Using our years of service repair knowledge, what do we recommend? When dealing with crucial timing belt service, err on the side of caution. It is our recommendation to closely inspect all timing belt components before the recommended interval. Play it safe, changing your timing belt may seem expensive. However, choosing to exceed your timing belt service interval is risky and can lead to unknown repair costs that will far exceed typical timing belt replacement service costs.
VW Timing Belt Change Intervals for Diesel TDI Engines
1.9L TDI ALH
The most recent recommended timing belt replacement interval for VW 1.9L TDI ALH models is 100,000 miles.
1999-2004 VW Jetta change interval is 100,000 miles for TDI ALH (US) A4 chassis.
1999-2004 VW Golf change interval is 100,000 miles for TDI ALH (US) A4 chassis.
1998-2004 VW Beetle change interval is 100,000 miles for TDI ALH (US).
Please Note: When originally released, the recommended timing belt interval for ALH TDI VW Jetta Golf Beetle was 40,000 miles for automatic transmissions and 60,000 miles for manual transmissions. However, in 2003 VAG raised the timing belt interval to 100,000 miles. This was done because of improvements made to the timing belt idler bearing (an increased ID from 47mm to 60mm), and a stronger timing belt (carbon aramid material). Stressing the importance of choosing high-quality VW timing belt parts.
1.9L TDI BEW
The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for VW 1.9L TDI BEW models is 80,000 miles.
2004-2005 VW Jetta change interval is 80,000 miles for TDI BEW A4 chassis (aka Mark IV).
2004-2006 VW Golf change interval is 80,000 miles for TDI BEW A4 chassis (aka Mark IV).
2004-2008 VW Beetle change interval is 80,000 miles for TDI BEW.
1.9L TDI BRM
The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for VW 1.9L TDI BRM models is 80,000 miles.
2005-2006 VW Jetta change interval is 80,000 miles for TDI BRM A5 chassis (aka Mark V).
2.0L TDI
The most recent recommend timing belt replacement interval for VW 2.0L TDI models is 80,000 miles.
2009-2010 VW Jetta change interval is 80,000 miles for 2.0L TDI (US) A5 chassis.
2004-2005 VW Passat change interval is 80,000 miles for 2.0L TDI (US) B5 chassis.
Intended Life-Expectancy of Timing Belt Components
In our service facility, we've seen a few original timing belts last over 90,000 miles and others ready to break before 75,000 miles. In addition to mileage, other factors age the timing belt and related components. The following are some reasons why you see the difference in how long a VW timing belt and related components last: (1) un-logged engine idle times and sitting in traffic; (2) warm-up time in cold weather; (3) environmental climate factors; (4) related engine maintenance that may have been overlooked.
Keys to the long life of your new timing belt components after timing belt replacement. Make your new parts last! You can expect your BLAU INA OEM components to last the specified mileage interval if the following important steps were taken:
1) Timing belt service was performed using the same timing belt and timing belt tensioner that is supplied to VAG, which is engineered to meet the specified change interval requirements.
2) Timing belt service was performed by an experienced competent ASE-certified VW mechanic who is familiar with your specific engine.
3) Factory service procedures must be strictly followed. Even if installing the best parts, using improper procedures can shorten their life span. Incorrect installation or missteps during timing belt service are often done without intent and aren't noticed until further down the road. Fortunately, some common mishaps are noticed after re-assembly and during the final engine rotational timing sequences.
Halette Jacky
Marketing Content Creator
Halette Jacky is a Blauparts brand specialist with over 15 years of experience in the European automotive industry. She facilitates gathering customers’ FAQs and creating easy-to-understand answers in the form of blog articles as well as optimized product descriptions. All in an effort to help customers m...
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