Please note:

This FAQ is not currently maintained, and hasn't been for quite some time. I have reinstated it for reference and historical purposes. For more up-to-date information, see The Wiki.
1998/9 New Beetle FAQ 1999 New Beetle
Newbug.org | Frequently Asked Questions
GENERAL
Purchasing When will my GLX 1.8 Turbo Convertible be here?
  Where in the US can I find a NB at list price?
  ...but I want a green/silver/yellow with leather interior.
  Can I convert a Canadian car to US spec?
  How is the European NB different from the US version?
  Does VW make a quality car?
  Is the NB safe?
  What should I know about the NB before considering one?
  What should I check for when taking delivery of a NB?
  What are the "real" names of the different colors?
NBAD What is NBAD?
  How do I get a VW "Birth Certificate" for my New Beetle?
Other NB Sources Where can I find stickers/hats/shirts?
TECHNICAL
General What engines are available in the NB?
  Why doesn't VW sell a NB with the V6?
  What are "silent recalls"?
  Where can I find VW service bulletins for the NB?
TDI Why should I consider a TDI?
  How should I prepare a TDI's fuel for cold weather use?
Modifications What chip tuning is available for the NB?
  Can I add a turbo- or supercharger to my 2.0 engine?
  How much will a new air intake or filter system boost performance?
  What other performance modifications are available for the NB?
  How do I install an classic Beetle "meep meep" horn?
   
Oil Should I change my oil before 5K?
  Can I change my own oil?
  Can I use synthetic oil in my TDI?
Performance My friend drove my auto NB, and now it drives differently...
  I have the manual transmission--should I downshift all the time?
Suspension Can you lower a NB?
  Are aftermarket suspension kits available?
  Is there really a difference between 1998 and '99 suspensions?
Warning Lights My "check engine light" always stays on...
  Why does the "cold" light come on when you first start the car?
EXTERIOR
General My trunk is difficult to close...
  How can I stop my trunk from rattling?
  What is the hole in the fender for?
  Which car bra should I consider?
  Can I fix a paint chip or scratch by myself?
 

Can I attach a trailer hitch to my NB?

Lights My fog light lens is cracked...
  My headlights are oozing gunk...
  Can I disable the daytime running lights?
  Can I install rear fog lights?
Mirrors Why do my mirrors smoke on cold mornings?
Tires What size tires/wheels can I use?
  What's a good snow tire to use on my NB?
  What's the best way to clean the brake dust off my wheels?
Modifications What's the best spoiler?
   
INTERIOR
Alarm Can I replace the cassette head unit and still use my alarm?
Air conditioning My heater blows out a strange smell...
Interior trim Can I add the sunglasses case(s) from the '99 to my '98?
  My dash panels are warping in my 1998 NB...
  My rear floor mats slide around...
  The shift pattern badge fell off the shifter...
  What is the blank switch on the dashboard for?
Locks Can I replace the '98 keys with the '99 "switchblade" key?
Modifications What billet trim is available?
  What about NB dash kits?
Radio/Audio I want a CD changer for my New Beetle. What are the factory changer options?
  What non-factory CD changers will work?
  Can I install a non-stock head unit?
  Can I add amplifiers and new speakers to the existing head unit?
  Can I disable the MSS feature when playing cassettes?
  Can I use a walkman CD player with the stock unit?
  Why does the volume jump down when I play something loud?
Seating My driver's seat feels loose...
  Can I add leather seats?
  Can I add heated seats?
  Can I cover the seats with the side airbags?
Windows I want my key remote to work the windows...
   
 
Comments, Corrections, Additions

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Information provided in this Frequently Asked Questions list has been gathered off of the newbug mailing list [Now located at topica.com] All questions and answers are copyleft to the individual authors noted in the text; the FAQ can be reproduced in electronic form in whole or part for noncommercial purposes as long as it retains a link back to this original source and it carries this notice. The New Beetle FAQ cannot be reproduced in whole or part for commercial use without written consent of the FAQ organizer.

Caveat lector. Always consult your New Beetle owner's manual and/or your Volkswagen service representative for authoritative advice on the care and feeding of your NB.