OT - 1997 VW Cabrio

[Scott E]

My GF has a 97' Cabrio and the local stealer wants $250 to do a so-called "Tune-Up" which includes plugs, air filter, possible cabin filter and cleaning the injectors. I think I will call BMA and do it myself.

What is of more concern to me is the car has about 80k and there is no record of the timing belt being replaced.

Anyone have any experience with these cars (Bill R) that they would like to share.

Thanks in advanced,

[Mr Project]

My wife's car is a '95 Jetta with the VR6, and you should be thankful you have the 2.slow when it comes time to buy parts like your plugs and such. (wholesale $5 each for mine!) Another good source for VW parts for me has been Adirondack Auto at:

www.germanautoparts.com

But I love BMA!

At 80k I would probably just change the t-belt, it's not that tough on a 2.0 and not too expensive either, IIRC.

[Bill R.]

replacement, they just say to inspect it and change if needed...the replacement interval on the newer 2.0 such as 2000 and newer is 105k , since you have the aba motor it should have the thermo tensioner for the belt replaced also at this time.. While tuning it up don't disconnect the battery or you have to have the throttle body adaptation redone with a tool at the dealer...I'm not a big fan of the newer vw's so I don't work on that many to have a lot of info for you... Hopefully you have a bentley's for it already..

My GF has a 97' Cabrio and the local stealer wants $250 to do a so-called "Tune-Up" which includes plugs, air filter, possible cabin filter and cleaning the injectors. I think I will call BMA and do it myself.

What is of more concern to me is the car has about 80k and there is no record of the timing belt being replaced.

Anyone have any experience with these cars (Bill R) that they would like to share.

Thanks in advanced,

[Steve N]

Working on a VW sucks. It's not well layed out like a BMW. Make sure you have all the tools you need before you start.

r.I'm not a big fan of the newer vw's so I don't work on that many to have a lot of info for you... Hopefully you have a bentley's for it already..

[Martin in Bellevue]

Working on a VW sucks. It's not well layed out like a BMW. Make sure you have all the tools you need before you start.

[Mr Project]

I'd rather do the PS hoses on a 540 than the timing chains on my VR6 again.

[TheGeak]

hey, working on my MkII Golf is a BREEZE. Everything is easy to reach and plenty of space to work on it. I don't have any complaints. Of course, i wouldn't touch a new VW to save my life (except a 1.8T MkIV GTi *drools*)

[sbcncsu]

hey, working on my MkII Golf is a BREEZE. Everything is easy to reach and plenty of space to work on it. I don't have any complaints. Of course, i wouldn't touch a new VW to save my life (except a 1.8T MkIV GTi *drools*)

Yes, the 1.8T is drool-worthy BUT, the R32 is Just Awesome: http://www.caranddriver.com/article....rticle_id=8006

Oh for the old days of my Mark I GTI: 90 hp+100 lb-ft+2100 lb=FUN

[winfred]

and my old 83 rx7 gs, 12a 100hp 100lb' 2300lbs 50/50 weight rear drive, can we say oversteer, i miss that turd

Oh for the old days of my Mark I GTI: 90 hp+100 lb-ft+2100 lb=FUN

[Mr Project]

Oh yeah, right there with you on the first gen RX-7s. My '79 is a now just a shell waiting for me to spend some money and build a drivetrain for it. That and my '85 GSL were probably the most fun I've had on 4 wheels.