Do I need to change my Golf's timing belt?

Hi, what are the timing belt and water pump changing intervals on a mk 5 2007 Volkswagen Golf and how much does it cost?

Thanks.

Stephen Sheehan (Dublin)

Nov 2015 Filed under: servicing

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Expert answer

Hi Stephen,

The change interval varies depending on the engine fitted to your Golf. Our information is that the 1.9 TDI BlueMotion, 1.9 TDI PD, 2.0 SDI and 2.0 TDI all need their belts changed every 80,000 miles (nearly 129,000km), whereas the 2.0-litre petrol models (FSI or GTI) have 120,000-mile intervals (193,000km or so). Regardless of mileage, the belt should be changed at least every four years.

As to cost, that's not so easy to answer. An independent garage will charge a different rate to a main dealer and it may well depend on which version of the Golf you have. Best to ring around.

Shane O' Donoghue - Complete Car Adviser
@Shane_O_D