So why is the steering wheel off center from the seat?

[Driver_found]

Test drove a 2012 Passat TDI today and I noticed as someone else also pointed out, the centerline of the driver's seat and centerline of the steering wheel seem to be offset from each other a bit. In other words, you don't sit directly behind the steering wheel. The centerline of the steering wheel is left of the centerline of the driver's seat. Any ideas on this?

For this short test drive, I quickly adjusted and settled in, but for long journeys it might become a body position issue IMO.

Side note: VW has successfully created a German Cam/cord. In a good way..
It still has VW attitude. For VW veterans, you can see where cuts were made, but for newbies, they will be very happy. With a bit of minor suspension tweaks, it could be really sweet. No real wind or road noise to speak of on this one. SE DSG.

 

[Nighteyes]

If I had to guess, I would say that the left offset is because most people drive with their left hand.

 

[gergg]

I thought it was to the right of the centerline of the seat? I was just looking at that today while driving, doesn't bother me a bit.

 

[greengeeker]

I would imagine the steering wheel is going to move around relative to the seat position since the bulkhead and powertrain are part of the NMS platform and should be the same regardless of vehicle width.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

I haven't noticed, but it couldn't be as bad as the old Audi 5000s... Those steering wheels were at an angle.


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[Driver_found]

In the above image links you can see what I was talking about and experienced.

 

[compu_85]

I hadent noticed. But VeeDubTDI is right... the wheel in my Audi was off center, and not parallel with the dash The Passat's wheel placement works good for me.

-J

 

[TomB]

Don't even notice it. Drive more, worry less.

 

[pogo]

My '02 Golf has the steering wheel offset to the center, too, but I can't remember if my older Jetta did as well. Its sort of a good position for leaning my elbow in the door shelf, and one-handing the steering wheel. Also might make it easier for tall drivers to get in the car and operate the clutch, though I suspect right hand drive steering wheels are also shifted towards the center, which would nix the clutch idea.

 

[40X40]

This is so the left front wheel doesn't rub on the drivers' left foot.

Bill

 

[gergg]

I just looked at mine again this morning and it is right of center relative to the drivers seat, weird that some others are left of center, how did VW manage to do that.

 

[VTGlockster]

I've had my 2012 Passat for a little over a week and I hadn't even noticed the wheel being off center. The car is very comfortable and even quieter than the 97 Mercedes E 300D it replaced.

 

[Niner]

I find it a non issue. If it is an issue, don't buy one, or buy a jetta, jsw or golf tdi instead for you fuel mileage needs.

 

[Dismayed]

Symmetry is over-rated.

 

[Driver_found]

I pointed out an observation for the general viewing public, as others have noted this too. I am waiting on the 2013 Passat anyway.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

I just looked at mine again this morning and it is right of center relative to the drivers seat, weird that some others are left of center, how did VW manage to do that.

Guess that means it's centered after all!

 

[MaynardLD50]

Turns out VW really messed up on mine. I realized you're steering wheels are in the front seat and mine is mounted in the rear center where everyone whined about no rear vents.

 

[TomJD]

This would bother the heck out of me. I am too OCD for this

 

[VeeDubTDI]

I think someone's butt is just lopsided.

 

[kydsid]

I think someone's butt is just lopsided.

I fixed that problem by carrying two wallets.

 

[VeeDubTDI]

hehe

 

[TomJD]

^^^ you beat me to it! Grrr

 

[meowguy]

My wheel favors the right hand side of the car. I thought this was for Vinnie Gumbatts so he could lean way over the center console when he drives. They give this feature to everyone else for free.

 

[verylongdrive]

The 91-96 Caprice and compatibles had this sort of problem: as the body was widened on a carryover frame, the cheap-out way for the wheel to point at the center of the seat was to angle the column left very slightly.

I guess they gave the enlarged Passat a similar asymmetry so I'd feel right at home.

 

[tincansailor]

2013 Passat has the wheel off center to the right. It is driving me insane. VW adjusted the seat 2mm to the right (max possible), but that was not enough. Noticed my loaner Passat also has the same problem. But, one in the showroom seemed better aligned. I want out of this car. Paid too much to drive with my arms out crooked. VW Customer Care is looking into it. I want them to find me one that is set up right or buy the thing back. They need to fix this shortcut at the factory if they really want to win over the NA market.

 

[tdiatlast]

tincansailor: VW Customer Care will be unable to redesign the alignment of the seat to the steering wheel. It is not a defect in your car.
Depending on what vehicle you're coming from, it's either a problem or it's not. I've driven Audi/VWs since 1983, and I just don't notice it.

 

[compu_85]

I'm not sure how the dealer adjusted the seat either, there is no play in the bolt holes that hold the frame to the body.

-J

 

[Ski in NC]

Most cars in the states have the steering wheel about two feet left of the centerline. I think that is considered normal. So much for symmetry.

 

[Rico567]

Interesting. When I sit and look at it, the wheel is obviously off-center to the right. When I'm driving, I never notice.

 

[pparks1]

I'll have to remember to take a peek at this when I am back in my car. It's something that I have not noticed.