Hi everyone,

I havent posted up here too much, but i thought i'd share my experiences with my passat.

Start of last year i purchased a 2006 3.2V6 wagon with all the fruit and 74000km. This is the primary transport for my partner and our toddler.

Middle of last year it killed the front right wheel bearing. It also became difficult to start on occassion (i replaced the cam position sensors and this fixed it somewhat)

My recent experiences have been more concerning though.

Driving longish distances(15km+) the EPC light and CEL lights would illuminate and it would go into limp mode. Fine, i took it to my german service specialists.

They said the timing chain had 'stretched' or a tensioner/guide was faulty (you could hear the timing chain hitting the timing covers on a cold startup) The problem with this is, the 3.2l V6 has a non-replaceable timing chain meaning it should outlast the motor. The motor/gearbox must be removed for this to be replaced. Lots of hours of labour = expensive.

Upon removal of the motor the mechanic notced the timing chain was fine HOWEVER one of the cogs had the head of the bolt shear off. This was very dangerous, if the cog had displaced and caused the chain to come off the motor would be written off.

The car is in the shop right now waiting for a new bolt to be delivered.

Thoughts on this? has anyone heard of this happening and how i can approach VW for a 'please explain'?

I can post pics of the problem when the mechanic sends them to me.

thanks

Alex