If the car is old or has some serious miles on it the chances are the selector fork in the gearbox is worn.
Top of the transmission...
If the car has a manual gear box, there is none.
The keeper gear needs to adjusted or replaced.
you have a broken transmission mout
The gear oil capacity of the 2000 Volkswagen New Beetle with a manual transmission is 2.1 quarts. For this vehicle, 75w90 synthetic gear oil is recommended.
two quarts of 75w90 gear oil.
To set up the gear linkage on a VW Transporter, start by ensuring the vehicle is in neutral. Disconnect the linkage from the transmission, then align the gear lever to the neutral position. Adjust the linkage rod length if necessary to ensure it fits snugly without excessive play. Finally, reattach the linkage to the transmission and test the gear selection to confirm proper operation.
It sounds like the Cabriolet has a possible problem with the shifter forks. The transmission will need to be pulled apart to see what the problem is for sure.
the closest vw beetles came to having an automatic transmission is called an auto-stickit has a gear shifter like a manual trans, but no clutch pedal. you push down on the stick, and then shift gears.
problem with your transmission in 5th gear
automatic, VW automatic transmission fluid or one that meets oem specs Manual SAE 75W90 synthetic gear oil
A 1974 VW Beetle does not use traditional transmission fluid; instead, it requires a specific type of gear oil. The manual transmission typically uses a 90-weight gear oil, such as SAE 90 or GL-4 rated oil, to ensure proper lubrication and performance. It's important to check the owner's manual for the exact specifications and recommendations.