>  My ex had a belt failure on 1996 Jetta at 51,000 miles resulting in
> extensive valve train damage (4 cylinder-8 valve engine).  The scheduled
> service interval on the belt in the Jetta is 105,000 miles!

8V engines are non-interference.

> Seeing as VW has such a "cooperative" reputation on parts failures.  VWoA
> doesn't even consider this recent coil pack failure as a "safety" issue
(tell

According to VWVORTEX.COM VW will be replacing the coil packs.

Chris S.
'85 Westy
www.knology.net/~vw/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/wolfsburg_campers