Volkswagen Passat Bolt Pattern, Wheel & Tire Sizes
TL;DR
Most Passat generations sold since the mid-1990s use 5x112 bolts, a 57.1 mm hub bore and M14x1.5 studs; stock wheels range roughly 15-19 inches depending on year and trim.
Bolt pattern by generation
Multiple fitment references (wheel and tire retailers, fitment guides) agree that Volkswagen kept the Passat on a 5x112 bolt pattern with a 57.1 mm centre bore from the B5 (1996-2005) through the B6 (2005-2010), B7 (2010-2014) and B8 (2014-2022), and this carried over to the North American-market NMS Passat (2012-2019/2022) as well. Some references note that the very earliest B5 cars (1996-1997) in certain markets may have used a 5x100 pattern shared with contemporary Golf/Bora models - if you own a 1996-1997 car, verify this on your own vehicle rather than assuming 5x112.
Centre bore and stud thread
The 57.1 mm centre bore and M14x1.5 stud thread are the figures repeated across fitment guides for B5-B8/NMS Passats. A commonly cited factory lug torque figure for these cars is around 120 Nm (89 lb-ft), but torque specs can vary by wheel material (steel vs alloy) and by exact model year, so confirm the number for your specific car in the owner's manual rather than applying it universally.
Wheel and tire sizes
Stock wheel diameters grew over time: earlier B5/B6 cars commonly ran 15-17 inch wheels, B7 models commonly ran 16-18 inch wheels, and later B8/NMS trims (especially higher trims) commonly ran 17-19 inch wheels. Typical OE tire sizes seen across the range include 205/55R16, 215/55R17 and 235/45R18, but the exact size fitted to any individual car depends on trim level and factory options.
Where to get the exact number for your car
Because trims, markets and running production changes affect these figures, the only fully reliable source for your specific vehicle is:
- The driver's door jamb placard, which lists the factory tire size and often the wheel size
- The owner's manual, which lists torque specs and approved wheel/tire combinations
- The markings stamped directly on your current wheels and tires
- A shop's wheel-fitment lookup by your car's VIN, which accounts for trim-specific factory wheels
| Generation / years | Bolt pattern | Centre bore | Stud thread | Stock wheel sizes | Common tire sizes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| B5 (1996-2005) | 5x112 (some early 1996-97 cars reported as 5x100 - verify) | 57.1 mm | M14x1.5 | 15-17 in | 195/65R15, 205/60R15, 205/55R16 |
| B6 (2005-2010) | 5x112 | 57.1 mm | M14x1.5 | 16-17 in | 205/55R16, 215/55R17 |
| B7 (2010-2014, Europe) | 5x112 | 57.1 mm | M14x1.5 | 16-18 in | 205/55R16, 215/55R17, 235/45R18 |
| NMS (2012-2019/2022, North America) | 5x112 | 57.1 mm | M14x1.5 | 16-19 in | 215/60R16, 215/55R17, 235/45R18 |
| B8 (2014-2022, Europe) | 5x112 | 57.1 mm | M14x1.5 | 17-19 in | 215/55R17, 235/45R18, 235/40R19 |
Summary
| Bolt pattern (B5-B8/NMS) | 5x112 (verify if 1996-97) |
|---|---|
| Centre bore | 57.1 mm |
| Stud thread | M14x1.5 |
| Commonly cited lug torque | ~120 Nm / 89 lb-ft (confirm in manual) |
| Stock wheel size range | 15-19 in depending on generation/trim |
| Common tire sizes | 195/65R15 to 235/40R19 |
| Authoritative source for your car | Door placard, owner's manual, wheel/tire markings, VIN lookup |
Full diagnostics
For the complete step-by-step diagnostic and repair guide, see Volkswagen Passat: Common Problems, Fault Codes & Repairs.
Frequently asked questions
Is the bolt pattern the same on every Volkswagen Passat generation?
Fitment references agree that the B5, B6, B7, B8 and North American NMS Passats all use 5x112, but a small number of sources flag the very earliest 1996-1997 B5 cars in some markets as possibly using 5x100. If your car is from that narrow window, check the wheel markings yourself before buying wheels; for every later Passat 5x112 is the well-corroborated figure.
What centre bore do I need for aftermarket wheels on a Passat?
57.1 mm is the centre bore figure that appears consistently across B5 through B8/NMS Passats. If an aftermarket wheel has a larger bore, you will need a hub-centric ring to take up the gap; if it is an exact 57.1 mm bore, no ring is needed.
What lug nut torque should I use when reinstalling a Passat wheel?
A figure of roughly 120 Nm (89 lb-ft) is commonly cited for these cars, but torque specs can shift slightly by model year and wheel type (steel vs alloy). Always confirm the exact torque in your own owner's manual before tightening lug bolts.
Where is the most reliable place to find my exact Passat's tire size?
Check the placard on the driver's door jamb (it lists the factory-fitted tire size), the sidewall markings on your current tires, or your owner's manual. These reflect your car's actual trim and factory options, which a generic spec table cannot capture precisely.