In my brief time on the forum I have noticed there seems to be some confusion over when the timing belt should be replaced on the Golf GTE
I will try and clear things up with some screenshots taken (edited for ease of reading no data has been changed) from erWin which is a service anyone can subscribe too and get data from direct from VW, it isnt free though. None of the data below goes into methods of how to complete the timing belt change it just clears up when it should be done as not to infringe any copyright laws.
First of all we need to establish which Group we fall into based on vehicle location, from what I have seen on the forum the majority of us will fall into Group A
![137224]()
Once you know which group you fall into see below
Group A:
![137225]()
Group B and C:
![137226]()
What does all that mean then?
Basically if you fall into group B or C your timing belt must be replaced every 120,000km (75,000 miles)
If you fall into group A it is very ambiguous which is where the confusion has come in, essentially the way I read it is that the tooth belt does not official require routine replacement.
What would I recommend?
I am in no way an authority on these sort of things, but for anyone interested in my opinion I would personally treat the timing belt as Group B no matter which country I lived in which is exactly what I did today by replacing the timing belt
![137227]()
When completing the timing belt change the original belt looks in great condition after 84,000 miles and would probably easily have gone another 84,000 miles but the way I see it rubber ages even if the engine is never running for those who use their car primarily as an EV. It isn't worth the risk.
If anyone is thinking of doing the timing belt, you will need a locking pin set. I can recommend the Laser 6348 which is available for about £30
Just on another side note, for anyone who lives in a dusty country listed below you definitely need to follow the Group B timing belt change intervals:
![137228]()
I will try and clear things up with some screenshots taken (edited for ease of reading no data has been changed) from erWin which is a service anyone can subscribe too and get data from direct from VW, it isnt free though. None of the data below goes into methods of how to complete the timing belt change it just clears up when it should be done as not to infringe any copyright laws.
First of all we need to establish which Group we fall into based on vehicle location, from what I have seen on the forum the majority of us will fall into Group A
Once you know which group you fall into see below
Group A:
Group B and C:
What does all that mean then?
Basically if you fall into group B or C your timing belt must be replaced every 120,000km (75,000 miles)
If you fall into group A it is very ambiguous which is where the confusion has come in, essentially the way I read it is that the tooth belt does not official require routine replacement.
What would I recommend?
I am in no way an authority on these sort of things, but for anyone interested in my opinion I would personally treat the timing belt as Group B no matter which country I lived in which is exactly what I did today by replacing the timing belt
When completing the timing belt change the original belt looks in great condition after 84,000 miles and would probably easily have gone another 84,000 miles but the way I see it rubber ages even if the engine is never running for those who use their car primarily as an EV. It isn't worth the risk.
If anyone is thinking of doing the timing belt, you will need a locking pin set. I can recommend the Laser 6348 which is available for about £30
Just on another side note, for anyone who lives in a dusty country listed below you definitely need to follow the Group B timing belt change intervals:
