Update (long, but perhaps worthwhile)
Bringing this back to life... I know, I know, I said I was taking it back to the dealer back in August/September, but I'm just now getting to it. I've been busy and the weather's been funky, so there.
Took it in last week early in the day, and told them to keep it until the rattle behind the door(s) was fixed. So after a couple days (where they also installed the recalled brake switch) they called me and told me the rattle was fixed! They replaced both "defective" door striker plates, and assured me the noise was gone. Joy! My beloved drove me to the dealership about 8pm (my dealership has service 'til midnight), I got in the car, top up, and drove out directly onto the freeway without going over any bumps in the process. As soon as I slowed down to exit and took the ramp to my home, though, and hit the most inconsequential little road irregularity... rattle, rattle, rattle. I invoked some Deities, flipped a u-ey, and went back to the dealership, My Beloved giving chase.
This time, I was very fortunate to have a truly concerned service advisor, who noticed (a) I was unusually ticked off (not at him, I'm always a gentlemen, but I guess the steam coming from my ears tipped him off. That, and my crossed eyes), and (2) I had brought the car back after only twenty minutes of driving it. I suggested a tech drive with me so there would be no misunderstandings about the noise issue, and he agreed. The young man who went with me drove the car and immediately heard the rattle noise. He said he would personally take care of it, so I left the car with him, and had My Beloved drive me home. Again.
At 11:30pm my cell rang (scaring the p out of both of us, as due to the time, we expected dire news along the lines of a family death or some other disaster). It was the service tech, thinking the cell number I left was my work number. He was shocked I answered so late instead of getting voice mail... but I was happy he called.
Here's the story: He removed both panels over the seatbelts, and discovered that the trim panels were being struck by the seat belt recoiling mechanism and the belts themselves. His solution: He insulated both side trim panels (don't know what exactly he did, this is from the service ticket description) and cured the problem. I remember him telling me on the cell (although he did not write this down) that he used some adhesive and material to cushion the area struck by the belts. Bottom line: Noiseless cruising! Finally!
Hope this helps those of you who are having problems getting this issue resolved. Feel free to have your dealer call Boardwalk VW (214-453-5020) and refer to Invoice VWCS217275, dated 03/21/07 for more information. Exact wording: "CUST REPORT DRIVING & HITTING BUMPS RATTLE LIKE MARBLE IN CUP HEARD BEHIND BOTH FRT DOORS IN SEAT BELT AREA TECH INSULATED BOTH SIDE TRIM PANELS. HITTING SEAT BELT MECH CAUSUNG [sic] SEVERE RATTLE"
Good luck to all... Loooooove my dealership again...
