Compare prices on a used Volkswagen Jetta timing chain from UK breakers. Free part request, no obligation.
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Fitment on a used timing chain varies by vehicle, so a bit of detail goes a long way. Our request form covers what breakers need to know, so every quote you get back is for the correct part:
It depends entirely on the engine fitted to your Jetta. Petrol engines such as those using the EA888 family (for example the 1.4 TSI and 1.8 TSI) use a timing chain, while many diesel engines — including common 1.6 TDI and 2.0 TDI units — use a timing belt rather than a chain. Check your V5 or run a VIN check to identify your exact engine code before searching, as ordering the wrong type is a very easy mistake to make.
The Mk5 and Mk6 Jetta are distinct generations, and although they share some VAG platform DNA, the timing chain is matched to the specific engine code rather than the generation badge. If both cars happen to share the same engine code — for example both running the same EA888 variant — there is a reasonable chance of compatibility, but ancillary mounting details can change across a generation boundary. Confirm the engine codes on both donor and recipient vehicles match exactly, and check fitment with the breaker against your registration before buying.
No, trim level has no bearing whatsoever on timing chain fitment for the Jetta. The chain is determined entirely by the engine code, which is the same across S, SE, Sport, and GT variants when those trims share the same engine. Give the breaker your engine code (found on the V5 or via a VIN check) rather than your trim name, and you will get the right part.
The Jetta Mk6 ran from 2011 to 2018, with a facelift introduced around 2014 that brought cosmetic and some equipment changes. Because the timing chain follows the engine code rather than the facelift revision, a chain from a post-2014 car and a pre-facelift car will likely be compatible if they share the same engine code. However, ancillary and mounting details can shift quietly during a production run, so confirm compatibility with the breaker against both registrations rather than assuming the year alone is sufficient.
The single most important detail is your engine code, which you can find on your V5 logbook or by running a VIN check — it is typically a three-letter code such as CDN, CJZ, or similar. You should also provide the model year and fuel type, as these help the breaker cross-reference stock quickly. The breaker may also ask about gearbox type in some cases, so have that to hand as well.
Most 2.0 TDI engines fitted to the Jetta use a timing belt rather than a timing chain, so you may be searching for the wrong part. Double-check your engine code on the V5 or via a VIN check, and if you do have a belt-driven engine, search for a timing belt kit instead. If you are unsure, describe your engine code to a breaker and they will be able to confirm whether your specific unit is chain or belt driven.