Just got new 2006!

[baobaobeibei]

thanks for the picture. I am sending email to the dealer ...

[Deserion]

VW has the solar panel chargers on all VWs as a way to keep the batteries topped-up when they're sitting at port (whether in Brazil, Mexico, or Germany, or at final destinations in US and Canadian ports).

-Des

[baobaobeibei]

My dealer suggested me buy one from ebay!

[digitalputty]

Out of the 2.8 ish years that I have had Zoomer I have NEVER had to use the Sun thing. Ive left my car (outside in the cold even) for 9 days without starting it (went to Italy ) so ... I dont think they are that important. Sure, the dealer was SUPPOSE to give you yours. But ... Im sure they are just reusing it for another bug or VW. I wouldnt worry too much.

NOW ... WHERE ARE THOSE PICS?! (or did I miss something?)

[paulalves]

It might be usefull if you were say, leaving your radio on for a while without the car being on perhaps?

[baobaobeibei]

hm, it is not a big deal without solar panel. however, it is not a good feeling when i know the greedy dealer took something (even though it is cheap) from my car.
but the car itself is the best compensation for me when i drive it!

[baobaobeibei]

just got an email message from the dealer. they found a solar panel from garage for me. I will stop by to pick it up and let them check the broken side-window sun visor.

[RealTater]

The trickle charger may have been a response to some issues VW had with dead batteries on NB's. Turns out some engineer forgot to carry the one or something and the ignition off current draw was a bit high and tended to kill batteries if left sitting for more than two or three days. I didn't get one with mine but I've got a jeep sitting next to the beetle. Handy accessory for jump starting.

[digitalputty]

That seems kinda weird. I left Zoomer for 10 days parked ... he didnt move ... wasnt turned on ... was left in the snow ... and, when I got back ... he started. I think they are just for transport. Or, just for looks

[JonK]

Hi,

Happy for you Getting Your 06 New Beetle, Can't wait to see Photos.

Have fun with it,

John K.

[Whitacre]

Yes as Deserion said, its for transport. The ones that dont get it with their car is usually because the dealer has had time to remove it. Its not standard equipement, and if you ask for it you can keep it, but usually they keep it, OR they send it back to VW...at least our dealership does that here.

[minttbird]

i am bad... i stole it for my t-bird... its a garage queen and the bug is the GF's daily driver... they will look cool together when this damn snow subsides and i take out the bird... howdy all btw and hope i have fun here

[dunno513]

Originally Posted by Lnzbug

From the begining all NB's were shipped with a solar charger.Dealers are greedy and kept them unless you asked forit

Why does this not shock me

I originally thought that the dealer left it in there accidentally, and I sure wasn't going to say anything. I put mine in my truck when I was selling it.

It falls off the window unless you wet the suction cups before you put it up. Now its just another thing I need to store. I'm thinking of using it to maintain my boat battery while it's sitting there. Now I just need an OBSII connector so I don't have to do any mods.

[hestersu]

Originally Posted by digitalputty

Out of the 2.8 ish years that I have had Zoomer I have NEVER had to use the Sun thing. Ive left my car (outside in the cold even) for 9 days without starting it (went to Italy ) so ... I dont think they are that important. Sure, the dealer was SUPPOSE to give you yours. But ... Im sure they are just reusing it for another bug or VW. I wouldnt worry too much.

NOW ... WHERE ARE THOSE PICS?! (or did I miss something?)

I left my '03 sitting for 9 months while my foot healed. No trickle charger, no starting - nothing. When I was able to start the car, it started right up with no problems. The charger is just for shipping. My 98 and 01 did not come with the trickle charger. I think these started showing up in 2002 or 2003. But as usual, if I'm incorrect, someone will be sure to beat me over the head and point it out.