VW Passat B5.5 PD 130
Discussion
The Spruce goose said:
I wouldn't say they dead exciting or really slow. 130bhp standard they are not fast but this engine loves a remap and then it makes it brisk. Puts a lit of more expensive cars to shame and is solid.
OK dead exciting was an exaggeration, but 130bhp in an estate car is pretty slow once you use it as intended (ie fill it up with people and stuff). Remap it to say 150bhp and the only things it'll put to shame are things with quite a bit less than 150bhp. 1.8i Insignias and things like that, which I suppose will all be much more expensive if they are brand new 
It's really odd that there is some sort of mystique around these old VAG tractor engines that they are some sort of giant slayers with real world performance miles beyond their mediocre specifications. I put it down entirely to the power delivery feeling so much more exciting to those coming to them out of their previous gutless NASP petrol repmobiles in the early 00s.
Rammy76 said:
colin_p said:
Shhh...
These are a best kept secret. It is always normally old Saabs and Volvos that get mentioned when these Passats are better.
Having owned a VW Passat and now a Volvo S60 of pretty much the same age I couldn't disagree more.These are a best kept secret. It is always normally old Saabs and Volvos that get mentioned when these Passats are better.
My Passat had FSH and treated well with mainly motorway miles but it has been the only car ever to let me down at the side of the road with turbo failure and diesel runaway. It also rusted so badly it required 2 new wings and a new boot lid at the cost of £2800 (admittedly VW paid for most of this). It also suffered gearbox failure due to a knackered bearing, the interior trim gradually broke/fell to bits. I had numerous electrical faults such as the central locking failing, electric window regulators etc as well as the windows themselves falling in the doors. There's actually so much I can't remember it all.
As said before the engine itself seemed reasonably reliable but it had a horrible power band and a gruff horrible sound to it.
It did have very good fuel economy though!
Having been completely put off any VAG stuff I went with some recommendations on this site and bought an S60 for less money than an equivalent Passat. It is in a different league. The engine is smoother with a nice off beat sound, it's done the same miles as the Passat and been 100% reliable apart from an ABS sensor.
The seats are superb and the sound system is awesome and it is the most comfortable car I have ever owned for so little money. There is also no rust, it feels much better engineered than the Passat.
The main downsides are the turning circle is awful and the fuel economy is not as good as the Passat although still perfectly acceptable.
I've had a fair share of niggles biggest being a failed heater matrix (that isn't really a niggle, that was major) but the old bus has been great.
The best bit about old VW's is that every bit for them is cheap and easy access to DIY diagnostics keeps you one step ahead.
Saying all that, I do hanker after an old Volvo and will look for one as and when the time comes. I do worry about, if they should fail, obscure parts costs and availablity which isn't an issue on old VW's as they are much better supported with 2nd hand parts as there so many more of them.
I had a late run-out highline estate 1.9 tdi 130 model with 15" wheels, ballon tyres and squishy heated leather.
It was a really nice thing, took all the abuse our family through at it, got DIY serviced only when I was in the mood and never let me down once.
Looking back, it wasn't easiest car I ever sold. Phone rang off the hook - I was away on business at the time so had to take names and put them in order of when they left their voicemail.
Sold it to a nice bloke, first to see it, called within 12mins of the ad going live.
It was a really nice thing, took all the abuse our family through at it, got DIY serviced only when I was in the mood and never let me down once.
Looking back, it wasn't easiest car I ever sold. Phone rang off the hook - I was away on business at the time so had to take names and put them in order of when they left their voicemail.
Sold it to a nice bloke, first to see it, called within 12mins of the ad going live.
colin_p said:
Sounds like you had a proper lemon. They happen with all makes and models.
I've had a fair share of niggles biggest being a failed heater matrix (that isn't really a niggle, that was major) but the old bus has been great.
The best bit about old VW's is that every bit for them is cheap and easy access to DIY diagnostics keeps you one step ahead.
Saying all that, I do hanker after an old Volvo and will look for one as and when the time comes. I do worry about, if they should fail, obscure parts costs and availablity which isn't an issue on old VW's as they are much better supported with 2nd hand parts as there so many more of them.
It sure was, I do have a hatred for that car and all the grief it gave me but I know there are plenty good ones running around with mega high mileages! When my gearbox packed in I was told the 5 speed manual was actually the better box than the 6 speed that I had, not sure how much substance there is in that though.I've had a fair share of niggles biggest being a failed heater matrix (that isn't really a niggle, that was major) but the old bus has been great.
The best bit about old VW's is that every bit for them is cheap and easy access to DIY diagnostics keeps you one step ahead.
Saying all that, I do hanker after an old Volvo and will look for one as and when the time comes. I do worry about, if they should fail, obscure parts costs and availablity which isn't an issue on old VW's as they are much better supported with 2nd hand parts as there so many more of them.
I also liked the spec of my one, it had heated cloth seats which I do prefer and very rarely see.
I don't think spares are much of a problem with older Volvos there seems to be decent availability as far as I can tell.
Also have one of these. A late Highline estate now on 195k with rusty arches! Love it! Feels well built, easy to drive, comfy and economical. Been a tough old thing. Bought it six years ago on 117k, clutch at 130k, 2 cambelts, both rear door fixed when they stuck locked and just plenty of services. Always surrounded by nicer cars, there always seems to be a reason to jump in this old bus. Mainly used for the regular airport run and continental trips these days, still clocking 12k pa. Just back from Ghent on its 10th European trip, now sat at Heathrow patiently awaiting my return
I had a PD100 passat estate and it never felt underpowered. Little remap saw about 125bhp and a nice increase in economy on my long runs. Never dipped below 50mpg on average.
They do have some common issues, which can cause some massive headaches (water leaks at the pollen filter, injector looms break down, etc) but these are cheap and easy to sort yourself.
Sold mine at 180k and the car ran like it had 100k on the clock. I'd have another if I never a frugal, cheap diesel again.
Only fault, which afflicts all VWs of that era is the seats are rubbish.
They do have some common issues, which can cause some massive headaches (water leaks at the pollen filter, injector looms break down, etc) but these are cheap and easy to sort yourself.
Sold mine at 180k and the car ran like it had 100k on the clock. I'd have another if I never a frugal, cheap diesel again.
Only fault, which afflicts all VWs of that era is the seats are rubbish.
I have a 130 Estate Sport for the past 3.5 years, taking it from 135k to 195k with major outlays apart from diesel, tyres, cambelt, clutch and servicing. Only failure I've had in the past 3 years is that the starter motor bolts worked themselves loose @ 150k, but some cable ties helped resolve that issue.
When fixing the starter motor I also decided to delete the EGR valve, which helps with the turbo spool up
I also fitted a better horn, to help wake up the MLMs on the M4 daily commute;
It will probably need a suspension and bush refresh this year, and probably a pair of front wings for next years MOT, depending on funds, I'm sorely tempted to take a trip up to Darkside Developments in Sheffield and get one of their turbo kits fitted and FMIC
http://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/dar...
http://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/dar...
When fixing the starter motor I also decided to delete the EGR valve, which helps with the turbo spool up
I also fitted a better horn, to help wake up the MLMs on the M4 daily commute;
It will probably need a suspension and bush refresh this year, and probably a pair of front wings for next years MOT, depending on funds, I'm sorely tempted to take a trip up to Darkside Developments in Sheffield and get one of their turbo kits fitted and FMIC
http://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/dar...
http://www.darksidedevelopments.co.uk/products/dar...
Edited by rfsteel on Friday 13th January 10:21
Last year I had a Galaxy with the 1.9 PD90, it was utterly reliable, engine wise. Gearbox not so much.
With clutch pedal on the floor the car would still creep forward, it got to a point that it was actually dangerous. Changed clutch and Clutch Slave Cylinder and this cured it. 3 or 4 months later the gearbox started knocking, to the point where it was making the whole car vibrate and shake. I let it go cheap with 195k on the clock.
In the time I had it, Timing belt was replaced, serviced once in 12 months, and it just kept on going and going. For a diesel it didn't sound too tracktor'ish either.
I wouldn't mind picking up a 130 B5 Passat at some point.
With clutch pedal on the floor the car would still creep forward, it got to a point that it was actually dangerous. Changed clutch and Clutch Slave Cylinder and this cured it. 3 or 4 months later the gearbox started knocking, to the point where it was making the whole car vibrate and shake. I let it go cheap with 195k on the clock.
In the time I had it, Timing belt was replaced, serviced once in 12 months, and it just kept on going and going. For a diesel it didn't sound too tracktor'ish either.
I wouldn't mind picking up a 130 B5 Passat at some point.
Trabi601 said:
B5 and 5.5s are awesome cars. I don't think anyone has built a mainstream car so nicely before or since. The quality and ergonomics were outstanding.
They're best with a 1.8T, though. They hit 60 in under 8 seconds and still manage to turn in mid 30s mpg. Highly amusing if you get one in SE 'pensioner spec' with plastic wheel trims.
I've had both, and the 1.8T was a bit of a silly car - quick as you say, but handles a bit like a boat. I did really like it though, and would have another. The diesel ended up working better for me because I was driving a lot. I had the PD115 rather than the PD130 but still felt surprisingly fast! When I get back to the UK I intend to purchase another if I need another car.They're best with a 1.8T, though. They hit 60 in under 8 seconds and still manage to turn in mid 30s mpg. Highly amusing if you get one in SE 'pensioner spec' with plastic wheel trims.
willmagrath said:
These PD 130 engines have been known to produce over 150hp when tested. 130 is definitely a pessimistic output from vw!
Interesting that the PD150 doesn't have the same reputation for reliability (camshaft problems).I had an A6 Avant with the PD130, remapped a little. Went way faster than a car that size had a right to, didn't exactly handle, but it was used for ferrying loads around, doing long trips up to visit family. All done to perfection. Only got rid of it when the turbo went at 190k (it would have been mildly expensive to replace at my local independent). On one long trip, car absolutely full to the roof on a trip to scotland, it averaged 50mpg.
A few years on and I'm now driving a Golf Mk4 with the same engine. Not intending on a remap, it goes well, handles okay, and touch wood is pretty reliable (only issue is a cracked headlight lens).
I had the B5 but the the ex took it in the seperation. I bought an equivalent Audi A6 (C5)and thought it was a better car but didn't have the same fondness for it even though it felt better and drove better.
I'm now seriously thinking of selling my 320D estate and getting another B5 so I can not worry about the kids wrecking it and carpark bumps/scrapes.
Nice low mileage ones are fetching strong money.
The 1.9 130Tdi PD engine is better than the 2.0 140TDi it preceded, IMO.
I'm now seriously thinking of selling my 320D estate and getting another B5 so I can not worry about the kids wrecking it and carpark bumps/scrapes.
Nice low mileage ones are fetching strong money.
The 1.9 130Tdi PD engine is better than the 2.0 140TDi it preceded, IMO.
I'm finding the seats in it absolutely fine! Big velour-ish numbers, comfortable on a 150 mile jaunt today that also saw 50mpg! Running these back in 2000 must have been chump change with diesel I imagine roughly half the price back then!
Had a little toy with an Audi S4 off some traffic lights today, it's 0-30 is really quite remarkable! The action and throw of the 5 speed box is lovely too.
It's way more of a barge in the corners than I'd have expected, very softly sprung indeed, and coupled with the balloon tyres & 16inch wheel combo meant that I couldn't even feel the terrible rivets on the concrete section of the m25.
Have noticed a few things wrong with it mind, the electric windows sometimes work but mostly do not, something supposedly common on vw's of this era as my friend used to have a sharan on an 03 that suffered from the same problem, sometimes a bit of clout fixes it temporarily. The central locking / alarm is also dicky, and the "Climatronic" (what a name) doesn't light up with the lights on. Oh, and the headlights are woeful. Maybe they need cleaning but my evo's dipped put out more light than the passat's mains.
But overall, I've become a little bit attached and will be sad to see her go!
Had a little toy with an Audi S4 off some traffic lights today, it's 0-30 is really quite remarkable! The action and throw of the 5 speed box is lovely too.
It's way more of a barge in the corners than I'd have expected, very softly sprung indeed, and coupled with the balloon tyres & 16inch wheel combo meant that I couldn't even feel the terrible rivets on the concrete section of the m25.
Have noticed a few things wrong with it mind, the electric windows sometimes work but mostly do not, something supposedly common on vw's of this era as my friend used to have a sharan on an 03 that suffered from the same problem, sometimes a bit of clout fixes it temporarily. The central locking / alarm is also dicky, and the "Climatronic" (what a name) doesn't light up with the lights on. Oh, and the headlights are woeful. Maybe they need cleaning but my evo's dipped put out more light than the passat's mains.
But overall, I've become a little bit attached and will be sad to see her go!
j4ck100 said:
Have noticed a few things wrong with it mind, the electric windows sometimes work but mostly do not, something supposedly common on vw's of this era as my friend used to have a sharan on an 03 that suffered from the same problem, sometimes a bit of clout fixes it temporarily. The central locking / alarm is also dicky, and the "Climatronic" (what a name) doesn't light up with the lights on. Oh, and the headlights are woeful. Maybe they need cleaning but my evo's dipped put out more light than the passat's mains.
WIndows and alarm is usually the 'comfort control module' under the passenger front seat. Water gets into it and causes issues - needs to come out and be dried out. Sometimes the connector needs replacing, too. When it goes back, stick it in a plastic bag!Gassing Station | Audi, Seat, Skoda & VW | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff