Yes, that is pricy.

The tab(s) that bear against the flange of the bulb usually breaks and then
it won't hold the bulb in the reflector housing.

I tried the generic replacement from the "Help" rack at my local O'Reilly
Auto Parts.  It looks the same but did not work.  I ended up going to a
wrecking yard and found these rings from the Golf/Jetta Mk2s.  Test the tabs
by pushing on them before you take them to the counter to pay.

Good luck.

-Dick Wong-
78 Scirocco
Original Owner
87 Vanagon Syncro 2.5 (slightly crispy)
Third Owner
12 Golf TDI
Original Co-Owner

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Andrew R.
Sent: Thursday, March 20, 2014 7:51 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Low beam bulb retainer ring

I'm talking about this guy:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Jetta_IV--1.8T/Lighting/View_All/ES25940
6/

Looks like the same part as the '86-91 vanagon part.  Is this the best way
to get a replacement?  I haven't seen them listed at any of our vendors and
dang if $15 seems high.

Cracked my original, found a used one for a buck (joy joy!!) and then
promptly broke that one changing out the original.  EFF!!

thanks,
Andrew
'87 GL
Portland, OR
-----
No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2014.0.4336 / Virus Database: 3722/7222 - Release Date: 03/20/14