To my fellow Passat B5 owners:
Thanks to everyone for commenting on on this, I really appreciate your input. Too many people have posted their thoughts/experiences on this subject to thank you all individually, so please accept my heart-felt THANK YOU to you all.
Since this time yesterday, I have spoken with representatives of a different VW dealership and a reputable aftermarket VW service company. Both of these companies believe that the chain drive balance shaft assembly is a major problem, and MUST be upgraded to the new assembly. One company ran the VIN of my car and confirmed that an upgrade was needed. The other company offered to check to see if the upgrade had been performed. Nice people and great company communications/relations.
When I saw all of your responses tonight, I was overwhelmed by your concern regarding this issue. Thank you all again.
Needless to say, I will not be returning to the local VW dealership I have been going to for service during the past month that I have owned this wonderful car. As I mentioned in my previous post, this VW dealer said that they knew nothing about this problem.
They have also told me I should not join any Internet forums because of all the mis-information spread by these forums. WHAT A LOAD OF CRAP! I have learned more about this car during the past 30 days as a member of TDI Club than I could through any other way.
I cannot thank you all enough! Happy motoring!
CoasterMoose