B7 R-Line... is there such a thing?

[dero]

Is there such a thing in existence where an R-Line "kit" of body attachments and other modifications that exist to give the Passat B7 a sportier look?

Looking at the current VAGAu cars which have the R-Line package as an option, it looks like a shorter set of springs, bigger wheels, body kit with the subtle R-Line badging and a change to the steering available to the car.

If there's no kit available, is there a list of parts and suppliers I can refer to in order to drag this sort of stuff together for my car?

[Passat R36]

Volkswagen Passat R-Line Package Hits European Market | The Motor Report (http://www.themotorreport.com.au/54045/volkswagen-passat-r-line-debuts-in-europe)

[dero]

Great! But as per the report, it's not being offered in Australia.... so how will I be able to access these sorts of parts and kit if I wanted to change the look of my car somewhat?

Is there an aftermarket specialised parts importer who can source and bring some of these parts in?

[tigger73]

What you would need is the VIN from one of these R-line equipped cars and a spare parts guy that is able to order it in for you. Most likely you would have to stump up the cash up front as the dealer won't want to be stuck with it.

Also most of these plastic body parts will come unpainted so you'll have to factor in painting into the price.

I know a guy that has a Jetta that did a similar thing. Wasn't an option locally but got the parts ordered in from overseas. He did also work in spare parts at a dealership which helped ;)



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[passat123]

Not sure if it helps, but I just put Lugano wheels, H&R springs, front lip and a Scirocco MFSW.. made "my own" version of an R Line lol.

The xenon/DRL make it stand out more too

[Hillbilly]

Dont know how the bits fit to your car but I wanted the chrome strip across the bottom of the tailgate for my B7.

The B6 one is the same but the parts guy said it doesnt just stick on. Apparently the tailgate was drilled for clips etc so I didnt bother.

[passat123]

Yea there are clips that hold the trim in place, small square holes need to be punched out of the bar

[Hillbilly]

Yea there are clips that hold the trim in place, small square holes need to be punched out of the bar

So the clips are on the panel?? If so could it be attached with double sided tape if you didnt punch the holes out.

[passat123]

Yep, the clips are on the trim. I would just use good quality tape rather thab punch holes

[dero]

@passat123, how have you found the change to the ride with the new springs compared to the OEM ones?

I had a bit more of a look in last night and found a VW Taiwan video on Youtube documenting what the DCC does. 1 reading of the rotation and positioning of the wheels relative to the chassis and yaw of the body every millisecond and the valves inside the damper constrict and relax relative to the need. In Comfort mode, the speed and level which constriction of the valve to firm up the ride and keep level against the yaw is slowest, fastest on Sport mode. Sport mode, the valves are a little more constricted as a starter anyway.

In extrapolating this out, I'm guessing there might be a recalibration needed of the DCC so it knows the relative wheel height against the rim is shortened so the system needs to know this and perform its calibrations of what it does against the lowered ride height. I think I need to explore this area more and try and find some definitive answers to this before I go toward changing new springs.

Also, not knowing anything relative against my Passat, I don't have any comparison of what a Passat is like without DCC.

In terms of changes to making my car look a little sportier, I'm considering the following:
- A new steering wheel, one with a flat bottom and have shift paddles - I see one listed at JKU, says compatible with the B7 but is a mk6 Golf R wheel.
- Lowered springs - probably lowering it about the 15mm mark
- Headlights and tail lights - might be able to pick something up second hand from a wrecker. Probably should be some around what with a lot of Passats being used as taxis now.
- Might also get a R-Line decal or two to stick onto the grille and other areas.

The chrome strip at the bottom of the front and rear bumper might be a bit of a bugger to try and figure out.
Any other suggested parts I'm missing?

[passat123]

15mm drop will not be worth it. I did 40mm and it handles and feels very similar to stock. Only harsh moment is on speed bumps.

I got my steering wheel from a seller on ebay for $1100 (flat bottom and paddles).

Got an R Line badge in the grille too.

Trust me, you'll regret not going 40mm lower if you only do 15mm.

[dero]

Do you have DCC installed in your car?

Can you post a before and after photo of the car with the new springs?

As for the R-Line badge, it's just a stick-on decal off eBay? I saw one variety being a stick on, another being a screw in style.

[passat123]

Nah, haven't got DCC

I got an actual badge, it has a bracket which holds in place on the grille. The only decal/stick on work I do is on the glass, I dont use tape etc on paintwork.

15110
With a front lip

15111
Pretty much before and after
19", H&R 40mm drop, front lip, R Line badge in grille

15112
19" with stock suspension

15113
Before front lip

[dero]

Thank you for the photos!

I've had a look at the standard height of the tyres to the edge of the rim and there's about 40mm so going by your photos, dropping that 40mm works to approximately the tyres coming to about the height of the rim. That gives me a great reference point to aim for.

Can I ask how wince-inducing are speedbumps and parking bay concrete stop bars now for you with your additional front lip and -40mm ride height? I'm guessing with the addition of the front lip, your front is riding maybe -45mm from stock?

I've found a seller relatively local who offers the steering wheel with DSG paddles for around the price you got from eBay. Was installation expensive/time consuming? Were you able to get rid of the stock wheel on the secondhand market? Finally, the front lip - was that a self installation and easy to do? I'm liking all the look of changes you've made to your car and I'm considering doing some similar things to mine.

I'm also considering watching the wreckers second hand parts online to see when they pick up a Passat or other VW with same-part-item Xenon and LED front and back lights and see if I can pick up a set for upgrade cheaply.

I will probably do them in stages. What I need to do some research on first though is whether there's a recalibration needed in the DCC if I lower the springs so the sensors know what new settings they're monitoring.

[passat123]

Speed bumps are pretty rough, need to drive over them at rolling speed and foot on brake otherwise its harsh. As for concrete stop bars, need to stay clear! the lip is lower than them. I think the front lip is about 110mm from the ground.

The MFSW took less than 8 mins to install, I literally timed it. Yeah, I sold the stock MFSW. Make sure you get an airbag with the new MFSW! The stock one will not fit.

I bought the lip and got an automotive body shop to paint and fit. Fitting is only done by double sided tape and screwed into the front bar.

If you buy the Xenon and LED lights you will also need the wiring harness and control module for it. I don't think its a good upgrade due to the cost involved. May be best to get a Chinese aftermarket version.

[dero]

Serious?? Wow - quick swap over for the steering wheel then! This would hopefully be a quick and easy change then. Did you have to do some computer component recoding to have the car recognise that it's got a new steering wheel/airbag/MFD buttons/DSG paddles? Does it need it in order to keep the car in a road worthy and safety ready position that in the event of an accident that the air bag would deploy?

Thanks for the info about the lip as well - I may get one. Might get a rear one as well to balance the look as well.

Understand what you also are saying about the Xenons. I had a read earlier today and it seems that there's a particular part specific for what I need as well - UK/Au market RHD car so the angle of lighting won't dazzle oncoming drivers, plus as my car has DCC, there's another specific type which is needed as the lights need to be mated with DCC enabled cars.
(Bi-Xenon Headlights LED DTRL - Upgrade - VW Passat B7-38597_8_M (http://www.kufatec.com.au/shop/en/Volkswagen/Passat-B7/Bi-Xenon-Headlights-LED-DTRL-Upgrade-VW-Passat-B71))
This one shows 3 options of lights, with electronic shock absorber, 4Motion and FWD. Expensive too... might have to pass on them. the rear LEDs though don't seem to have as specific a requirement though.

Any ideas which model VWs use the same rear light clusters as the Passat?

[passat123]

Yea, all I has to program was the paddles. Just need to activate one option in VCDS. There is no issue with it being roadworthy or not, its an OEM VW MFSW, not an aftermarket wooden one.

If you get a rear apron/lip you might also need side skirts.

Headlights & Taillights & Parts - page 3 (http://www.carsystems.pl/lighting-lamps,c38,s2.html?dir=d)

Passat OEM Bi- Xenon + Dynamic Headlights 3AC941043 + 3AC941044 - for UK and RHD markets (http://www.carsystems.pl/passat-oem-bi-xenon-dynamic-headlights-3ac941043-3ac941044-for-uk-and-rhd-markets,id479.html)