Nick - cheers for the PM, will have a proper look later...., making my head hurt

Gave it a spin earlier with maf disconnected, no different at all, maybe a touch better - but you know how it is, if you didn't know it was unplugged it probably feel exactly the same...
Can get a new one for £30, so worth a punt, and at least a new item if it isn't the cure.

Vroom - hope so.
What year etc is yours?
This 110 engine was only in passats for a couple years, not 100% is has the N75, see what looks like one at front by rad, but all new to me!
Whereabouts is the EGR?
Remember my ecotec cav had one, more trouble than it was worth iirc.

Thanks guys, should be getting there - all the vw forums I've found are crap