Having a seldom-seen engine under the hood of your car can be a great talking point; depending on what you have, it can offer impressive credentials, and it can be a bit of a boast. But, throughout the mainstream car, luxury car, and sports segments, some just don’t catch on, and, arguably, none more than the W-engine.
Effectively splicing two V-engines together and designed for über smoothness and low-end grunt, the W-engine is at home in pricey models like the Bugatti Veyron, Bugatti Chiron, and the Bentley Continental GT, and does a great job there, but even though their engines are designed and produced by Volkswagen, when the German marque utilized one in one of their luxury sedans in the early 2000s, it has lingered as a misunderstood entity.
Today, though, this luxury VW sedan has all the ingredients of a fantastic driver’s model. It boasts a manual transmission, it is comfortable, it boasts a powerful W-engine, it is equipped with some decent athletic additions, and best of all, it is very cheap to buy on the used market.
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A Seldom Seen W-8 Engine, Bags Of Comfort, And A Low Used Price
Boasting a long body, grandiose interior, a whopping great W-8 engine under the rounded hood, and bags of comfort, it is the 2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 MOTION that today makes for a very affordable luxury sedan bargain. Based on VW’s B5 Passat but with a grunty W-mill under the hood, VW raised the bar on what they could offer from a sedan in the 2000s and gave us a chance to own a practical mix of intense power and comfortable practicality.
Unfortunately, the W-8 Passat wasn’t exceptionally popular, and with a plethora of other teething issues, it made it a very misunderstood and expensive sedan to own at the time, but thankfully, that just means we get a cheap bargain today.
2003 Volkswagen Passat W8 MOTION Average Price Range: $2,539—$3,648
It is no industry secret that luxury cars don’t hold their value well (unless you buy yourself something exceptionally collectible and special), and the VW Passat W8 MOTION has not escaped the curse of the plush car, but, for those of us who love a bargain on the used luxury market, it makes it ideal.
Today, the average used price range of a 2003 Volkswagen Passat 8 MOTION is between $2,539 and $3,648 – so, exceptionally cheap considering the engine under the hood and the level of 2000s luxury you get inside, it can be seen as a very good deal, and a good way into the luxury performance market.
Results at auction are slightly different, and with results from all online auctions from the last five years, and taking into consideration the wagon variation as well, the average auction price sits at $9,498. The most expensive W8 MOTION sedan that has sold in the last five years was a 60,000-mile example in good condition, and went under the hammer for $12,000, while the cheapest to be sold was sold for just under $3,000, but it did have just over 114,000 miles on the clock when it sold.
2003 VW Passat W8 MOTION Performance Specifications
|
Engine |
Power |
Torque |
0-60 MPH |
|---|---|---|---|
|
4.0-Liter W-8 |
271 HP |
263 LB-FT |
6.3 Seconds |
Undoubtedly, though, the standout feature away from the low used prices is the 4.0-liter W-8 mill it boasts. The Passat W8 MOTION weighs in at an opulent 3,847 pounds, so with the 271-horsepower engine, you get a power-to-weight ratio of 0.07-horsepower-per-pound.
Considering the hefty weight and healthy dimensions of 185 inches x 68.7 inches x 57.5 inches, with a wheelbase of 106.3-inches, 0-60 MPH times are not so terrible and beat out the 2003 BMW 530i (6.7 seconds). The 2004 Chevy Impala SS (6.4 seconds), and it is as fast to 60 MPH as the 2018 Subaru BRZ tS, which also reaches 60 MPH in 6.3 seconds.
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What Is Going On With The W-8 Under The Hood?
This wealth of speed and power (again, considering its weight class) comes from the misunderstood, complicated, advanced, and meaty W-8 that it is smuggling. Unlike a typical V-8, which we might expect to find in many a luxury sedan of the time, the W-8 is created by joining together two narrow-angle V-engines on a single crankshaft.
The W8 MOTIONS’ engine effectively consists of two 72-degree VR4 engines, which results in a compact construction with a four-bank, eight-cylinder setup that can fit into the engine bay of a midsize sedan – something that is a little more difficult with a wider-angled V-8. The engine block and cylinder heads are made from a lightweight aluminum alloy, and a forged steel crankshaft is used with five main bearings and split crankpins to handle the unusual layout. To keep things smooth, VW utilized dual balance shafts that spin at twice the crankshaft’s speed, so vibrations from the compact design are nearly all eradicated.
The W8’s engine valvetrain features a DOHC setup on each of the four cylinder banks, meaning that the engine has a total of four camshafts, while each cylinder bank has its own pair of cams: one for the intake valves and one for the exhaust. This setup allows for precise control over valve timing and good airflow in and out of the chambers, which helps to provide efficient combustion and all-around smooth running.
The W-8 also boasts VVT on both the intake and exhaust camshafts. The intake timing can adjust by up to 52 degrees, and the exhaust cams by up to 22 degress, depending on the engine speed and load, and allows the engine to optimize valve overlap and combustion timing on the go – giving better (but still not great) fuel efficiency at low RPMs and better breathing at high RPMs.
To top it all off, fuel delivery is managed by a Bosh Motronic system, which utilizes a clever two-stage intake manifold that adjusts airflow depending on engine speed. Though the W-8 that is used in this relatively rare and cheap sedan can be seen as a technical marvel, its complexity made sure that it was a short-lived venture for the Passat.
All-Wheel Drive And A Manual Box For The Win
You don’t just get a rare and useful engine type under the hood with the W8 MOTION, but the “4MOTION” badge on the back indicates that you get full-time AWD as standard. Utilizing a Torsen-based system that delivers power to all four wheels and boosts traction, the W8 MOTION is well-suited for spirited driving in most on-road conditions.
Unlike some other AWD systems, the Torsen (or torque-sensing) system continuously monitors traction and dynamically distributes torque between the front and rear axles; in normal conditions, it rides a 50:50 split, but when needed in slippery conditions, 75% of the torque can be sent automatically to whichever axle needs it the most.
To ensure that you purist driving enthusiasts don’t just see the W8 MOTION as a car with a funky mill, the six-speed box that the AWD and engine are mated with makes it a fun and connected car to drive. But the transmission isn’t just a gimmick, and though we saw more manual boxes used in the early 2000s, the one that VW utilized is quite impressive.
Boasting a close-ratio setup, it allows you to stay within the W8’s optimal power range, and short gearing in the lower gears gives the W8 a responsive, almost sporty feel when pulling away or sprinting through the gears. Clutch feel is reported to be more in line with performance sedans rather than comfort-oriented models, thanks to a relatively firm feel, while the gear linkage is mechanical and precise, which offers a direct and connected feel.
VW Passat W8 MOTION Sporty Features
Although this cheap luxury sedan is nowhere near a full-blown sports car, we can see it as a very useful sleeper sedan. The suspension is sport-tuned, with firmer dampers and springs that give the opulently sized sedan a relatively direct feel and minimal body roll without making the ride too harsh. Paired with the AWD system and manual box, you do get a bit of a driving experience that makes the W8 MOTION worth considering.
The exterior design is subtle, and though it is quite indicative of the regular Passats, there are subtle tweaks that make it seem a little more luxurious and a bit sportier. You get dual chrome exhaust tips, unique alloys, and a slightly more aggressive front grille and bumper to give it a little more edge. Inside, it is relatively upscale with a sporty touch, with leather seats, wood trim, and a thick, leather-wrapped steering wheel all taking center stage; it may seem a little dated today (especially the CD player), but we are sure that you can fit something a bit more up-to-date.
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Low Production Numbers, A High Starting Price, And Reliability Issues
Because of everything that the Passat W8 MOTION boasts, you’d have thought that it would be a success when it was rolled out. Unfortunately for VW, it wasn’t. Aside from the complicated W-engine under the hood, the W8 MOTION cost $38,475 in 2003 (or just under $67,000 today). To put that into perspective, the base model Passat cost just under $24,000 at the time, so alongside the rarity and the more involved maintenance schedule, it didn’t make for the most enticing luxury sedan.
What To Expect From A Passat W8 MOTION
Only circa 11,000 models were ever produced, so, thanks to its exclusive nature, parts availability, lack of significant performance credentials compared to other Passat models, and lack of shared knowledge, the Passat W8 MOTION didn’t get far. But, unfortunately, if you are looking at buying one today, that isn’t where it ends.
Fuel economy is not the most frugal, and according to Fuel Economy.gov, the 2003 Passat W8 MOTION can only muster a combined MPG rating of 18 MPG (or 15 MPG in the city and 22 MPG on the highway). This will cost you, on average, $3,400 in gas per year, or $8,500 more over five years compared to your average modern vehicle.
There isn’t any information available on Repair Pal about specific costs for the W8 MOTION, but according to reviews left on Kelley Blue Book, it does relatively well in terms of reliability, with an overall score of 3.9 out of 5 and a reliability score of the same. But, on Car Survey.org, there has been a mixed bag of reviews left for it. One owner left a 1 out of 10 reliability score for the W8 MOTION and said that they had a plethora of problems, while another owner scored it 7 out of 10 for reliability, but also complained about lots of problems, and recommended getting some sort of third-party warranty if you buy one (which, is going to be near impossible today).
Problem Points You Should Keep An Eye On
W-8 engines are inherently more complicated to work out compared to the likes of inline engines and V-engines, so it is worth thinking about before going to buy a W8 MOTION, unless you have got experience with them or know a decent mech who knows what they are doing with them. Aside from the engine, there are also several things you should take a close look at if you’re eyeing one up.
- Electrical Problems. Many owners have complained about faulty sensors and software glitches that can throw up warning lights on the dashboard.
- Cam Tensioners. W8 MOTION cam tensioners are known to go at around 60,000 miles. When they do go, it can be an expensive fix.
- High Oil Consumption. Though the W-8 can be reliable when looked after, these engines are known for high oil consumption and the mesh filter for the VVT can become clogged, which can lead to more problems for the engine.
- Power Steering Pump Failure. Feel out on your test drive if maneuverability is as good as it should be; steering pumps are known to fail on the B5 Passat.
- Heater Core Problems. The heater core is another problem area that customers have complained about. If this fails, it can be an involved process to fix it.
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Our Take On The VW Passat W8 MOTION
Yes, you get fairly impressive horsepower, decent sprint times for its class and weight, and a real talking point in the form of the engine, but if you were looking for a luxury sedan in 2003 that has already proven itself for speed, luxury, and decent horsepower, models like the Mercedes-Benz C320 were available at the time at similar prices and can still kick out 215-horsepower from a more manageable V-6.
Today, the W-8 is a bit of an oddity, with the Passat being the only W-8-toting model they made, but it did lay down the gauntlet for the impressive W-engines used in higher-end supercars later on. It is a unique engine and does come with some foibles, but for the low price of buying one today, if you like getting your hands dirty and don’t mind some involved maintenance, then there is no reason you shouldn’t go for one.
It does boast a comfortable interior, it can shift, it is certainly in the sleeper category, and if someone doesn’t see the 4MOTION badge on the rear, they’re going to be surprised as you pull away, and, of course, it is an engine you don’t see today, which makes the whole car a lot more interesting. If you’ve got the time and knowledge on how to keep one on the road, it can make for a very good used luxury bargain.
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If the W-8 engine under the hood of the Passat W8 MOTION sounds too involved for what you want from a used luxury sedan, the luxury market does depreciate hard, and so there are plenty of other this year that can offer some decent horsepower, a luxe ride, and decent comfort and creature features. While they are unique, they are unfortunately not quite on the same level as the VW Passat W8 MOTION and are more expensive, but they are more powerful, quicker, and will certainly be easier to maintain.
|
Model |
2010 Mercedes-Benz S 550 |
2010 Porsche Panamera S |
2015 Hyundai Genesis 5.0 |
2013 Alpina B7 |
|
Engine |
5.5-Liter V-8 |
4.8-Liter V-8 |
5.0-Liter V-8 |
4.4-Liter Bi-Turbo V-8 |
|
Horsepower |
382 Horsepower |
400 Horsepower |
420 Horsepower |
514 Horsepower |
|
0-60 MPH |
5.4 Seconds |
4.7 Seconds |
5.3 Seconds |
4.3 Seconds |
|
Average Used Price |
$10,255 |
$15,939 |
$17,209 |
$18,609 |