Volkswagen Passat B8 saloon with Menabo Tema aluminium roof bars

We fitted a set of Menabo Tema Aluminium roof bars on a Volkswagen Passat B8 saloon. The fitting took place in the SuportBicicleta.ro showroom at Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania.

About the car: Volkswagen Passat B8 saloon

The Passat B8 started the series of Volkswagen models built on the enlarged version of the MQB platform. In Europe it has been sold since November 2014, as a 4-door saloon and as a Variant estate. The facelift was presented in February 2019, and in December 2021 Volkswagen ended production of the saloon for Europe, so you will find cars from the whole 2014-2021 period on the road.

On the Passat B8 saloon the roof is clean, with no roof rails. That is why the roof bars need feet and fittings that fix to the door frame, following the exact shape of the body. That is why, on the saloon, you choose the kit made for the Passat B8 4-door, like the one we fitted.

What we fitted on this Passat saloon

Menabo Tema is one of the best-known Menabo bar ranges for cars without factory roof rails. The set for the Passat B8 4-door contains 4 vehicle-specific fitting kits, 4 feet, 2 aluminium bars, 4 lock cylinders with keys and an Allen key. The bars are 1,300 mm long, 48 mm wide and 30 mm high.

The oval, aerodynamic profile reduces air resistance, and the metal components are treated with rubberised anti-corrosion paint. On top there is a 20 mm T-track for accessories with a T-track fitting, and accessories without one attach with a U-bolt fitting, on the outside of the bar.

Technical details and what to watch for

• Menabo Tema for the Passat B8 4-door: bar 1,300 x 48 x 30 mm, silver aluminium, set weight 5.2 kg.
• Maximum load: 50 kg. The weight of the box or rack is deducted from this figure, and the rest is left for luggage.
• 20 mm T-track for T-track fittings, and U-bolt fitting possible on the outside.
• The instruction manual is included in the box; fitting needs only the Allen key supplied.
• Menabo recommends not exceeding 130 km/h with the roof bars fitted.
• With a box or bikes on the roof, the saloon becomes much taller. Check the height at garages, underground car parks and automatic car washes.

Frequently asked questions

Which roof bars fit the VW Passat B8 saloon?

On the Volkswagen Passat B8 4-door saloon, which has no roof rails, roof bars that attach to the body with a dedicated 4-door kit fit, such as Menabo Tema Aluminium for the Passat B8 4-door.

How much weight do the Menabo Tema bars carry on the Passat B8?

The Menabo Tema bars for the Passat B8 4-door have a maximum load of 50 kg, from which you deduct the weight of the fitted box or rack. Also observe the roof load in the Volkswagen manual, whichever is lower.

Why do the Menabo Tema bars whistle on the Passat?

Any set of bars changes the aerodynamics of a Passat B8, and noise can appear especially with accessories fitted or at high speed. The oval profile of the Menabo Tema bars helps, and you will find other solutions in the guide Why do my roof bars make noise while driving.

What can I fit on the Menabo Tema bars on a Passat B8 saloon?

On the Menabo Tema bars of a Passat B8 saloon you can fit bike racks, roof boxes, ski racks or kayak and canoe carriers, with a T-track fitting in the 20 mm channel or with a U-bolt fitting.

We are waiting for you in the showroom

Do you have a Passat B8 saloon and want roof bars? Come by our showroom, in Drumul Lunca Corbului 2, Sector 3, Bucharest, Romania, and we will show you the set in person, together with the roof boxes and ski racks for roof bars that fit. You can also reach us here: contact us through our contact page or at [email protected].

You can also message us on WhatsApp.

Sources: Wikipedia, Volkswagen Passat (B8) · Main photo of the post, Passat B8 saloon without roof rails · SuportBicicleta.ro guide: Why do my roof bars make noise while driving · product pages on suportbicicleta.ro