Spark plug removal VW 1.6 engine

[Ghisallo]

Hopefully the experts can help with this one

Decided at the weekend to change the spark plugs on a 2003 VW Beetle, 1.6 SR engine.
I should have known from experience that even simple jobs on a Beetle can turn into a rigmarole
but I was surprised to find that the sparkplug removal appears to be less than straightforward
with the plugs obscured by the inlet manifold.

Question is, is it possible to change the plugs without removing the manifold?
If yes, is there a trick involved and what is that trick?
If no, is removing the manifold difficult and are there any pitfalls that I should know about?

And finally, at 60,000 miles do the plugs actually need changing?

Here's hoping...
Thanks!

[blueST]

Have you got photo, a link to a pic of the same engine on the web will do? I've done a lot of plug changes on VW and Seats that require the air inlet/filter housing to be removed, but not on a Beetle. If it's similar then it's not a big job.

[blueST]

Scratch my previous, I've just googled it and it's not the same as the ones I've done.

http://www.honestjohn.co.uk/forum/post/index.htm?t...