Author Topic: Timing Chain Tensioner Failures & Other Common Problems To Look Out For?  (Read 3596 times)

Offline Imjustsid

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Hey guys,

I am a complete newby to this forum, but i am looking at buying a DSG Mk6 GTI finally! After doing a bit research about the Mk6 it seems that the tensioner for the timing chain is notorious for failing, which makes me nervous.

I believe that there has been revised tensioner by VW, however when did VW start manufacturing engines with them? Am looking at purchasing 2011 - 2012 (11-62 plate) GTI so am not sure if its safe to assume that this tensioner failure problem has been put to bed.

Also if you guys could point out another commons issue i should look out for or beware of i would really appreciate it!

I would have gone for a MK7 but its out of my budget and am not big fan of its interior i think MK6 interior is much nicer!

Cheers,

Sid

Offline The ANT

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They should replace the engine with a new one if the car you buy hasn't already got the new tensioner or had a new engine fitted. Mine had a new engine fitted before I got the car. A 2012 one should have the new tensioner, I'm not sure on 2011. Contact vw, if the car you look at had the old tensioner, make sure it's been sorted or use it as a tool to get the price down, you can wait for the crunch but I would pay for the new tensioner to reduce hassle and peace of mind if there is no evidence to prove it's tensioner is safe.
Now I've done a few tweaks to my mk6 I'm in love with it.  Brilliant fun since the remap.
Suffering from a severe and unforgiving case of GTItis


Offline Imjustsid

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Thanks for the advice!

Another common issues i should look out for?

Offline mwad gti

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2012 has def got the upgraded one
Candy White 3 dr Manual 2012 GTi. Bought new.
DAB, Dynaudio, Kenwood Head Unit Upgrade, Private Plate,
Full Leather and Heated Seats
18" Shadow Monzas, luxury pack.
Colour coded side skirts and gloss black diffuser.

Offline mwad gti

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I think the 2011 one has the upgrade too but I'm not 100%
Candy White 3 dr Manual 2012 GTi. Bought new.
DAB, Dynaudio, Kenwood Head Unit Upgrade, Private Plate,
Full Leather and Heated Seats
18" Shadow Monzas, luxury pack.
Colour coded side skirts and gloss black diffuser.

Offline joe6

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There were two redesigns but not sure when.
Mk6 GTI Carbon Grey, 2010 Bluetooth and voice fitted, a few VCDS mods still a comfortable family car. Red Scirocco 2011 twin charger stage 1 - enjoyable drive now gone.  White 2016 Polo GTI (roller skate on steroids) replaced with an Indium Grey 2019 7.5 GTI PP.

Offline SRGTD

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Also if you guys could point out another commons issue i should look out for or beware of i would really appreciate it!

Cheers,

Sid

The mk6 GTI had 17" powder coated alloys as standard but most were specced new with 18" Monza Shadow alloys (the diamond cut ones). Diamond cut alloys should be checked carefully for signs of curbing or "whiteworm" corrosion, where the lacquer coating has become damaged, allowing water to get under the lacquer and creating a milky white appearance. If they're damaged or suffering from "whiteworm", to get them refurbished properly costs around £80-90 plus VAT per wheel. Also, check the inside edge of the rear tyres for signs of uneven "sawtooth" wear. If present, you'll be able to feel the tread is 'stepped' on the inside edge by running your hand around the inside edge of the tyre and likely to have been caused by the wheel alignment being out. Sawtooth wear pattern on the rear tyres will create a sound like worn wheel bearings once you get to approx 40-50 mph.

DSG gearbox cars require a gearbox service (oil change) every 40k miles, so ensure this has been done depending upon mileage. Also, check the service history to make sure the car has been serviced on time.

Xenon-equipped models are rare, but the xenon headlamps are very good (I had them on my mk6 GTD), so a bonus if you find one with these. Other worthwhile options are the RNS510 head unit (the one with sat nav) or the RCD510 unit (with multi-CD player). Both of these have touch screens and are a step up from the standard head unit. Leather is desirable, but VW leather in the Golf is prone to sagging on the right hand seat bolster on the driver's seat. for cloth seat models, check the drivers seat bolsters for wear.

Remember, there are plenty of mk6 GTI's out there, so take your time finding the right one.

Good luck in your search.
2020 Polo GTI Plus; Pure White, DSG (because they all are)
Gone but not forgotten;
2016 Polo GTI; Blue Silk
2011 mk6 Golf GTD; Carbon Grey
2007 mk5 Golf GT (2.0 170bhp TDI version); Deep Black Pearl
2002  mk4 Golf GTI (the 150 bhp diesel version); Deep Black Pearl

Offline Imjustsid

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Thanks for the help guys, I`ll let you know how i get on!