R36 Model Differences

[RRR036]

Does anyone know of a guide that shows the differences between the R36 Passats years?

I believe that for instance the MY09 was released in 2008, and there are differences between the MY08 and MY09.

I have a copy of a vehicle data form for a car that I am looking at, is there any information on there that can be used to tell differences?

Thanks

[kleung]

Does anyone know of a guide that shows the differences between the R36 Passats years?

Sadly, the R36 was only arround for about 3 years, and it didn't really change all that much in that time. The mechanical package remained essentially the same for the entire run, and there were some mostly cosmetic interior changes.

I believe that for instance the MY09 was released in 2008, and there are differences between the MY08 and MY09.

Yes. AFAIK, MY09 got a new instrument cluster with white MFD, and the RCD-510 touch screen head unit, but retained the older 3-dial Climatronic panel. MY10 was essentially the same as the MY09, except it got the newer two-dial Climatronic panel. The only other things that changed were the availability of optional extras such as adaptive cruise, self parking, etc.

I have a copy of a vehicle data form for a car that I am looking at, is there any information on there that can be used to tell differences?

If you have the VIN number you should be able to work out the model year from the 10th character.

[RRR036]

Yes. AFAIK, MY09 got a new instrument cluster with white MFD

Yes, I thought this was the case. The car I am looking at is advertised as a MY08 however it has a RNS510 and the older "red on black" cluster. I asked what options it had and was told "there are none as most came standard". I don't know if that was just how it was sold to them by the dealer because I am sure that at the very least it has the RNS510 that would have been a factory option. Don't know if that means it has the Dynaudio or not.

If you have the VIN number you should be able to work out the model year from the 10th character.

Checking the 10th character is a MY09. The gauge cluster says otherwise however. A bit puzzling!

[kleung]

it has the RNS510 that would have been a factory option. Don't know if that means it has the Dynaudio or not.

The RNS510 was a factory option up until VW made it standard fitment in the B7 range. Dynaudio has always been a factory option - to my knowledge it has never been fitted standard to any Australian-delivered Passat - but the R36 did get the 'premium' 250w 8-channel/10-speaker sound system standard though.

Checking the 10th character is a MY09. The gauge cluster says otherwise however. A bit puzzling!

Hmm. Maybe the early MY09s were still fitted with the old cluster? I wonder if there was a MY09.5, like there was a MY10.5? I've never been able to figure out what the difference was between a MY10 and a MY10.5 though.

[RRR036]

Hmm. Maybe the early MY09s were still fitted with the old cluster? I wonder if there was a MY09.5, like there was a MY10.5? I've never been able to figure out what the difference was between a MY10 and a MY10.5 though.

Hmm yeah. My biggest concern was the DSG - apparently there was an upgrade between the MY08 and the MY09, however I haven't officially read it anywhere, just hearing whispers about it. If the major changes were on the theoretical "MY09.5" it doesn't really help me.

[kleung]

Hmm yeah. My biggest concern was the DSG - apparently there was an upgrade between the MY08 and the MY09, however I haven't officially read it anywhere

There was a recall done on DSGs on the MY08 Passats (campaign 37E8 affecting the 6sp DQ250 wet-clutch DSGs), to do with the clutch temps being misread by the gearbox controller - evidently a software update was the fix. Maybe that was what you were thinking of?

[RRR036]

Yeah - theoretically I guess the MY09 R36's were never exposed to the higher temperatures and will have had an easier life.

[kleung]

Yeah - theoretically I guess the MY09 R36's were never exposed to the higher temperatures and will have had an easier life.

The problem wasn't actually the gearbox overheating - the various mechanisms that protect the transmission under extreme conditions were being mistakenly triggered because the information from the sensors was being misread, leading the controller to think the transmission might have been overheating even though it wasn't.

[RRR036]

Thanks, that puts my mind at ease. Now to find the right car!

[snerlo]

Interesting read. I am actually having a look at one on Saturday morning to purchase and was wondering if there is anything I should be looking out for. It is an 08 model. Only has the cheap looking head unit. Doesn't have the RCD510 so that might be a change if purchased. Any help??

[levendi001]

Always check the build dates. Anything after July (half way through year) is the next series. Eg 2009 built sep 2009 is a MY10
However 2009 Built march is a MY09
Hope this helps.

What kind of r36 u looking for? Colour? Sedan? Options?

[snerlo]

Not really looking actually. Just looking for a family wagon actually and was considering these. Looking at a black wagon. Will know more on Saturday.

[RRR036]

What kind of r36 u looking for? Colour? Sedan? Options?

For me, MY09 or higher, wagon, anything but black with as many options as possible and low-ish kms. All of them seem to be high kms.

[snerlo]

Couldn't get real picky with the year model mate as there was only so many to choose from. Ended up putting a deposit down and subject to an racq inspection tomorrow afternoon, I should be the new owner of a black my08 R36 wagon. Only option I think it's got is a sunroof, which is cool. Gotta try and get myself an RCD510 for it though as it has some plain Jain unit which is disappointing but that's life. I would've also liked to have had the auto tailgate and I might have a go at that too. Once I do get the new unit assuming that it'll work, I also really want a reversing camera for the wife as this is the new family wagon. Can't wait. Hope it passes it's test. It should with only 52k on the clock and having a service not long ago.

[levendi001]

Sounds greAt, good luck with the inspections. Let us know how u get on