I am $250+ into this problem with the local VW dealer.   Probably about every 3rd time I go to start the van, I turn the key and nothing happens (almost like having a dead battery, except lights, radio, everything still works but no start).  I assumed it was a bad starter.  After repeatedly turning the key  the engine finally "catches,"  starts and I'm on my way.  Sometimes it takes 10-20 times of turning the key before the engine turns over, hence my reluctance to drive the van very far from home.  I take it to the dealer on Monday - they say it's bad cables to the battery and that the battery is bad. Had to keep it til yesterday as they didn't have parts.  $250 later I have new battery and cables.  This morning I stop for coffee on the way to work.  Same problem - can't start van - turned key about 10 times before it started.  Drove back to the dealer.  Any ideas before I get soaked another few hundred bucks I don't have?  

Donna, 1987 Wolfsburg, etc.