As I do not know 100% when the timing belt was last changed in my 13.5 year old 45K TDi 90 I have bitten the bullet with little to know choice locally other than dealers and one indy I have used before and had no dramas on the 530D. Getting timing belt (complete kit), water pump, new coolant and drive belt changed. Total price all in inc VAT = £265. I am happy enough just to be getting it done, does it seem like a good price? I think it's fair enough? 

 

Good thing is, after this the car will be fully fit to take on the world without the fear in the back of my mind of belt mayhem! 

I think that's roughly what I paid at my local (but very reliable) garage, water pump has to be done really as they get brittle and new belt puts them under extra stress. It hits the wallet fairly hard but its a weight off your mind.

I got recently timing belt, water pump and drive belt changed for £240, the kit was Gates kit and pump had metal impelars. The price included replacing passenger side window regulator (second hand one) too.

Happy days cheers, seems about right then. Peace of mine is the main thing, but also means I need to keep this car as a long term one..... I like changing cars too often though bahhhh. 

I think this is the kind of job where its nice to have a garage/mechanic you can trust, so I wouldn't quibble over an extra 10 or 20 quid paid to the right person. My man did mine for an hours labour which helped, showed me my old water pump, which was indeed starting to break up, new belt would have annihilated it.

Got the car back this afternoon after driving up to get it and forgetting my wallet and realising just as I was in town having taken an hour in school traffic :( Then a 30 min walk across town having left back the car I borrowed for the day from my father. All is well again with the world Tragically the belt that came off looked brand new, but even though the previous owners son said his dad wouldn't have let it go unchanged he couldn't say for sure and said he would just change it if he were me to be sure. New coolant too means car now is set for a good few miles  

Stressful day my friend, but as you say, all is well, the planets are aligned. Better to be sure than sorry!

Stressful day my friend, but as you say, all is well, the planets are aligned. Better to be sure than sorry!

 

Cheers and happy 400th post  

 

Cheers and happy 400th post  

 

Why thank you!