I called a dealer, Burnsville (MN) Volkswagen.  They said that it is part of
the latch that holds the engine compartment lid on.  If you have a part
number, like you did, they can tell you real quick what it is.

Brad Spear
'72 Westy
'87 Syncro GL

In a message dated 99-03-17 14:13:16 EST, Jwilli941@AOL.COM writes:

<< Since you haven't gotten a reply as quickly as you would like
 then I would suggest calling the local VW dealer's Parts Dept.
 and running that number by them.  I'm sure they have access
 to VW parts lists.
  >>