On this forum I've read many threads referring to the Superb being essentially a 5.5B Passat model. But there's also occasional mention of the 3B model. When I bought bolts for the front suspension from the local VW dealer, they referred to the 3B model too and looked at me blankly when I mentioned the 5.5 model (now at which associated franchise at have I seen that look before? )

So what's the difference between the 3B and 5.5B models? :confused: What parts of the Superb are based on what Passat model? (And whatever happened to models 4B and 5B?)

cheers

I've only ever heard it described as a 5.5 tbh, 3b would suggest a previous model.

It's probably similar to the way Audi number there marks. The B7 A4 is known as either the B7 or 8H, B6 being 8E and the B5 as 8D.

The latest Passat is called the 3C for part numbers and often this is used in Germany. In the U.K it's called the B6 Passat.

The B5.5 Passat is the last model before the new shape came out. It's basically the facelift model which included the Highline and Trendline.

HTH.

I thought the B5 was the uk passat and the 5.5 was the lwb chinese version that spawned the superb?

Isn't it called something like the Passat Lingyu over there?

Isn't it called something like the Passat Lingyu over there?

Yeah, I think so. If memory serves this is just a VW badged Superb for the Jap market?

Chinese market. You would never catch the Japanese buying a Superb - they like toys which work all the time.

rotodiesel.

The 97-05 Passat is known as the 3B, in the same way as the Mk1 Octy is known as the 1U and the Superb Mk1 is known as the 3U. I believe it comes from part of the chassis number.

For some reason the Passat is also known as a B5 (I guess in the same way as the audi's are known as B5/B6 etc). When the Passat was face lifted in 2000(ish.. possibly '99) it became known as the B5.5.

As I understand it, there's no radical mechanical differences between the B5 and the B5.5... Just the usual progression you see in any on-going model.

The superb seems to be closest to the B5.5, which would make sense as they were produced at the same time.

This image is a B5.5:

Other than the radically different PD engine on the diesels vs the earlier VE tdi and 6 speed manual and 5-speed ZF auto boxes of new design. Petrols with a 5 speed more similar between the two models. With the diesels it's more like new running gear in a similar shell.

As I understand it, there's no radical mechanical differences between the B5 and the B5.5... Just the usual progression you see in any on-going model.

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