Changing from variable to annual service - Possible?

[barnsy]

I have a 52 reg passat tdi which is on the variable service interval. Is it possible (or wise) to revert to anual servicing as I do far fewer miles than the previous owner?
Also the dealers want £250 for the variable service and £350 for a cambelt, tensioner, vat, labour. Is this something like or did they see me coming......?
Any input would be appreciated.
Cheers.

[sergiup]

The Passat will default to fixed service interval if you just reset the service indicator with the key/dashboard procedure instead of using VAG-COM, and it's probably a good idea if you won't use it as often.

The variable service sounds like a bit of a rip off (if you do it yourself for example, the parts etc won't cost above £80 or so). The cambelt etc seems reasonable, it's a pretty big job (the whole front comes off..).

[Crasher]

It depends what you are getting for the £250. If it is oil and filter with a quick walk around then it is expensive, if it is oil, oil filter, air filter, fuel filter, pollen filter, full fault code scan, screen wash and visual inspection, it is too cheap.

[sergiup]

I'd still rather save about £150 and just do the service myself... but then again, I don't know that many people who have the time & ability to do it, so fair enough.

[Sheepdog]

I have been on long life service since getting my car, now over 4yrs
I am a service engineer so doing about 25k a yr, so made sense. Changing from long life to normal. means they use a normal oil instead of long life. Long life about £11 a Ltr Normal I believe about £8. Big difference But on high mileage worth long life, other wise normal service, is better. and cheaper, As for being able to do a service your self. Very easy to do a service. Only thing is that you do not get a dealer stamp, VERY VERY expensive stamp.
I am about to add to my post about error P0299, But not until Sunday at the earliest, It will have a comment about dealer servicing. Watch the space.

[SMEG]

Hi,

If you are not doing much above 10000 mls per year i would go for the annual service and do the work yourself using fully synthetic oil.This oil is more expensive than the semi-synthetic but in the grand scheme of things what is an extra 20 pounds over the year.
As for the cambelt, find a good VWspecialist/ independant garage and you should be able to get cambelt,tensioner,water pump with metal impellers,and auxilary belts for around £275.
Hope this helps!