I've got a similar prob on my VR6 but I'm pretty sure its the barrel. Can take 15mins to start the car as I have to keep taking the key out and putting it back in. V. Annoying...
Phoned my local VAG dealer to find out how much the latest donation would be and they said £38 or £78 depending on the age of the car. Once I'd been recusitated I phoned the German Swedish and French car parts and they said "Yes sir, that would be £8.25...". http://www.gsfcarparts.com Amazing...
Anyway, all I have to do is locate the exact place to drill a hole. Anyone have an electronic copy of a workshop manual??