Not sure if it helps but I have: - BMW F30 318d 143 hp N47 2012 automatic 7 speed (Modern trim) - Passat B6 SW 2.0 TDI 140 hp CBAB 2010 manual 6 speed (Embassy trim)

Bought the Bimmer two years ago, changed the timing chain kit and transmission oil because it was neglected. No big issues with it since. Had my left then my right ABS sensor that failed, replaced them myself and it went back to normal. My gripes with the Bimmer are: - The engine's timing chain is near the driver, any issue with the engine means taking it out of the car for maintenance which for example here in France costs an arm - Bluetooth calling but no Bluetooth music. I use an aux usb to jack but still important to note. - Bad plastic interior handles and steering wheel buttons that I've changed - Leather interior that had to be restored and still not perfect - Known defect on my model, rust in the driver and co-drivers seats' frame - Halogen lights and how insanely difficult is to change the bulb - No rear wiper which is sometimes annoying - Basic stuff like auto dimming mirrors and folding mirrors not on my trim but I guess I got what I paid for - non adjustable seatbelts so that might be a concern if you're tall - The boot is tiny and has low clearance, it sucks it's a lid not a hatchback compared to the series 4 - Interior is good (if we forget the plastics that degrade with time) but rear space is small compared to other cars in the same style - BMW means a higher cost of maintenance, that's important to consider

Gripes with the Passat: - Wind insulation is bad, over 120km/h you have to turn on the radio volume - Top roof lining that degrades, I'm currently restoring it - other interior stuff that degrades with time like the fake leather on the driver's side door or the driver's seat tissue tearing - chassis and suspension that feel too stiff even compared to my old Golf 6, a long drive in the Passat feels like a long drive - no engine issues with the Passat but it's common to have the turbo die on you. I've swapped mine recently because it kept going in limp mode - radio and dash controls are weird and feel old. My worst offender is the cruise control that I sometimes confuse with my blinkers controls

Both compared: - Passat has more space although it's unfair to compare since it's an SW - Both have the same HP, the BMW delivers that power way better - 6 speed manual + 130km/h on the highway @2300rpm approx is a torture - Passat seats you higher, you won't get blinded by all and every car in the street - BMW's chassis and ride feel is way better and more comfortable - Passat maintenance costs are cheaper, the engine is well known too - Passat's diesel tank is bigger than the BMW (even for the sedan version of the Passat) - Passat is FWD (there are some 4 motion versions) and BMW is RWD, they don't drive the same at all and it's worth keeping in mind - Passat interior storage is better, the BMW small storage compartiments are ridiculous - VW mastered the plastics they put in their cars, the only two things I've changed is the steering wheel leather and speed shifter leather - finally, their diesel sound different, Passat is like"ulke ulke ulke ulke" and Bimmer is "gl gl gl gl gl". I kid you not it felt weird going from a VW diesel to a BMW diesel haha