Yes, I have heard; CARB, is really getting ridiculous and causing some parts, not being sold/shipped to California (ridiculous!). I also heard, you cannot get your car scanned for trouble codes; at your local auto parts stores? I think CARB is basically anti combustion engine; they want everything to go electric, which they see as a new "panacea", which you still have to supply the electric power from, many times carbon based sources. Anyway, typical of the politics and culture.. of the area. Annoying.
Good on the purchase of the Bosch fuel pressure regulator; for good oem parts at good prices, here are two vendors, that are close to you in California.
BMA auto parts: (look online for discount codes):
BMA Auto Parts
Auto Haus Arizona: (typically have sales and usually competitive pricing)
http://www.autohausaz.com/
FCP EURO: (back east but they offer a lifetime warranty on ALL parts; even consumables, like oil/coolant/filters/plugs/etc.)
www.fcpeuro.com
As for the fuel pressure specs; I have had various specs shown, i have different manuals. I do know, that there are a number of different engine codes for the 2.0L and a plastic, then metal gas tank, which used different fuel pumps. Early on, the 2.0L had a return type fuel system and then later, a returnless type and the fuel pressure regulator was integrated into the fuel filter. So, I wonder, if it is possible; there are variations in fuel pressure specs, based upon the engine code and the changes VW made to the system (pump, return/returnless,etc)?
I have the paper Bentley Service Manual; that goes to 2002 and then, I bought the eBah DVD, which is more in depth for repair info and finally the I downloaded the ERWin, digital service manuals, which are used by the VW dealer techs. Lastly, I have the cheap $20 Chilton; you can get at most auto parts stores.
I link the service manuals online; because, it is easy to show people, how to fix things and do it themselves. I am assuming those manuals; are probably sourced from something like Mitchell1 or AllData?
As for the spec in my Bentley; has the same specs but idle shows different:
Keep in mind; my manual goes to 2002, shows specs for these engine codes (AEG, AVH, AZG).
fuel pressure at idle: approx. 2.0 bar (36 psi)
NOTE: this seems off, if you convert bar to psi? Maybe a print error or something else?
By the way, what engine code; is your New Beetle? Maybe, there are some variations on fuel pressure specs; for the different engine codes?
On the coil pack; here is a good diy troubleshooting guide to check for cracks:
VWVortex.com - DIY/Troubleshooting - Coil pack on 2.0 AZG, AVH, BEV, or BBW