[iowa_bugman]

I had the timing belt service completed on the 2004 New Beetle, BEV, today @70k miles. Parts: $170 Labor: $350

If anyone is curious, this is what was found:

- Water pump was leaking at shaft. Plastic impeller looked new. I'm glad we changed it. It was made in Mexico.

- Timing belt teeth looked new, except one tooth was showing a few "threads". Smooth side of timing belt had rubbed off most of the writing. No cracks anywhere. It was made in the USA.

- Thermostat - On its way out, CEL on, P2181.

- Serpentine belt - still in grade A condition.

- Cam seal - not leaking.

Given the state of the water pump, I'm glad I made the decision to get the service completed.

 

[esse10]

made it mexico

Ya gonnna find out that most of these beetles were completely assembled in MEXICO. Glad u got yours running good, good luck and welcome to newbeetle.org:bigthumb:

 

[Smileybug]

Ya gonnna find out that most of these beetles were completely assembled in MEXICO. Glad u got yours running good, good luck and welcome to newbeetle.org:bigthumb:

Most? All New Beetles were made in Mexico. As are most Jettas, some Golfs, etc. Being made in Mexico has nothing to do with the quality of the car.

 

[jfoj]

Good price on the labor.

What is the labor rate and how many hours did they bill out for you?

Around here most shops are close to or over $100 per hour!

 

[GGNB2006]

I had the timing belt service completed on the 2004 New Beetle, BEV, today @70k miles. Parts: $170 Labor: $350

If anyone is curious, this is what was found:

- Water pump was leaking at shaft. Plastic impeller looked new. I'm glad we changed it. It was made in Mexico.

- Timing belt teeth looked new, except one tooth was showing a few "threads". Smooth side of timing belt had rubbed off most of the writing. No cracks anywhere. It was made in the USA.

- Thermostat - On its way out, CEL on, P2181.

- Serpentine belt - still in grade A condition.

- Cam seal - not leaking.

Given the state of the water pump, I'm glad I made the decision to get the service completed.

Congratulations on your good deal!

Is it the first time for your beetle's timing belt change since new???
Most likely, it is, I guess from its mileage. Just to be confirmed.

 

[Volkswoman]

Perhaps the words "Hecho in Mexico" don't have any bearing on the quality of the car, but I can tell you that for old school VW folks (myself included) we love seeing the metal plate inside the bonnet than reads "Wolfsburg" with all the numbers, like on my '65 VW Squareback S. Nothing like that good German engineering AND production. If that weren't true, people wouldn't want to buy German made parts.

 

[Darwin]

Quite a few parts are not actually made in German but still come as VW branded and I trust you took your mexican built car to germany to have your american parts fitted ?

Perhaps the words "Hecho in Mexico" don't have any bearing on the quality of the car, but I can tell you that for old school VW folks (myself included) we love seeing the metal plate inside the bonnet than reads "Wolfsburg" with all the numbers, like on my '65 VW Squareback S. Nothing like that good German engineering AND production. If that weren't true, people wouldn't want to buy German made parts.

 

[iowa_bugman]

This was a one-man independent shop, $70/hour, ~5 hours of labor. He's a great mechanic, one of the best I've met, so I feel very fortunate.

Regarding country of origin, I mentioned that because I was surprised to have the USA belt and Mexico pump. Except the water pump, all parts that have failed on the car have been Made in Germany or Austria!

The reason I did the service was age (original belt @ 9 years), the coolant code, and fear of impeller grenading.

 

[OmahaTDI]

Where in Iowa are you & your mechanic from?

 

[iowa_bugman]

Where in Iowa are you & your mechanic from?

I'm in Des Moines, and info has been emailed. Thanks!

 

[OmahaTDI]

Thanks!