Clutch issue
 

The VW has a clutch issue. At idle, in neutral, it stinks—smells just like toasted clutch. Doesn’t seem to smell as much when driving, though it does seem to have more judder than usual.

Is it as simple as it not disengaging fully?

In idle, in neutral, the clutch has no load on it. If it isn't disengaging completely, it would be difficult to shift. If it's not engaging completely, it would slip, particularly in higher gears. I don't remember what VW you have, is it an R? I know the regular GTI with the manual trans has a notoriously weak clutch.

Stink in neutral, that's a weird one... Is it smelling in idle/neutral or when it's stationary and the smell is not being blown off? Is the pedal feel the same? Are you still under warranty? I've had bmw give me two clutches over the years due to the throwout bearing (rattle in neutral) though they were otherwise operational. Don't know if VW would be so kind.

Any car could stress its clutch. Our GTI clutch is fine at 36k miles (and 290hp tune).

Yes, it’s an R. Stink in neutral, no obvious rattle or difficultly shifting. Like I said, there’s judder in 1st as you engage the clutch, but there doesn’t seem to be any slipping—I did a bunch of roll-on runs and the car just pulled fine.

It’s weird. Still under warranty. Will take it in this week.

It won't be for very long

Verdict is new clutch required.

16,000 miles.

yipes

It's literally ridiculous, but not sure what the cause is. One would suspect user error except we've never had anything like this problem before.

Warranty? Knowing VW my guess is no.

I doubt it’s user error.

This sounds like a stupid clutch design.