What grade of gasoline should the Passat B5 use?

[Santos]

Passat uses 95-octane gasoline. Passat engine: The Passat B5 is equipped with a W-type engine. The main advantage of this engine is its space-saving design, allowing more cylinders to be compactly arranged within a certain space. It can accommodate 8 cylinders in a volume close to that of a V6 engine. Introduction to 95-octane gasoline: 95-octane gasoline consists of 95% isooctane and 5% n-heptane. High-octane gasoline should be used when the engine has a high compression ratio. If the compression ratio is high but low-octane gasoline is used

[StParker]

I've been driving a Passat B5 for almost ten years and always use 95-octane gasoline, which is the most suitable. When I first bought the car, the technician at the 4S store emphasized this point, and the manual also clearly states the recommendation for 95-octane or higher. This is because the B5's engine has a relatively high compression ratio. If you use lower-octane fuel like 92-octane, it can easily cause knocking—those strange engine noises or vibrations—and over time, this can damage the cylinders and increase repair costs. I remember once trying 92-octane fuel to save money, but my fuel consumption increased by 10%, and the power felt sluggish. It scared me so much that I immediately switched back to 95-octane. Now, although fuel prices have risen a bit, saving money this way isn't worth it compared to the high cost of repairs. Plus, 95-octane burns cleaner, reducing carbon buildup.

[VonRichard]

As a Passat B5 owner, I've done the math: Although 95-octane gasoline costs a few cents more per liter than 92-octane, in actual use, it improves engine efficiency. My car averages 1-2 liters less per 100 kilometers with 95-octane compared to 92-octane, so the price difference is offset after a few hundred kilometers. More importantly, higher-octane fuel prevents knocking issues and protects engine components. If you stubbornly use 92-octane to save money, the car won't break down immediately in the short term, but when engine problems arise, repairs can cost thousands. I recommend checking the fuel tank before long trips and not filling up with random fuel—safety comes first.

[VanCayden]

The engine design of the Passat B5 is highly sensitive to gasoline octane ratings, and it's safest to directly recommend using 95 octane. Lower octane fuels like 92 have poor compression and anti-knock properties, which can easily cause knocking during high-speed driving or heavy loads, leading to piston damage and accelerated wear. I've been using 95 octane for several years with stable vehicle condition and no issues. If the wrong fuel is added, replace it immediately and a one-time fuel tank cleaning can remedy the situation. Always follow the owner's manual recommendations and avoid blindly saving money at the expense of your car.