temp only ever reads 1/4 of the gauge so i guess that could be part of the problem ill change the stat
im having trouble finding an afm and dont have a multimeter to check the resistance
The temp gauge often reads low, there is a seperate sender for it, thats not connected to the ECU. Both the blue (ECU) and black (gauge) senders can be bought from VW for not much money, and are a safer bet than non genuine ones. Get a couple of sealing rings with them too, or you may get a poor seal in the coolant housing.
May be worth getting a wee multimeter, they aint to expensive either....