Damaged Door Panel Screw Inserts on Passat CC

Found this on a Passat CC door when we were doing the Dynaudio kit.  One of the retaining screws on left front and rear doors were damaged. The brass base bolts were cross-threaded that did not allow the screw to be properly tightened .

Removing the door panel was almost impossible as the screw did not allow us to remove the panel. Eventually, the whole brass base bolt had to be dislodged from the plastic door panel in order for the door panel to be removed. 

This would happen when tightening the screws onto the panel.  The screw must be in the correct angle when securing.  Technicians who are not certain and applies too much force to get the screw in, would damage ( cross thread ) the brass inserts. 

Yes, technically, this door is screwed ! The correct way to do in Volkswagen context, is to replace the whole door panel which would cost a Bomb ! We found a cheaper local alternative.....

The damaged screw mounting on the doors found when removing the door panels.

The misaligned screw in the removed base brass bolt. 

New locally machined brass inserts were made specially for this car ! 

The insert is installed with adhesive glue to add strength

The insert is forced into the original hole. Repair is done !  

Colour Multi Function Display MFD on Passat B7

The original B7 Black White MFD cluster is Boring ! The meter cluster is something the driver lay eyes on everytime ! What could be more pleasing to the eyes ?

Retrofitted this 280kmph High Line colour cluster with original Red Pointers onto a Passat B7 .  All functions are retained and original odometer reading is programmed into the new cluster.  Meter Staging enabled.

Can also order with Blue Pointers and with 300 kmph dials ( R36 clusters )

A pleasure to the eyes ! With this cluster, it is possible to install the TPMS High.

Passat B7 Electric Folding Memory Mirror Retrofit

Electric Folding Mirror with Memory on Passat B7 

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Today, we fitted the latest electric folding memory wing mirror a Passat B7.  It is a relieve that the CKD version of the Passat B7 had supporting modules to enable the tilting function of the left side wing mirror during reversing operation. And of course, the folding option as well 

Pop out the trim cover of the mirror

Very carefully, pryed out the mirror glass ! Risky !

Removal of the door panel is very necessary to remove the wing mirror...as seen here ! 

Mirror is secured with 3 pcs of 6mm screws from behind. So it is impossible "steal" the mirror assemble from the outside. 

Comparing Original ( top ) and Memory Mirror 

Comparing Original ( top ) and Memory Mirror 

Left side mirror with unused wire harness secured with a tie
( dimming & lane depart assist ) 

The door module connected ( small connector is not used ) 

The very expensive driver's side Wing Mirror Glass with Dimming

Passat B7 Mirror Upgrade

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Upgrading the outside wing mirror for the local CKD Passat B7 or the SBU units from Europe is possible. Now, the newer part numbers have several improvement. 




1. Chromatic Auto Dimming of Left Side Mirror
This is feature where the right side outside wing mirror is be dimmed ( turned dark ) when a strong head light is detected from the rear. This option have been deleted on the left side outside wing mirror . 



The later part from VW, this option seem to have been re-introduced. It may be a common part policy where the same part number can be used for both RHD or LHD countries. There is a connector cable for the Chromatic Mirror to be used. However, this function is dependent on the suitability of the door module.

PS : The Catch ! The left side special Chromatic mirror glass cost a whopping RM1,950 ! 




The suitability of the front passenger door module would be in question. 




2. Reversing Tilt Mirror 
Here is a video reference for the function explained. Requirement is that the mirrors assembly must have memory function and that the door module support this function.

Passat B7 Reverse Tilt Function

[YouTube/YouTube]

VW CC Door Puddle Lights

CC Door Puddle Lights

The CC have never had door puddle lights fitted even from factory. As least I have not seen them on our shores.  

Come the new CC, I have seen the front door fitted with door puddle lights in the VW showroom.  But the rear door is still with the reflector clip on. 

Met a customer with the 2012 CC but there were no puddle lights fitted. So, we did the front lights with the understanding that the rear is not possible as in the older Passat CC.  

Nevertheless, we opened up the rear door and found that the door module have been changed and is similar to the B7 door module.  Tried the coding and found that the module accepted the puddle lights to be fitted. 

On the door panel, the plastic panel had a blind hole moulded and fitting the light would be impossible. We had to cut out the blind hole to allow the lights to be held in place. 

The new module and connector

The blind hole moulded on the door panel.
The reflector is fitted in front of the blind hole. 

The CC with the rear door puddle light fitted.