Sorry I did not put enough detail in my lasy question. What I mean is, I have been told that at some stage VW started putting what they called a 'Safe' cam belt in wv passats, What this meant was that when the cam belt broke it would not result in a complete right off, of the engine. What I need to know is, is this true? and has my car, a VW passat 'R' reg got a 'Safe cam belt'? It is due a cam belt change, im 1,000 miles past when it was due, but I cant afford it,'over �300!
As I said in answer to your other question, don't take chances. My R reg Passatt cost a fortune to repair when the cam belt broke in 2002. and it apparently wasn't much past the mileage (Not my mistake - the garage missed it off the previous service when it was due)
Theres no such thing as a safe cambelt, all it means is that your car might or might not be a 16 valve engine.
It all depends on whether the valves will hit each other when the cambelt breaks, which it will if you let it go over the time or mileage it is supposed to last.
replacement interval given by VW is 60,000 miles ,
engine is classed as an interference fit , so the possibility of valve to piston damage in the event of the timing belt failing is MOST LIKELY. if not sure of history get it replaced.