The tensioner on my VR6 is the original one and its done 124k now!
Problem with the tensioner was when winding in the bolt to slacken the belt when i replaced the belt, it sheered the threaded lug off! Bit of a bummer cos they cost a packet to replace. I never cause the tensioner its self is fine just a bit more fiddly to slaken the belt but that dont matter cause i replaced that already.
As for the cam chain.... VW recon it wont snap.
If it does apparantly they will replace the engine!
Is this true? anyone tryed this guarantee