MK5 GTi Cam belt interval

[Andy JB]

More frequent cam belt changes are common place with several manufacturers not just VAG, probably as suggested covering themselves for repair claims.

I fail to see how a belt 20 years ago would last 80k or 8 years then in more recent times last 40k or 4 years unless the manufacturing quality had deteriorated significantly or engine design had taken a huge step backwards. My B5 80k my B7 40k! doesn't stack up, noticed Mazda did the same shortening their intervals from 120k.

[va1o]

Sheepshanks said:

The handbook for our Golf (2011 model) says check at 120,000 miles, doesn't even mandate a change.

It's absurd that VW doesn't change the handbook (reading other forums it's been like that for years) or give people a formal notification of change. The cynical bit in me thinks it's to stop people saying it's a scheduled service item (which of course it is) and insisting it should be done as part of any service contract in place.

2011 GTI would be a chain so shouldn't need changing

My 2011 TDI is like yours with a 120k mile checkpoint. I plan on getting it changed when it reaches that mileage probably at the end of the year. Will be the second time I've hit the mileage limit before reaching the age limit for cambelt change on a new-ish VAG car

[john banks]

We have done the belt on our 68000 mile 2006 GTI twice, but we only did the water pump the first time. Given its miles and low use will probably now just run until it dies.