Last post to this thread was just after the dealer (Vision, Reading PA) had replaced the flywheel in the spring of '08. Had myself pretty convinced that this was the problem as it felt fine for 6 or 8 weeks. I got a chance to examine the flywheel and I have to admit, there was nothing obvious wrong with it. Then I started to notice it again. Continued on till this spring when I figured I needed a solution before the Warranty expires in November.
Took it in a couple of weeks ago but of course the test ride showed nothing. The dealer, to their credit asked to have the car for a few days to drive it around. They gave me a 2.0T Passat gasser for a courtesy car for a week while they decided to install another flywheel and this time a clutch. Didn't care much, as the Passat was pretty fun to drive although 25 MPG on premium ($3.09) was an eye opener.
Got a call Monday that they would drop off my car at work and to give it a try to see what I thought. Didn't even make it home before I got the symptom. Lumpy idle coming off an 8 mile run on the freeway. Drove it one more day just to be sure before I called Vision. Without hesitation they exchanged it, this time with a Tiquan (sp?). Side Bar: What is the purpose of this car? Drove nice and straight though.
Two days later, yesterday, they brought it back to me at work after setting the timing to +2. I'm pretty sure I had discussed this with them in the past but apparently VW tech support suggested this to them. Well, first I was concerned there would be a performance hit but all seems well. Actually overall it seems even smoother with no hint yet of lumpy idle syndrome. Also I topped the tank so I can see what happens, if anything, with MPG.
Gotta say, the Vision Dealership has done all that I would ever expect. Too bad they had to go through all this trouble if it was only a matter of a timing change, but as they say, they were only following orders. I assume they'll get paid. Plus they told me I have the latest revision of the flywheel, whatever that is.
BTW: Swimmer, I would check that warranty period. Both my '06s are only 48 months or 48,000. I don't believe there is an extended drive train on this one but correct me if I'm wrong.
So here's a qualified shout out to Sal at Vision. Thanks for your help and keeping this work order open until I tell you it's OK to close. Next time, maybe you could drop off a Phaeton.