After more trouble shooting I felt that the alt needed replacing and not just the rebuild kit. After removing the unit (what a PITA)... Ended up buying a RMMAL00134 Reman by Magneti Marelli for around $140 after tax and shipping. Went in without any problems and completely fixed my issue.
Best Alternator for Volkswagen Passat
I just replaced the one from my 1996 Passat Tdi. 326k miles on it. The alternator still works too!
I have a 1.8t motor in my Passat; but, I had to replace my alternator last January....and I took some pics...I went from a 90 Amp Valeo to a 120 Amp Valeo....the pulley had to be switched over to the new rebuilt unit (I went to an Alternator/Starter shop) ....old one on the left (90 A Valeo)....new one on the right (120 A Valeo)....
Bought the new Valeo, removed the Bosch, and got the Valeo installed. All is well, and I have a rebuildable Bosch 120A on hand-- no core charge w the new Alt.
B5/5.5 alternators come from two vendors, Bosch and Valeo. I've heard they're not interchangeable because of different pulleys.
Spent 300 on an alternator to get the whole car apart just to find out it was the wrong one
Upon only 3 days of ownership, the alternator went out due to the battery going bad, that took out the internal voltage regulator.
In the process of replacing the alternator..it was bad.
Write your review about alternator
Help others - share your experience with this part.
Top manufacturers of alternator for Volkswagen Passat
This part for Volkswagen Passat is made around the world. We have reviews for alternator manufacturers from countries such as: Germany, France, Italy .
In March 2026, the ranking of alternator for Volkswagen Passat on PartReview included 4 manufacturers. It is based on 9 reviews and 28 votes.
Which alternator to choose for Volkswagen Passat?
Last month, PartReview users preferred Bosch. 10% of positive votes went to this manufacturer.
In second place: alternator VALEO — 10%.
Third place: MAGNETI MARELLI with 10% of the votes.
In the overall ranking of alternator, which aggregates opinions of owners of different car makes and models, these brands hold the following positions:
- Bosch ranked 2, PR Score — 72. Based on 204 reviews and 648 votes.
- VALEO ranked 4, PR Score — 70. Based on 39 reviews and 123 votes.
- MAGNETI MARELLI does not yet have enough reviews to participate in the ranking. You can help by adding a review with the brand and your car model.
Other parts for Volkswagen Passat
After seeing which alternator owners of Volkswagen Passat prefer, check other popular parts for this car. In March 2026, leaders on PartReview were:
- #1 Spark plug NGK - 22% votes.
- #1 Brake pads ATE - 8% votes.
- #1 Wiper blades Bosch - 18% votes.
- #1 Engine oil Mobil - 17% votes.
- #1 Tires Continental - 14% votes.
You can also see what Volkswagen Passat owners chose among such parts as: Ignition coil, Shock absorbers, Strut assembly, Brake discs, Brake caliper, and others.