A Rant About VW Group Timing Chains Service

The issue of timing chains and nylon guide longevity on modern engines is such a hot topic. With timing chain replacement for my Passat W8 being something I will have to consider in the not too distant future, I can't avoid thinking about the reasons why these engines were designed with the chains on the rear of the engine.


With the "official" word being that these timing chain systems should last the life of the engine and with some complex power plants like the Audi S4 V8 needing replacement at or near 100K miles, the only conclusion anyone can come to is that these car makers did not expect consumers to keep these cars very long. Sometimes it feels as if these cars were built so that the first owner could enjoy them at the expense of subsequent owners. It really makes you think twice about keeping these cars a long time. More than that, it makes you ask yourself - Is all the complexity worth it for a daily driver. It is definitively a good example of how practicality takes a back seat to short-term gains in our throw away society.

On the lighter side... I thought the VW W8 was a challenge. That was until I saw a photo of the Audi S4 V8 (second one below). THAT is a timing chain system. :-)

There are timing chains (VW W8) and...

there are TIMING CHAINS (Audi SA V8)