I've never driven the V6, but I'm not particularly fond of the 130 hp PD engine in terms of its characteristics.
However, as mentioned above, this also depends on the driving conditions. On the highway, it doesn't feel subjectively any better than my Audi with its 5-cylinder, 115 hp engine, although it does require roughly the same amount of fuel, which shouldn't really be the case.
For the V6, the same principles should apply, but it should offer better acceleration and be more than 20 km/h faster in the 163 hp model.
Whether that's always that important is another matter.
When towing, the clutch is likely to be a source of enjoyment because it already offers a very precise and short engagement in the standard configuration, and the engine will remain silently stationary when the clutch is engaged too abruptly.
It might be difficult to actually purchase a decent V6 engine used, simply because that engine configuration is sold much less frequently.

@christians

Partially agree. But it's all a matter of habit.

It's probably subjective whether the 130 hp engine performs significantly better than the 5-cylinder 115 hp engine. My subjective opinion is different. The only thing that bothers me quite a bit is the fact that the PD engine consumes a lot of fuel. But we've already discussed that to death...

Hello,

The big moment is now getting closer . After carefully considering many, many, many opinions, pieces of information, and advice, I have now decided to go with the 96kw PD model.

On Tuesday, I plan to take a closer look at the vehicle I've chosen. This is:

Passat 3BG Variant Comfortline.
04/2003
74,000 km
96kW PD.

Bi-Xenon headlights, Climatronic climate control, GRA (Galvanized Roof Arch), PDC (Parking Distance Control), Navigation system (MCD), Rain sensor, Alarm system, Fog lights, Heated front seats, Electric windows, MFA (Multi-Function Display), Hands-free phone system, Front, side, and head airbags, 4-spoke leather steering wheel, Complete set of winter and summer tires, Fully documented service history.

It's a service vehicle, so it's used for long-distance travel.

You can often find an older model with similar mileage at a slightly lower price, but from the beginning, I wanted the car to have all the features.

I would, of course, appreciate it if you could give me some helpful tips on what I should check on the car when I see it on Tuesday.

Thank you .


Best regards, Ronny.

@christians

Okay, when you compare them directly, the V6 TDI engines aren't actually that expensive. Passat V6 TDI models usually come with a 6-speed gearbox, xenon headlights, and all sorts of other features. Compared to a 1.9-liter engine (whether it's a VP or PD), the 2.5-liter engine has more features and doesn't cost more. However, the taxes and insurance are more expensive, and the repairs can also be pricier.

Best regards, WarLord.