The TDI's beetles are designed with the filter on the top...you simply unscrew the cap and pull out what looks like a roll of paper towels!
The pump allows you to change the filter and oil without jacking the car.
I do agree about being able to inspect things (the beetle has an aluminum oil...
I am planning on purchasing some auto-rx to use in my 2001 beetle TDI.
I use a Pela 6000 to extract the oil from the dipstick tube (so i don't have to lift/crawl under).
Will draining through the "suction tube" of the oil extrator get all of the particles that may be in the bottom of the oil...