98 beetle window problem

My gf's beetle has problem after problem. This time it's the driver side window. The other day the window dropped. The window-roller-upper button will not raise the window. It makes a sound like it's trying. I assume the window has come off of the mount or a piece inside has broken. I removed the door panel to see if I could find the problem. This did me no good because I still had no access to the window. There's another piece inside the door which is held on by a bunch of bolts. I think it would take me forever to remove this piece and remember where everything goes. Is there a way to fix the window without removing this piece? I would really hate to take it to the shop for such a simple problem. They charge way too much.

That inner panel holds the entire window regulator, cables, etc... & must come out. There is a recall on the clips that hold to the cables, I would check this out first.

Thanks for the info about the recall. I think we'll take it to the dealer tomorrow and ask them about it.

I had friend take the entire door apart. The regulator is damaged beyond repair. The price range is between $40 and $55 for a new one. I checked online and with the dealership and there was no recall on the part (though there should be because it is a very poor design).

Thanks again for the help.

It's the clips that the cable ends hook in to that has the recall.

The clips might be for a different model or something because the guy at the dealership looked up all recalls on the vehicle and found only one. It had something to do with the brake light.

VW has not issued an "offical" recall on the regulator clips yet because almost every vw has come in for the new style anyway. They increased the warranty to 7yr 70K miles to get them replaced for free at the dealer.

The dealership told us that there is no longer a warranty covering anything. They want $89 every time we bring the car in just for them to look at it and see what the problem is. They charge $89 per hr for labor which usually takes a while. Getting any work done at the dealership ends up being at least $250. I'd rather just by a new regulator for $50 and put it in myself.

screw the dealership. if the warranty is up, take it somewhere else that's what I do. anyways why is everyone having problems with the 98's? I have one and it has had basically no problems at all. I'm sure I just jinxed myself though by saying that.