What size wheels fit a Volkswagen Passat (V) 3BG?

Roughly 6J–9.5J (ET25–ET45).

How many Volkswagen Passat are there on UK roads?

Approximately 175,564 Volkswagen Passat are licensed in the UK, according to DfT VEH0124 vehicle-parc data (2025).

Volkswagen Passat wheel fitment — V 3BG

By Torque, AIWheelTech vehicle & fitment specialist · 1973–present

Volkswagen Passat wheel fitment at a glance — The Volkswagen Passat (V) 3BG (1973–present) uses a 5x112 bolt pattern, 57.1 mm centre bore, M14x1.5 bolts torqued to ~120 Nm. It accepts ~6J–9.5J wheels at ET25–ET45.

Overview

The Volkswagen Passat B5 generation was introduced in Germany in the summer of 1996 and later rolled out across Continental Europe, the UK, North America, and Australia by 1998. Built on the Volkswagen Group B5 platform shared with the first-generation Audi A4, this model marked a return to sharing its longitudinal engine layout platform with an Audi equivalent since the second generation Passat of 1981. The B5 Passat featured a new design language and aerodynamic improvements, achieving a coefficient of drag of 0.27 for the saloon model. It was available in front-wheel-drive or optional all-wheel-drive configurations using a Torsen-based system.

Volkswagen Passat wheel fitment

Volkswagen Passat wheel fitment for the Volkswagen Passat (V) 3BG (1973–present): the factory PCD, centre bore and bolt spec, then the aftermarket width and offset window we fit to.

Bolt pattern (PCD)	5x112
Centre bore	57.1 mm
Bolt / thread	M14x1.5 (bolts)
Wheel-bolt torque	120 Nm
Seat type	radius
Factory setup	square
TPMS	indirect

Aftermarket wheel sizes — read per position:

Position	Width	Offset
Front	6J–9.5J	ET25–ET45

As a rule, each extra 1J of width wants roughly +8–10 ET to keep the wheel tucked. The exact offset and any spacer are confirmed by the fit-check.

Browse wheels that fit a Volkswagen Passat →Get them fitted (UK)

UK popularity & demand

~175,564 Volkswagen Passat licensed on UK roads — top 2% of models by volume.

Based on DfT VEH0124 vehicle-parc data (2025), there are approximately 175,564 Volkswagen Passat on UK roads, placing it in the top 2% of car models by volume across our fitment database.

That makes Volkswagen Passat wheel fitment a high-demand spec to keep in stock. It is one reason we track it here.

Source: DfT/DVLA licensed-vehicle statistics (VEH0124), matched to the AIWheelTech fitment database.

Performance

Variant	Power	0–62 mph	Top speed
1.8L petrol	150 hp	9.3 s	127 mph
2.8L V6 petrol	204 hp	7.9 s	150 mph

Body styles & production

Body styles	Saloon
Produced	1973–present

Trim levels

GLGLSV6

Factory colours

Schwarz Solida reef blue met.Dark Purple Metallicorixweiss metTitanium Beige MetallicDeep Ocean Blue SolidPure White SolidOrixweiss MetallicMittelgrau Solidfueller anthrazit/grau (u.hood)Carbon Steel Grey MetallicPure WhitePlatinum Gray MetallicDeep Black Pearl Metallic

History & notable variants

The B5 generation saw significant changes from its predecessor with a fully independent four-link front suspension and semi-independent torsion beam rear suspension on FWD models, while 4Motion AWD models featured an independent rear setup. The Passat was offered in various engine options including petrol engines like the 1.8L and 2.8L V6, as well as diesel variants such as the 1.9L TDI and 2.5L V6 TDI. This generation also introduced a 4Motion all-wheel-drive system for select models.

Reliability & owner notes

Pros: Improved aerodynamics with a drag coefficient of 0.27 for the saloon model; Available in both front-wheel-drive and all-wheel-drive configurations
Cons: Potential oil sludge issues with the 1.8L petrol engine if not maintained properly