Mark 5 GTI Cambelt change

[Apophis]

I have a December 2005 GTI. It needs its 4 yearly cambelt change. Unfortunately, my local garage (and all the other local garages) can not get the cam cover off, to enable the change to take place. Volkswagen main dealers are not being helpful (they want the job!). I have had everything else serviced ok. My local garage has done loads of mk 4 cambelt changes, but they are having trouble with my mk 5. I think they said they'd got all but one bolt off, but had great difficulty locating a 4th bolt.
Does the cam cover split open like the mark 4, or come off as one piece? Is there a hidden bolt? Can the cambelt be changed without removing the whole damn engine? Surely there must be a fairly easy way to do this! What do you think the garage has missed - probably something ridiculously simple?
Thank you....

[kenney]

What is your engine code?

[Apophis]

My engine code is AXX

[Apophis]

It seems that the engine does have to be lifted on a hoist to access some hard to get at tensioners. Also the cam cover does not split like mk4s and TDIs, but is in one piece. Interestingly I have just obtained quotes from both Lincoln VW and Doncaster VW - and Hayseldens (Doncaster main dealer) is cheaper at £437.48, with free courtesy car, as opposed to £523.10 at Lincoln, with courtesy car costing £10. Further quote:- Lincoln Audi £399. Getting better....

[kenney]

There are two types of belt guards on these engines,one is spilt and the other is not,Either way the front of the engine has to be supported and the front mount removed,only then can the guard be removed

[Apophis]

Cheers Kenney, yeah I kinda gathered this after speaking to the main dealers, hence the 4 hour job.

[thewall]

Hi i have just been to Heron in Newark not far from you i believe,they quoted me £428 for starters asked for a better price got £383 had a think for about 10 mins,told them if they come down to £350 i will book it in now,the man from Heron said yes.

I have had the car for 10 months from Heron and in that time i have had bearings,rear brakes and disc,air con service brake fliud change and paint work sorted all under warranty and today i had a service and mot there so maybe they are sirt off looking after me,i still think£350 is a good price from a main dealer.