Do VWs have electric water pumps?
Do some VW cars have electronic water pumps? And do they get changed when the timing belt is renewed?
Volkswagen engines use a mix of electric and mechanical water pumps depending on the engine, and on the 1.5 TSI engine it is driven by a separate belt on the other side of the engine to the cambelt, so it is not necessary to replace it at the same time. However, there is no specific guidance on water pump replacement intervals, but you may wish to consider having the pump and auxiliary belt replaced at the same time for peace of mind.
Answered by David Ross on