I won't argue that this is the case but they can last longer and my local VW mechanics, who probably see very few passat tdi's, have never seen issues with these. Mine has 155k and afaik is still working good, I have some noise that I think is from tired timing belt accessories but I'm not positive that it isn't the chain. I wonder if the quality in parts varies or if inferior oil is used if it causes and early demise like the camshaft wear issues.. I'm seeing if I can find someone locally who is familiar with the BHWs.
My 2005 Passat BHW has 271,000km (168,000 miles) and the chain just recently went on it. I'm not yet sure what caused it (hex shaft ceased or chain/tensioner wore out or broke) as I have yet to pull it apart, hopefully in the next 2 weeks. I have always used VW spec oil, changed every 10,000km since I've owned it. If you're hearing "some noise" that doesn't seem normal then it's probably the chain/tensioner assembly giving you forewarning of the inevitable. The "timing belt accessories" don't make any noise at all, at least nothing that sounds like a rattle or marbles in a blender. If your timing belt is "tired" enough then it would just break, bend your valves and your engine stops running. There is no forewarning (other than mileage) for this to occur.
Using non VW spec oil will speed up the demise of critical engine components on TDIs especially. Regardless, these VWs are known to have low quality cams in them from the factory that will need replacing at some point in time.
Just because one VW shop/dealer doesn't see BHWs with issues very often doesn't mean they don't have issues. I have owned mine for over 4 years and I have taken care of it but what is known to fail on these vehicles is what I am, or have been, faced with.
Just thought I'd share my $0.02 (CAD).
