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 to the outside, but this is so small, 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 at high speeds - 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.
Volkswagen Passat b4 produced between 1993 and 1997. It was produced in two body styles: sedan and station wagon; the station wagon was more popular.
Unlike the previous version, the body has Volkswagen Passat b4 Galvanized, but there is a weak spot near the front door glass. Because of the seal, moisture accumulates there and the corner of the door begins to rot over time.
Spare parts for foreign and used cars: body parts, electrical equipment, optics, interior parts and much more
In the cabin Volkswagen Spacious and comfortable, the dashboard is clear and informative. It houses the speedometer, tachometer and on-board computer. Already in the basic version there are airbags for the driver and front passenger.
On Volkswagen Passat b4, just like the previous model, many engines, both gasoline and diesel, were installed. On engines with single injection, the throttle valve regulator fails and, as a result, the idle speed increases and fuel consumption increases.
Gasoline:
2.0 (150 hp)
2.8 (174 hp)
Diesel:
Passat b4 engines are very reliable and, with careful operation, without major repairs, are capable of a considerable mileage of 300,000 and more than 400,000 km. Do not pour domestic antifreeze into the expansion tank, it can destroy the engine and damage the pump.
Also, when purchasing, you need to look at the wear of the timing belt, if there are cracks and abrasions on it, it is better to replace it, otherwise the meeting of the pistons with the valves cannot be avoided. It is also not uncommon for engines to burn oil. This may be due to wear on the valve stem seals. Pay attention to the valve cover near it; there may be oil leaks. This is another reason for oil consumption.
Optimal motor for this model 2.0 150 hp, although it is not common with this wv passat b4 engine. This motor is good in terms of efficiency and acceleration. Consumption in the city is around 9-10 liters, if you don’t water, and on the highway 6-8. Acceleration is not sluggish, even for the Volkswagen Passat B4 variant (station wagon) acceleration to hundreds is less than 10 seconds (9.9), and the sedan will be not much faster.
Transmission
The Volkswagen Passat b4 was equipped with two transmission options: a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. In a manual transmission, over time, the bearings of the primary and secondary shafts fail and because of this, the gearbox operates louder.
Its suspension is stiff and confidently holds the road at high speeds. The stabilizer links on the suspension fail most quickly. The stabilizer bushings themselves last longer. The steering is informative and understandable, it is carried out using the steering rack. The steering rack is strong, but you need to periodically (every 50-70 thousand km) change the oil in the system.
You can buy a Volkswagen Passatb b4 for an amount ranging from 150-250 thousand rubles. The VW Passat b4 has collected all the best from the previous generation. This model is no less popular than the previous one, due to its reliability, comfort and ease of operation. This car has won many fans.
Today, with about $8,000 in your pocket, you can become the owner of a completely “fresh” Lada Priora, or some 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 a 5-year-old small class car. As a rule, 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 of the 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 modern C-class cars have similar dimensions, 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 of the Passat are 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 from owners of the Volkswagen 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.
According to the reviews of experts 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, which manifests itself in louder engine operation than usual, as well as increased fuel consumption. 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 of the fourth Passat are 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 oil in the engine, 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 the belt in the engine of a German car should be replaced every 60,000 km, and the tension roller must be replaced, then the timing chain lasts 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, because the maximum speed of 224 km is comparable to the speed capabilities of the 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 proper operation, is 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 from the noisier operation of the manual transmission.
A strong looseness of the manual gearbox lever, as well as difficulty switching gears, will tell you that you 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, the VRG of this car was equipped with a cable drive, which VAZ employees are so proud of today, who installed a manual gearbox with a cable drive on the 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, disc brakes were installed not only at the front, but also at the rear. When replacing brake pads on disc brakes, it is necessary to lubricate the brake pad guides.
The great advantage of the fourth Passat is its durable and reliable 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.
The Volkswagen Passat is one of the most liquid cars on the used car market. So the price of a Volkswagen 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.
Volkswagen Passat B3 - a quick review
Volkswagen Passat B2 - mini review and technical specifications
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
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 disassembly and reassembly of components and assemblies is described step by step, specifying the specifics of the work, safety measures, measurements of the necessary parameters and advice to motorists who prefer to do their own repairs. At the end of each chapter there are lists of 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 regular maintenance schedule. 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 Bentley Volkswagen Passat B4 repair disk into 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
Decoding the car's factory equipment (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.
Volkswagen Passat b4 was released in 1993 and replaced the Passat b3. The new car was practically no different from its predecessor in technical terms, but some changes were made in the design. The solid grille has been replaced with a classic grille to match the styling of other cars of the same generation, the Golf Mk3 and Jetta. In addition, new bumpers and headlights were installed on the car.
The interior of the car has also undergone some changes. Dual front airbags were included in the Passat B4, as well as seat belts with pretensioners. The design of the dashboard remains unchanged. Same as in the previous generation car the engine in b4 was placed transversely.
Passat interior The fourth generation has a minimum of 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 horsepower 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 in the front and drum brakes in the rear (on advanced versions - all disc).
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 horsepower 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 in the front and drum brakes in the rear (on advanced versions - all disc). Prices. In 2015, you can purchase the “fourth Passat” on the Russian market at prices ranging from 110,000 to 210,000 rubles. The positive aspects of the car are ease of maintenance, maintainability, spacious interior, 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.
Prices. In 2015, you can purchase the “fourth Passat” on the Russian market at prices ranging from 110,000 to 210,000 rubles. The positive aspects of the car are ease of maintenance, maintainability, spacious interior, 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.
The 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: 
All these advantages once again confirm that the car is one of the best among representatives of the “family” class .
A notable feature of the history of the Volkswagen B4 was the controversial design of the “front”, 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.
