does anyone know about replacing the headlight bulb in a 2000 VW Beetle?

I have the same issue. Did you ever find out anything?

No, Never found out the secret. I had to take it to the dealer and pay $50. Really iritating!!!

There is a secret... Its called taking it to your dealership and having us for it for $50 =) =)

Headlights SUCK on beetles.

Theres a small 1/2" perfforated button on a black plastic trim piece next to a little hook. You need to press down on the tab and then push down on the little plastic hook. Be sure not to press too hard or you will break the button (it only locks the gear so the headlight wont pop out, but it wont pop out anyway unless you're doin some major 4x4ing, which you wont.... cuz its a beetle)
Keep pressing down on the tab and the headlight should pop out about
1/2''. Now you need to keep pulling on the headlight out untill it comes out. It helps to spray some wd40 on the black plastic housing before disassembly cuz dirt kinda keeps everything together. Once the headlight is out, disconnect the connector and remove the back. The low beam is the closest one to the black cover.
When re-assembling spray the crap out of the black slide deal in the back of the housing and the guide rails for the headlight. Make sure to line up all the rails for the headlight and make sure the tab is in the lower position... everything SHOULD line up and it should go back in. Once its in pull up on the tab and it locks the headlight in and walaaaa.....

Hi! I just found your notes on the forum regarding VW headlamp replacement. This is driving me crazy - all for a small headlamp! I still don't quite get it! Is the small button accessible from the exterior/front of the light or only under the hood, because I can't quite see what you are referring to, but it is clear that the light has to come out through the front. Thanks alot for any help you can offer!

There is a secret... Its called taking it to your dealership and having us for it for $50 =) =)

Headlights SUCK on beetles.

Theres a small 1/2" perfforated button on a black plastic trim piece next to a little hook. You need to press down on the tab and then push down on the little plastic hook. Be sure not to press too hard or you will break the button (it only locks the gear so the headlight wont pop out, but it wont pop out anyway unless you're doin some major 4x4ing, which you wont.... cuz its a beetle)
Keep pressing down on the tab and the headlight should pop out about
1/2''. Now you need to keep pulling on the headlight out untill it comes out. It helps to spray some wd40 on the black plastic housing before disassembly cuz dirt kinda keeps everything together. Once the headlight is out, disconnect the connector and remove the back. The low beam is the closest one to the black cover.
When re-assembling spray the crap out of the black slide deal in the back of the housing and the guide rails for the headlight. Make sure to line up all the rails for the headlight and make sure the tab is in the lower position... everything SHOULD line up and it should go back in. Once its in pull up on the tab and it locks the headlight in and walaaaa.....

Have to have the hood open. Its under the fender behind the light.

http://forums.newbeetle.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=30630

This is a web site that may help you. pictures and detailed info. personally used it to put Xenon headlamps. they haven't went out yet unlike factory bulbs