Timing chain ok or not?

[ryanbedford]

Hi all,

I've had my 2015 GTI PP since pretty much new, now on 135k miles. I've loved it and it's served me well, but time to move on and I've 'sold' it via Motorway. Its had a full service history and is running well.

I spoke to the dealer on the phone today who've made an offer for the car. He asked me when the timing belt/water pump were last done, as I guess from the photos of the service book I uploaded they can see it hasn't been done. I said I wasn't sure, as on the spot when he asked I'd forgotten about the fact is has a timing chain. So he said 'oh it should have been done at 120k miles, so its overdue' and he'd need to adjust the price when he comes to inspect the car as they'll want it done so they can offer a 1yr or so warranty when they sell it.

So, after a quick google etc, I've read a few posts saying that the timing chain is not on a maintenance schedule and should last the life of the car, and doesn't need changing unless its out of tolerance or has issues. I found a video showing to check the phase positions which I did with my OBD11, and this is what I've got after 5mins of the car warming up and idling:-



So, from reading around I saw that the tolerance was +-5deg, so this value of -3deg is fine, and the timing chain doesn't need replacing, correct? I just want to get something concrete to counter the dealer trying to reduce his offer price at all. Is there anything direct from VW saying timing chain last the life unless out of tolerance.

Many thanks for any info and advice.

[clubsport]

I agree with what you have written, but I am just another Mk7 GTi enthuiast.
To be sure you probably need to have the same conversation with a recognised VW service independent and then suggest the dealer looking to purchase the car, speaks to them, to back you up?

[Adam T7]

Get the point re timing chain vs belt (I’d ask him to Google it for confirmation) but what about the buyers comment on the water pump - has that been replaced, it’s a known issue.

[ryanbedford]

I've emailed a couple of VW garages/dealers I've used before to ask their opinion on the timing chain so fingers crossed they'll agree its fine and doesn't need changing.

Regarding the water pump, I don't think its been replaced. Should it have been as part of routine scheduled maintenance? It's working fine and no leaks, so unless it should have been done at 60/80/120k, that too is ok isn't it and I don't believe I've missed anything?

[Adam T7]

I don’t believe it’s a service related replacement but they are known to fail and it maybe something a buyer will use to get a reduced price. Anyway, good luck with sale👍

[jv]

You've sold it on Motorway, dealer should discuss before bidding, not pre-prepare you for being hustled afterwards!

[joe6]

On the mk6 the timing chain schedule is to check at 120k not replace. Not sure what the mk7 service schedule says. The phase angle that you listed is fine. The tolerance is +/- 5. You are being put under undue pressure by the motorway dealer. If they are concerned they need to contact your service dealership.