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CAM Belt and Water Pump change

Which would lead me to think some of the European (more southern) countries would be more at risk? Higher temps, more UV radiation... I’m not seeing why the limits are lower in UK...?
Well, having seen the damage that can be caused I, personally, am not prepared to take the risk. 4 yrs or 80,000 miles I’ll stick to.
 
Well, having seen the damage that can be caused I, personally, am not prepared to take the risk. 4 yrs or 80,000 miles I’ll stick to.
Totally agree if UK VW is going for that, I’m not risking it.
But given my background in materials science I find the different countries limits somewhat contrary to science... heho... that’s VW for you
 
Which would lead me to think some of the European (more southern) countries would be more at risk? Higher temps, more UV radiation... I’m not seeing why the limits are lower in UK...?
Not just southern countries...in Germany Volkswagen recommends changing at 210,000km without time limit. What does Wolfsburg know that VWUK doesn't?
 
Quoted over £600 inc. VAT yesterday for cam belt and water pump at the local VW Commercial, just glad I was sat down at the time, I’d have fainted otherwise.
 
Quoted over £600 inc. VAT yesterday for cam belt and water pump at the local VW Commercial, just glad I was sat down at the time, I’d have fainted otherwise.

Having mine done next Wed at SMG Cowfold along with a service. Think Belt and pump was £450 + vat. (Got it written down at work, so will confirm exact price on Monday)
 
£360 from my local VW specialist for a 2012 140bhp, inc genuine parts


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Our Cali is coming up 4 years old and so quotes for Cam belt and Water pump change I have so far is Canterbury £638, Eurovans Crawley (where we bought the van £558) and Ashford JCB over £600. Any one had theirs changed in the South East (we're based near Canterbury) for a more reasonable price? We have the 5 year warranty on the van & extended service plan and so prefer to stick it in a VW dealership as it also needs a service, but knowing a cheaper alternative might be useful when I phone to try to negotiate the price down a bit.
 
Ask your dealer to price match. I would find a local independent VW specialist who will use genuine parts and get a price and ask your local VW dealer to price match. Failing that ask them to price match the SMG price
 
So to add further confusion to this, I was in the Main Dealer yesterday for an MOT and asked again about the Cam Belt and that I would have it changed when the service is next due in September. Dealer was very surprised and asked why I was changing it a year early, to which I replied you sent me an email saying it was due changing. Apparently email was a mistake as it’s 5 years not 4. Asked them to go away and double check which they did and confirmed 5 years - very confusing!
 
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Apparently email was a mistake as it’s 5 years not 4. Asked them to go away and double check which they did and confirmed 5 years - very confusing!
My dealer confirmed 4 years and 80,000 miles (whichever comes first).

I wonder if it’s also semantics, i.e. “recommended” 4 years or 80,000 miles and “required” at x years and y miles?

If I was you I’d ask the dealer who pays for the repairs / new engine if it fails in the 5th year. Pretty sure it won’t be the dealer - so maybe worth getting it done at 4 years in any case?
 
So to add further confusion to this, I was in the Main Dealer yesterday for an MOT and asked again about the Cam Belt and that I would have it changed when the service is next due in September. Dealer was very surprised and asked why I was changing it a year early, to which I replied you sent me an email saying it was due changing. Apparently email was a mistake as it’s 5 years not 4. Asked them to go away and double check which they did and confirmed 5 years - very confusing!
Just Googled and theres a VW FAQ.... cambelt-change But I think thats for cars. IF the answer also applies to vans its 4 years for pre 2009 and 5 post 2009.

....... This was on the VW Vans FAQ..

When should the cambelt be replaced on my Volkswagen Commercial Vehicle?
The recommended service intervals for your vehicle can be located inside your service schedule. Wear to cam belts will vary and are subject to driving style, types of use. Your Volkswagen Van Centre will advise when a replacement is required. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles UK recommend that you have your cambelt replaced every four years irrespective of driven mileage. Should you have any queries, please contact your nearest Van Centre→.
 
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My dealer confirmed 4 years and 80,000 miles (whichever comes first).

I wonder if it’s also semantics, i.e. “recommended” 4 years or 80,000 miles and “required” at x years and y miles?

If I was you I’d ask the dealer who pays for the repairs / new engine if it fails in the 5th year. Pretty sure it won’t be the dealer - so maybe worth getting it done at 4 years in any case?
I would play safe for the sake of a year and do it at 4, whatever the miles or what VW say. It's quite depressing that VW can't seem to give a definitive answer to such a basic but critical question.
 
Our Cali is coming up 4 years old and so quotes for Cam belt and Water pump change I have so far is Canterbury £638, Eurovans Crawley (where we bought the van £558) and Ashford JCB over £600. Any one had theirs changed in the South East (we're based near Canterbury) for a more reasonable price? We have the 5 year warranty on the van & extended service plan and so prefer to stick it in a VW dealership as it also needs a service, but knowing a cheaper alternative might be useful when I phone to try to negotiate the price down a bit.
£475 + VAT *+ SMG Cowfold, great dealership.
 
£475 + VAT **+ SMG Cowfold, great dealership.


Thanks got JCB Ashford to price match Eurovans price and so £558 inc VAT (£465 exc) so ok with price as similar to others although still a shock!
 
Thanks got JCB Ashford to price match Eurovans price and so £558 inc VAT (£465 exc) so ok with price as similar to others although still a shock!
The shock at prices is all part of the VW Ownership “journey”!
 
Hi, sorry to resurrect an older thread but.....
I’ve got a july2014 180 dsg california se.
My service instructions, repeated on a service report in June 2018 from Jct600 Sheffield -says cam belt change by July 2020 (6 years) or 140,000 miles.

I’m just booking mine in for July but wondered if there was any reason why there are different opinions within UK on this.....(I understand the cash cow issue between countries).

Also...is it essential or just sensible to change water pump at same time?

ideas?
 
Due to the amount of fiddly work involved the general consensus is to get the rest of the moving parts replaced at the same time as they cost less than the labour.
 
Hi, sorry to resurrect an older thread but.....
I’ve got a july2014 180 dsg california se.
My service instructions, repeated on a service report in June 2018 from Jct600 Sheffield -says cam belt change by July 2020 (6 years) or 140,000 miles.

I’m just booking mine in for July but wondered if there was any reason why there are different opinions within UK on this.....(I understand the cash cow issue between countries).

Also...is it essential or just sensible to change water pump at same time?

ideas?
The cost of a Cambelt change excluding the water pump is about £450 and with the water pump about £500 and the work and parts carry a 2 yr warranty if done by VW.
The cost of replacing just the water pump is about £400 because the Cambelt has to be removed and is exactly the same procedure work wise as a Cambelt change.
Water pump about £50 and Cambelt Service kit/parts about £100.

all prices approximate.
 
The cost of a Cambelt change excluding the water pump is about £450 and with the water pump about £500 and the work and parts carry a 2 yr warranty if done by VW.
The cost of replacing just the water pump is about £400 because the Cambelt has to be removed and is exactly the same procedure work wise as a Cambelt change.
Water pump about £50 and Cambelt Service kit/parts about £100.

all prices approximate.
Thanks everybody, thanks WelshGas!
 
Hi I have a 2017 Cali 150 dsg. VW told me the cam belt and water pump are due to be replaced at four years or 80,000 miles. Is that correct?
 
I will probably go to a approved VW garage next year when mine is due .... First MOT next week ... Can't believe three years already gone
 
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