Originally Posted by vwpassat03

If this is the same shop on Witchduck, I got the same flyer and brought in my 03 Passat GL 1.8T. They replaced the timing belt and water pump. 11K miles later the tensioner bolt that maintains pressure on the belt breaks and the engine was ruined. They say it could not be attributed to the job they did and do not feel any responsibility for the damage and they want me to ante up $3.5K to replace the engine. Needless to say, I took my car elsewhere. My new mechanic says that the bolt broke because it probably wasn't tightened when they replaced the belt. Over time, the bolt worked itself loose and when enough thread was exposed, it broke in two. Obviously I will no longer use their services.

Originally Posted by 3Point5SE

Be prepared, no matter where u go... it's gonna be a $1000 gig... but better do that before that 1 becomes a 5.

Oh I would go to European Cars of Williamsburg. PM GrkGuy89... or w/e his name is... His dad owns that place. They do good work. It may be a little pricey but not too expensive, but you get what you pay for sort of. ass long as you don't act like an arrogant asshole than Gus will fuck you over.

I know the people that work on the VWs there are pretty experienced in VWs and in timing belt replacements.

Originally Posted by scr8dubbn

cars inc... lolz

Originally Posted by LuvtheE36M3/4/5

Racewerks is hands down the best European Automotive Service Repair Shop. They specialize in nothing but BMW's, Audis, Volkswagons, and Porsche. All of their equipment is state of the art and the Management there is top notch. They always take care of their customers and do it at fairly reasonable price ($89 per labor hour I believe).

They are located off Dam Neck on Taylor Farm Road. I've had several jobs done there (power steering hoses, pump, drive belts, control arm bushings, etc.)

My uncle also just had a huge job done to his Audi where the timing belt, water pump, thermostat, brake rotors and pads were all replaced and it came out to be around $1300.

Originally Posted by Daft Punk

Originally Posted by vwpassat03

If this is the same shop on Witchduck, I got the same flyer and brought in my 03 Passat GL 1.8T. They replaced the timing belt and water pump. 11K miles later the tensioner bolt that maintains pressure on the belt breaks and the engine was ruined. They say it could not be attributed to the job they did and do not feel any responsibility for the damage and they want me to ante up $3.5K to replace the engine. Needless to say, I took my car elsewhere. My new mechanic says that the bolt broke because it probably wasn't tightened when they replaced the belt. Over time, the bolt worked itself loose and when enough thread was exposed, it broke in two. Obviously I will no longer use their services.

Originally Posted by David325e

Not VM, but BMW and MB checking in. Taken cars to both locations in Richmond and absolutely loved it. When I'd first gotten my 1st 5 series the timing belt snapped. It was a week before junior year started and I didn't have the time or tools to do the job myself. Had the car towed there. They called me about 6pm on Friday and said they'd opened the head if I wanted to come by and see it/tell them what work to do. Ended up ordering a pizza for them and they stayed late into the night teaching me a ton of stuff related to the car. Would recommend for sure.