1998 Volkswagen Beetle from North America - Comments

Has anyone had this happen?? The Engine in my car fell out of my VW Beetle TDI, 25 miles after I had it serviced for the timing belt on my way home!!! The car only had about 50,000 miles on it at the time. It looked like someone sliced it right off the mount on the drivers side and it fell and hit the axle. I was amazed that I was not hurt when this happened, since I was driving at the time. The timing belt work was about $800. It was approximately another $5000+ to fix when the engine fell out. Nice huh?? Of course I was told it was a fluke. Some kind of freak thing and nothing that could have been caused by having the timing belt replaced. But it seems too coincidental to me.

This car has been nothing, but problems since I purchased my 1998 VW Beetle TDI used in 2001 with just under 35,000 miles on it. I thought it would be a neat car to own. It has been a complete nightmare. I know everyone at the Dealership on a first name basis because I am there so often for repairs. Since I have owned the car, I have replaced the drivers side and passengers side window regulators twice. The window motors have been replaced. I have had to replace the emergency brake cable, twice. I have had to fix faulty backup lights. I have had to fix a faulty a/c compressor. I have done the mass airflow sensor. And these are just a few of the Many things that have happened. I have never had these kind of troubles with any other car. I should have kept my Oldsmobile. It was ten years old and still going strong... what a big mistake I made purchasing a VW.

Has anyone else had these troubles with their VW Beetle?

The motor mount has to be removed as part of a timing belt change. Something was either reused (for example, a single use stretch bolt) or installed properly. For more information, search the tdiclub website. You are due your $5k back. If this job was done by a dealer, double shame on them for making the mistake, and then for failing to either know or to admit the truth.

I have and drive daily an 03 VW TDI 5 speed beetle and I'm sorry to hear about all your trouble. This car is my 8th beetle and it is just as excellent as all of its predecessors. I still have my 78 convertible. Years; 59,60,63,64,73,78,2000,2003. Be patient with your Herbie, once you get a handle of the learning curve you will be able to make wise decisions as to what the truth really is. That motor mount story is classic.

My 98 tdi beetle ran great for 6 years 150 thousand miles.now when I shut the car off for about 4 or 5 hours or over night it won't start the next morning anyone have an idea what the problem is??

Hello Everyone,

I used to work as a mechanic for the Volkswagen corporation.

Installing a timing belt is a straightforward operation that involves removing the engine mount.

It was no co-incidence that the engine dropped out, this comes under the heading of negligence.

The mechanic simply did not replace all of the parts, I hope that you did not pay for his mistake?

I had the no start after 4-5h or overnight. It was the engine speed sensor. Replaced it myself and have had no problems sense.

98 TDI 5 speed now with 168000. No real problems. Have always performed regular maintenance. Brakes lasted forever - finally replaced pads at 120K. Clutch still good. Burns out low beams about every 16 months, but are easy to replace.

Original window buttons and mirror control replaced early on under warranty. Body, interior, fit and finish still looks amazing. People still think its new.

Runs best with 45 cetane if you can get it. Note: europe typically has min 49 cetane! Most of US is 40 : (.

Originally got this car with the intention of my daughter taking it to college - but at 50mpg avg I've kept it for me!