............ I realized that the bulb and fixture are an integral
unit.....
I just went through the same drill but with the lights that illuminate
the console for the shift lever on the automatic transmission.  These
bulbs are similar to the setup in the dash: bulb integral to the holder,
and both were burned out.  The local VW dealer had them in stock, but
they have been changed, now the bulb and holder are separate items.  I'm
wondering if VW has done the same with the lights in the dash.
TW, it cost me $8 and some change to replace both.  Man, am I in the
wrong business!