need passat advice

[bioboy]

I am about to buy a 2001/2 Passat Estate but desperately need some detailed expert advice on a few points

1. What upgraded parts does a Sport have over an SE? Aside from seats and wheels is it simple to convert an SE to sport spec, especially with regard to the suspension? Does anyone know whether the steering rack is geared quicker on a sport? Is there any extra stiffening anywhere - anti roll bars etc.?

2. Is the Pumpe Duse engine used in the Passat and if so when was it introduced?

I'd love to run on biodiesel, any advice on this also most gratefully received.

[davegwynn]

Hi there, as no-one else has replied, i thought I would jump in with an answer to 2). The PD diesels turned up in the latter B5 passats (97-01) as the "TDI PD115", all other diesels before this point were less impressive. I believe all diesels in the later B5.5s are the better PD units, but don't quote me on it!
I own a B5 sport passat - but can't offer any help on converting an SE to a sport. Different trim inside the sport model.. The steering rack doesn't seem particually swift on mine, so I would guess it remains the same..

[Huweth]

I have the 2001 sport estate. The one you are looking to buy is a PD. Running Biodiesel on a PD is a sensitive issue. Some people have been doing it, but there is little data on how damaging it can be. The general concensus in the US is that you should NOT use biodiesel in a PD. They have a much higher injection pressure, and the injector unit itself is (possibly) more delicate as a result. I have been reading about Biodiesel and PD's for many months now, and have decided I will only be using Biodiesel at a max of 5% when the local manufacturer starts selling it. Some people have used it a higher concentrations, even 100%, but not enough collective miles have been racked up to say whether it is truely safe. There have been a lot of failing injector units due to water in the Biodiesel. They cost a huge amount to replace (over £1000 possible). It doesn't make sense to take the risk yet unless you have a few thousand pounds in the bank to get new injectors if needed. You'll also need to change the fuel filter soon after the switch from dino-diesel.

Personally I don't think I'd bother converting to Sport suspension. It is nice, but may not be worth the money/effort.

Whatever you do, enjoy what will be a great car, but don't risk damaging or violating your new baby!

[bioboy]

Thanks both of you for the help. I have done a bit more research and come up with zilch on sports pack specs. PD engines do look problematic for biodiesel. However, 2 german outfits do top end conversions. I'll probably try one. Unfortunately they cost about 3 grand but hey, what price the planet?.....There goes the stereo upgrade.