how often does timing belt need to be changed?

[DTMDoc]

i am new to the vw world. i am considering buying
a gti, but im curious as to how many miles do you
need to change the timing belt on it?
any ideas?

TIA

[KaynE]

I think in California it's about every 50k miles and every other state is like 70k?

[Horizon]

So the GTI has a belt now, instead of a chain? Well that stinks...

[GTI2007]

So the GTI has a belt now, instead of a chain? Well that stinks...

They use a toothed utherane belt which makes them far superior to the older belts

[Dubdr]

Recommend 50k as far as I know.

[alf]

i heard 70K - 80K miles

[Dubdr]

I can tell you for sure next week. As I said, I will pass along all the "top secret" VW info. HAHA

[NorthGTI]

So the GTI has a belt now, instead of a chain? Well that stinks...

Only the VR6 version of the GTI had a chain before.

[Horizon]

Goes to show what I know.:tongue: Thanks again for the info guys.

[loccusst]

I would rather have the belt than the chain.

[ukdub]

In the UK user manual it says:
check at 60k then every 20k
change at 120k
at 160k replace toothed belt tensioning roller
120k seems alot on a belt. I will not be leaving it that long, thats for sure.
That is miles by the way.

[DTMDoc]

Thank you for everyone's answer. How much roughly does it cost to change?

[Wild Hare]

Tensioner and belt should always be changed all at once. That's what VW/Audi recommends.

[loccusst]

Yeah, I would change it way before the recommended time.

[the_saint]

Tensioner and belt should always be changed all at once. That's what VW/Audi recommends.
As well as the waterpump I'm sure.
If you're going to have it all apart might as well replace the waterpump too.

[GTT]

Back in 1990 I had a Mits Eclipse/Laser turbo. The recommended belt change interval was 60k miles. Failures were happening and that sweet turbo engine was an "interference" design engine, so if the belt snapped there was valve to piston contact, which could result in extensive repair depending on engine speed and when it snapped.
The Audi 1.8t is also an interference design, so breaking a timing belt is bad news, and a slipped belt could cause problems as well.
A "non interference" design has a small gap maintained between the piston and valves so all one needs is a new belt and retiming and you're off.

Is the 2.0T an "interference" engine, or non?
The 1.8t was so maybe the 2.0T is as well.

Also, it's been 16 years since that Mits belt design and I'm sure modern materials have allowed manufacturers to create lighter and stronger belts than before. So, a belt may sound like a good idea as it may be tough, but it costs in rotational weight and tooth wear.

T