changing oil

We traded our 97 Golf for an 2002 Beetle GLS with the straight 2.0 liter engine. We have gone to the dealer for an oil change, however, I have typically change my own oil, including the Golf. (I drive an Explorer.)

I noticed that the dealer charged me for a washer to go around the drain plug. They said you need to do that everytime the oil is changed. My question is, I have not been underneath the car yet, but from the top view, then engine is tight. Can anyone tell me how hard it is to change the oil in the New Beetle's and are any special tools required? Is the washer really neccessary?

Thanks

The washer isnt necessary EVERY oil change, but it is a good idea to replace every couple oil changes since it it a crush washer. Yours problably just needed replacement, its onl a 1.50 part and it prevents the drain plug from stripping out your 150.00 oil pan.

Also its alot easier to replace the oil filter from under.