2008 Volkswagen Passat R36
Discussion
Hello, I just bought this 2008 VW Passat R36 in Biscay Blue. NZ new with FSH. This is my first Euro car after a lot of Mazdas and Toyotas.
After selling my RX7 for a house deposit, I have been on the hunt for a "sporty dad wagon" to replace my 2003 Mazda 6. I was looking at Subaru Legacy, Audi S4, BMW 335i, 550i... but then I discovered the R36.
I'd never thought about owning a VW before. It isn't perfect, there are a number of things on my list to tidy up and fix. I've always been a DIY guy but I'll probably start taking this car to a workshop - free time vs money etc.
Cheers, Chris


After selling my RX7 for a house deposit, I have been on the hunt for a "sporty dad wagon" to replace my 2003 Mazda 6. I was looking at Subaru Legacy, Audi S4, BMW 335i, 550i... but then I discovered the R36.
I'd never thought about owning a VW before. It isn't perfect, there are a number of things on my list to tidy up and fix. I've always been a DIY guy but I'll probably start taking this car to a workshop - free time vs money etc.
- cam cover gasket
- reverse camera & aux in head unit
- seat bolster
- tints
- wheel restoration
- dent removal
- front suspension bushes
- replace 1 front window washer jet
- stone chip & scratch paint touch ups
Cheers, Chris


Edited by Pelo on Thursday 17th December 17:59
Edited by Pelo on Thursday 17th December 18:00
i like that...!
I used to have a 1996 Passat 2.0 Estate which was a really good handling car....apparently it shared the same chassis with the Corrado, and it was a very good driving car, and looked good with the facelift front as well.
I was not aware of an R36 Passat, so interested to read this thread.
More about it please !
I used to have a 1996 Passat 2.0 Estate which was a really good handling car....apparently it shared the same chassis with the Corrado, and it was a very good driving car, and looked good with the facelift front as well.
I was not aware of an R36 Passat, so interested to read this thread.
More about it please !
Heaveho said:
I won't lie, I think it'll be a comparative headache to own after only having Jap stuff, and I wouldn't do it, but I like the idea of a fast estate, and I admire you for getting it. I hope it works out for you, it's a great looking car and the colour really suits it.
The Passat is certainly more complex than any other car I've owned. I hope this doesn't turn out to be a terrible financial decision, my wife will not be happy! 

StuntmanMike said:
OP I know nothing about these, so educate me.
Does it have one of those narrow angle engine thingys in it?
Yep a VR6 although they just called it a V6. I reckon it is closer to a straight six though, having a single head. Does it have one of those narrow angle engine thingys in it?

Paul S4 said:
I was not aware of an R36 Passat, so interested to read this thread.
More about it please !
PH has done a few articles on the R36, here's the Buyers GuideMore about it please !
Basically it is a 300 bhp / 220 kW atmo V6, all wheel drive, DSG equipped version of the luxury spec B6 Passat. I would never in a million years buy a normal Passat! But this has a special feel to it.
It was marketed as a narrow angle V6, the sell being the fact that it allowed it to have a single head. I'm sad to report that, although being a sensational car to drive, in Corrado format, it was plagued with issues, and in a 30 year span of car ownership, regardless of the fantastic on road entertainment, remains the stand out reminder of bad decision making in my car buying experience as far as reliability is concerned.
As said, I very much hope the op of the thread has a much better experience.
As said, I very much hope the op of the thread has a much better experience.
Installed an RCD510. Cheap simple upgrade from the RCD500. Bonus 6 CDs of Dad Rock
Just need to find an RGB reversing camera kit, and aux input kit now.
I spent forever deciding what flaky Chinese Android head unit to go with, vs overspending on a Pioneer or RCD330. But I don't really need all the extra functions.


I spent forever deciding what flaky Chinese Android head unit to go with, vs overspending on a Pioneer or RCD330. But I don't really need all the extra functions.

Jcwjosh said:
Really like these i think ive only ever seen 1 or 2 on the road. Lovely colour OP.
I think the seats look really good, are they comfortable.
Have my eye on one of these as a family wagon just a bit worries by how thirsty they may be
The seats are very comfortable, I like the suede style centres as they don't get hot and sticky like a full leather seat. The only issue is that it has so many adjustments, it takes forever to find the perfect position! I think the seats look really good, are they comfortable.
Have my eye on one of these as a family wagon just a bit worries by how thirsty they may be
Also the lower outer seat cushion always collapses on these too, as it is near impossible to get in and out without sitting on them.
The engine is certainly thirsty, I've only filled up twice so far as I don't drive every day. I've got 10.4 L/100 km so far (27.1 UK mpg). Seems fair for the power output!
Nothing too exciting for this car lately. I've nothing to complain about.
The original 13 year old AGM battery gave up the ghost, so $679 (~ £350) later I have a new OEM spec Varta G14 installed. I couldn't believe the price. These are about half the cost in UK!





The original 13 year old AGM battery gave up the ghost, so $679 (~ £350) later I have a new OEM spec Varta G14 installed. I couldn't believe the price. These are about half the cost in UK!
- door mirror glass fell off, replaced
- new wiper blades
- dashcam - already have two mediocre clips posted to youtube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL3d6kKsW9LB...
- new boot gas struts
- new window washer jets and washer pump - needed to remove the whole front bumper to do this.
- Added a second kid seat to the back for our son born two weeks ago





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