Is it too big of a hassle to pull your own starter? My wife's bug won't start and if it is not the battery, I may want to try this.

I found a thread on newbeetle.org linked to here. This was for a 2001 bug, but I wonder if it is the same repair for our 99.

http://www.ottawa-vdubbing.com/info/techtips/mk4starter.htm

It should be prety much the same. Before you go & pull the starter you may want to be sure there is power geting to it from the ignition switch. The small black wire on the solenoid position should be 12V+ with the key in start position, otherwise it could be one of several other problems depending on if its automatic or manual.