Second Hand Volkswagen Passat Radiator

The B7 Passat ran from 2010 to 2015, so both years sit within the same generation, which is a promising starting point for compatibility. That said, fitment depends heavily on engine code rather than year alone, so you should confirm your engine code (shown on your V5 or via a VIN check) and share it with the breaker. If the donor car shares the same engine code as yours, the chances of a direct swap are good, but confirm with the breaker against your registration before buying.

The B6 Passat ran from 2005 to 2010 and the B7 from 2010 to 2015, so these are separate generations with different platform layouts, and a straight swap across that boundary is unlikely. Engine codes and cooling system designs changed between generations, making cross-generation fitment a route you should confirm with the breaker against your registration rather than assume. Do not purchase without checking your registration details with the breaker first.

For the Passat, trim levels like S, SE, SE Business, R-Line, and GT do not in themselves determine which radiator you need — what matters is the engine code, fuel type, and gearbox type fitted to the car. An SE and an R-Line with the same engine code will typically require the same radiator, so do not pay extra or search separately based on trim name alone. Bear in mind that cosmetic differences between cars (such as front bumper styling on R-Line) should not affect the core radiator unit, though confirm with the breaker if your car has any non-standard cooling setup.

The B7 Passat received a facelift in 2014, so a 2014 car could be either pre- or post-facelift depending on its build date, and there were some ancillary and mounting changes around that period. For the radiator core itself, your engine code is still the most reliable guide to finding a compatible unit. Whether any mounting or connection changes at the 2014 facelift affect the specific part you need is something to confirm with the breaker against your registration, rather than assume either way.

Gearbox type can matter for radiator compatibility on the Passat because automatic transmission models sometimes use a radiator with an integrated transmission oil cooler, while manual versions may not. If you are replacing a radiator on an automatic car, you should specifically look for a donor car with the same gearbox type to ensure the cooler connections match. Always confirm this detail with the breaker alongside your engine code to avoid ending up with a unit that is missing the connections you need.

Fuel type affects radiator specification on the Passat, as diesel and petrol engines have different cooling demands and the radiators are often different units even within the same model year. You should always supply both your engine code and fuel type when asking a breaker for a quote, rather than relying on year and body style alone. A breaker can cross-reference the part against your registration to confirm whether a specific donor radiator is the right fit for your car.