Actually, the door weather strip is the same; it's just that there is
also an auxiliary wetherstrip as well. I've checked on it at the dealer
and it's not too bad. seems like about $40 each.  I'm not sure what it
takes to install, but I should find out. All of my earlier Vanagons
could use help.
Another thing, the later Vanagons changed the interior air exhaust vent
from the rear of the front door to the rear of the rear side window.
this might reduce the noise up front.
Do all the  late European diesels have Kat's or are those just retro fi?
A Katalysator (catalytic converter, for you Engisch sprechers out ther)
will make it a little quieter..
Al Brase

mark drillock wrote:

> Robin, even the 84 models here have the yellowish pads below the
> carpeting, from front to back.
>
> Somewhere around 88 VW changed the rubber front door seals to a much
> quieter design. The difference is apparent just looking at the front
> edges of the doors from the outside.
>