R36 Model Differences

[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?