Does the Magotan timing chain -4 need to be replaced?

[RonanLee]

Magotan timing chain -4 needs to be replaced. Here are the specific details about the Magotan: 1. Background: The Magotan originates from the Future B6, which is closely related to the Passat B6, and it is the first B-class sedan produced and sold by FAW-Volkswagen since its establishment. According to FAW-Volkswagen, "Ma" symbolizes confidence, decisiveness, and dynamism, while "Teng" represents soaring, surpassing, and passion. Starting from the B6, the latest Volkswagen B-class cars began to be produced by FAW-Volkswagen, forming the Magotan series. At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, the seventh-generation Volkswagen B-class car was officially unveiled. The B7 continued to be introduced to the domestic market by FAW-Volkswagen and was named Magotan. To meet consumers' demand for comfort, the B7 was also natively lengthened, referred to by the media as the Magotan B7L, or the all-new Magotan. 2. Displacement: 1.4TSI, 1.8TSI, 2.0TSI, and 3.0V6.

[StLena]

I'm a long-time owner of a Volkswagen Magotan, with the car being ten years old and having clocked nearly 120,000 kilometers. I encountered a timing chain issue at around 80,000 kilometers—the engine started making a ticking sound, like a small hammer tapping, and the startup time became longer. I immediately took it to a professional shop for inspection. The technician used a diagnostic tool and found that the chain tolerance was beyond limits (a value similar to -4), with severe wear causing the chain to elongate. He warned that if not replaced promptly, it could skip teeth, leading to piston-valve collision and total engine failure. I spent nearly 4,000 RMB to replace the entire chain system, including the tensioner and guides, and haven’t had any issues since. If your car has driven 70,000–80,000 kilometers and you hear similar abnormal noises or experience unstable power, don’t hesitate—get it checked immediately. This is a common issue with Volkswagen’s EA888 engine. During regular maintenance, ask the technician to inspect the chain condition—it can save you big money. Safe driving is far more important than emergency repairs; replacing the chain once can prevent major problems down the road.

[Talia]

From a safety perspective, I believe this issue cannot be delayed. Excessive wear of the timing chain, especially when exceeding tolerance limits (e.g., -4mm), can cause engine misalignment. I once ignored the warning sounds from my chain, which nearly led to a breakdown on the highway due to chain slack. The timing chain design in Volkswagen Magotan is prone to wear, particularly in older models. Common signs include engine ticking noises, delayed starts, or a sudden spike in fuel consumption. Replacement costs typically range from 2,000 to 5,000 yuan, depending on whether the tensioner assembly is replaced and the regional service center. It's advisable to inspect the chain around 90,000 kilometers using professional tools to measure chain tension. If wear is detected, replace it as soon as possible to avoid more expensive engine damage. Protecting yourself and passengers is paramount—don’t risk major losses for minor savings. Address it early for peace of mind on the road.

[JordanAnn]

From a cost perspective. My Magotan had its timing chain replaced at 100,000 kilometers, costing around 3,500 yuan, which included the tensioner and installation. If not replaced, excessive chain wear tolerance (such as negative values) leading to skipped teeth could result in engine repairs costing over 10,000 yuan, and the car would depreciate faster. Pay attention to unusual noises and power loss during daily use, and regularly check the chain wear to determine the right time for replacement, which can save money and hassle. It's cost-effective in the long run.