MK5 GTi Cam belt interval

[supersport]

I keep seeing reference to the cam belt being change being needed at 40,000 (like this one http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a... but checking my service book it says 80K.

I know mine was done at 80K as I got it done and I can find no history of it being done previously. I am now at 120,000 so from what I have seen it should be due, but not according to the schedule. 40K does seem a little often to me, after all its not a Ferrari.

[supersport]

Mine is a 2005 car and had a full VW history up until I bought it at 80K, 4 years ago and had not had the belt changed. So by that reckoning it is needed this year. Seems a bit ridiculous to be doing it that often.

[supersport]

Dr G said:

Audi's advice on identical engine is 5 years/75k throughout.

Never seen one fail on one of these fail on any 2.0 TFSI but belts are cheaper than engines.

I wonder if VW changed their mind at some point, since my hand book definitely states 80K miles and no time limit. The fact that is had a full VW history up to 80K and no belt change would back this up.

SuperchargedVR6 said:

supersport said:

Mine is a 2005 car and had a full VW history up until I bought it at 80K, 4 years ago and had not had the belt changed. So by that reckoning it is needed this year. Seems a bit ridiculous to be doing it that often.

Yep, I would get it done.

Why is it ridiculous? Replacing a Dual Mass Flywheel a few times (at £600 a time, exc labour and other parts) is ridiculous. Replacing a perishable part every 4 years or 60K is not even slightly ridiculous. It's common sense.

Every four years, 40k miles, just seems to be a bit of a short life span on a modern car to me.