Timing Belt Confusion

[No Golf Clubs at all]

Chaps, hope your all not getting bored by posts re timing belts etc....but its getting near that time for many of us....or is it? 

I went to book my GTI into www.a4audi.co.uk, a well respected and trusted independent. The main mech there called VW and asked what the intervals were on the cam belt. VW stated 5 years or 80,000 miles.

This surprised me as local main dealers are stating 4 years and 60,000miles.

To verify I went to www.audivwrepaircentre.co.uk, again a recommended and respected indy. They stated 120,000 miles OR 5 years.
So....I just called VW Customer services (0800 333 666), who state 4 years....OR 120,000!!!...

So, Four places and Four different intervals.

I know, I know, I know PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN CURE and this has been discussed before about the need to get it done, but I have circa 36,000 miles and am only 3.5 years in!

Thoughts? Does anyone have any documented evidence from VW that the intervals are 4years and 40k out there?

[ifti]

TBH, Im gonna get mine done at around the 60k mark, or 4 years

[Gene Hunt.]

TBH, Im gonna get mine done at around the 60k mark, or 4 years

...........i would do the same.

[DanoGTI]

I'd be looking at another 6 months, then get it done. Go on time, not distance

Dan

[TagnuT]

If its due for a service see if they can do a visual inspection of the belt, at the same time. If its looking in poor health you can get it changed sooner rather than later.

[ub7rm]

60k / 5 years for me.

See the 'other' post for my take on the matter 

When I asked my local dealer they said 100k miles and no mention of timescale.  This was in the last couple of months and I don't intend (or recommend to others) to follow that advise but yes there is a hell of a lot of confusion on this about.

[TomB]

I personally do my cam belts every 40k (thanks to a fear sparked by the ABF engine), I'd say 60k at the latest.

Better to spend money on 2 belt changes than 1 head rebuild!

[No Golf Clubs at all]

Yep there's no denying that it makes sense..... But it's the inconsistency that alarms me. I'm gonna get it done now, simply to get it out of the way. Just wish someone would issue a proper bulletin out to all and state it categorically, sure you can get away with "80k or 120k" but I'd be soiling my CK's driving on the original then...guess of also helps a sale to if you can take those costs out of the equation ,....