Volkswagen Passat B6 MK6 (2006-2011) Questions & Answers

Hi Nick ... I was sent your query in error I think as it is addressed as Hi Steve and I am Rob ... Sorry I can't assist ....hope you get the issue resolved.

Hi Rob,
Thanks for your reply and this advice.
I will try to see if I can this query again, but to Steve.
Regards,
Nick.

checkout runautoparts on ebay for VW gearbox oil and filters. I source most other genuine vw parts from e-bock in Europe to sidestep VW dealerships and exorbitant prices for VW spares in Australia.

Hi, we drive mainly in city areas and if you are talking about the vehicle throwing up dust behind it as it's being driven, we do notice the rear becomes dirty in less than 10 days after washing it where as the rest of the car is relatively clean. If you are talking about dust being drawn into the cabin whilst driving (without windows open, of course), this is unusual and not meant to happen, I'd be taking it up with Volkswagen. We haven't driven on a dirt track of any substantial length in ours to know if it happens to our car. The only other thing that occurs to me is that we notice the chassis will flex slightly at low speed when manoeuvring diagonally over changes in gradient (e.g. cross-overs that are steep compared to the road, or curbs or sharp speed bumps) causing the doors to move slightly and I can hear the 'pop' as the seals release and then re-engage, maybe this is happening on dirt roads?

Thanks Joanne, yes, I've noticed the 'flex' thing happening too! Good word for it, as I never knew how to describe it ;) We live on a farm, so it's doing a fair bit of dirt driving. Awesome handling, just a dust sucker. Have taken it up with VW, new seals etc etc, and lots of photos taken, door tightened, however, it never really fixes the problem. I'm scared we'll inherit the same problem if we get another Passat or the Alltrack :( Hence putting this question out there :)

I don't have an electric tail gate, but the gas struts on mine failed at the 3yr mark.

Hi, we have a tow-bar on the 2013 model (Volkswagen fitted) and know that once you connect the trailer lights the tailgate will not open up fully. To get around this, we disconnect the trailer lights and get the Tailgate opening fully. If you are having intermittent issues with electric tailgate operation without trailer lights attached, I'd suggest there's a problem with your wiring.

It tells you in the manual how to adust the rise If you sop it halfway it may set itsellf there but can be altered Read the manual

Hi, I have a corporate service contract so I just see the bill at the end of the year. Haven't had any issues mechanically and on 73k for the mileage. The only issue so far has been a crack on a piece of plastic from the sun which is under warranty and the continental tires all developed cambers and had to be replaced at 40k.
Contact a dealer for service costs, VW are not renown for being cheap to service. Watch for DSG boxes. The vw forum (watercooler) will have more info

We have owned our B6 VW Passat sedan 2007 2.0L diesel for 2 years and from 105k. We bought well, but needed to due to potential for recall aka service programs and possible breakdowns and expensive repairs on DSG6 transmission mechatronics unit, oil pumps problems etc etc....Warranty on mechatronics unit was extended to 10 years or 160k and our DSG6 has now imploded at 169k with a quote of $3800 for mechatronics repairs. This is our second passat, but will probably not buy a third, due not to the volume of problems experienced with VW vehicles generally, but due to VW "warranty denial processes and lack of proper after sales servicing in addition to overpricing in the extreme for parts and labour costs. Another major factor with VW Auto Group vehicles is that far too often dealerships fail to diagnose problems with proper definitive results, but rather work on a hit and miss part replacement strategy until a problem is remedied. On a positive note the fuel economy is outstanding but offset by seriously inflated servicing and fundamental breakdown costs. Sophisticated Euro vehicles?.... yes,....... worth the extra costs to buy and own? Not in my opinion, but only due to what I consider to be little less than exploitation at all stages of ownership.
PS I buy my genuine VW parts direct from Europe on average at less than 1/3 cost in Australia inclusive of airfreight. I only look for repair service outside of dealerships.
UPDATE>
Further to my original comment, Mechatronics unit was installed but made no difference and did not eliminate whirring noise. Quoted a further $6k on top to fix.
Your *#*#* joking right!!!! ...No way...
Negotiated removal of new mechatronics and installed a 2nd hand gearbox. Flywheel looked ok but apparently clutch pack (wet clutch in DSG6) was more than likely the problem (apparently they drop a circlip resulting in late engagement with a "horrible delayed and frightening thud"?

Outcomes as related to me:
"tinkling metal"= likely to be mechatronics but maybe dualmass flywheel unless previously replaced (original units used springs which were problematic in service and superceded by a stronger later unit)....remove starter motor from vehicle and check flywheel "play between dual metal discs movement" before ordering mech unit...just in case.
Whirring = "maybe clutch pack" but may also extend to bearings in gearbox...difficult to source bearings and difficult to diagnose......A European fixer of mechatronics units strongly urged me to exhaust all trouble codes especially engine (I had G28 which is crankshaft speed sensor) before going anywhere near transmission.
Too often I read where ad-hoc R & R cost some owners up to $10k. Used transmissions are coming on market in bigger numbers now and at reducing prices. Some advertise at $2200+ while others at $500-$700 quoting similar kms on vehicle being broken.
My biggest disappointment...the tech giant VW transmission failure did not record a transmission fault code after a number of full scans. In spite of this investing in my own Ross-Tech Vag scan tool together with Ross_Tech Wiki support has been my best decision to date.

I find the seats quite good never to hard,not as supportive as the golf gti I had before though. I travel to Sydney reqularly from Canberra and never have I needed to stop because I was uncomfortable. I have owned many cars both fron japan and and only found european cars seats supportive for my 6 foot 2 frame.
Everyone is different so I suggest you try the seats out. Good luck with your car shopping.

The seats in my car are leather and pretty comfy. I drive 2 hrs to work often and don't have trouble with the seats and have occasionally driven as long as 6 hr stints. You're wanting to get up and move about before 6 hrs is up, but I expect it would be the same in any car. The drivers seat base has had the top layer of foam in it replaced because it failed within 3 years of new. To replace the whole seat base is $600! I'm 6 foot 2 inches and weigh 100kg.

No reverse cameras, they weren't an option when I bought this car.. I have front & rear parking sensors though, that I find invaluable..