Mine is currently in the indie garage getting a belt. 7 years, 110k.

I'm working on the assumption the DW12c is an interference engine like the XUD, and a cambelt failure means head off for valves and guides at a minimum. A doddle on the XUD, complete nightmare on the DW12 (comparatively).

I'd rather spend the money for piece of mind. That said I've not had the bill yet 😃

Andy131 wrote:

Tow starting will definitely destroy cambelts.
On the starter you are rotating the engine from a standstill to maybe a hundred rpm.
Being towed at say 20mph and dropping the clutch in first gets your engine from a standstill to over a thousand rpm in the same time. lots and lots of inertia, in stuff like water pumps (water is very stiff if force is suddenly applied), camshafts (with high pressure fuel pumps attached), alternators, and don't forget the shock loading to the gearbox and clutch itself.

Older petrol cars without overhead camshafts OK, new stuff, just don't.

Andy131 wrote:

Being towed at say 20mph and dropping the clutch in first gets your engine from a standstill to over a thousand rpm in the same time.

Ok, as the OP let me provide some feedback on my own experience..
I had my cambelt and water pump replaced today - 208 000 km (130 000 miles), 10 years old, cost R5600 (direct exchange rate conversion £260).

Belt was in good condition, no hairline cracks when bent, no fraying.. even the original printing was visible..

You should have left it another ten! Past: FL2 TD4 HSE Auto
Evoque SD4 Dynamic Lux Auto
Present: Audi A3 S Line.

Always remember the Escort van i had , booked it In at my local trusted spanner’s to have the cam belt changed , Belt broke pulling out of a junction about 500 yards from the garage , unbelievable.

BossBob wrote:

Been there, done that, (in an Astra), don’t want to do it in an FL2! Scheduled preventive maintenance is expensive, but so much cheaper than unscheduled repairs with all the associated inconvenience. Imagine some of our Australian members suffering a cambelt breaking out in the bush. Could be life threatening!

Of course on this forum people will likely be more likely to replace on time, so unlikely people on here will have experienced a failure on their FL2.