The VW Passat has two different procedures for changing the oil, depending on the year of the car. No matter which year Passat you have, the engine oil type is either 5W-30 or 10W-30. 5W is best for colder temperatures, while 10W is great for hot temperatures.
Lift the Passat with a car jack and place jack stands underneath it. If you don't have jack stands, use a set of wheel ramps. Make sure you brace the front tires, so the car doesn't roll.
Pop the hood and locate the oil filler cap and dipstick. Passat cars have the dipstick on the front side of the engine block. Unscrew and remove both the filler cap and dipstick.
Gather an oil drip pan, new oil filter, socket or box wrench, filter wrench and cleaning cloths. Slide under your car and locate the drain plug and oil filter. The VW Passat oil filter is on the front side of the engine block. If your Passat is a 1998 or newer, you must remove the lower engine cover for access to the filter.
Remove the drain plug using a box wrench. Pull the plug out quickly, and let the oil drain for 10 to 15 minutes. Check the threads for damage, clean off excess oil and replace the plug. Drain plugs in a VW Passat with a VR6 engine need new O-rings applied before replacing the drain plug.
Move over to the oil filter and remove it. For a VR6 engine, you'll need a large socket for filter removal and a new O-ring. Any other engine uses a regular oil filter wrench for removal. Dump filter oil into your oil drip pan.
Check the threads of the filter and make sure the gasket didn't stick to the engine block. If it did, remove it. Replace the filter and slide out from under your car.
Refill the oil fill hole with oil, and replace the dipstick.
Start your car for about a minute to let oil pressure build.
Turn off your car and check the oil reading. If it's not at the full line, add a bit more oil. Lower your car and shut the hood.
