[clarenceboddick]

A ghetto trick is to install a screw between the post and terminal to make a tight connection. You can also buy terminal shims.

 

[clarenceboddick]

Yes, it is.
Cable clamps must be installed flush with battery upper surface.
What I did was to then drive a self tapping screw at the angle right into the clamp edge and battery terminal. Fortunately it's very soft metal, so it goes in easy, as far as small pilot hole is drilled. Going at about 45 degree angle down, screw head works as an anchor and pulls terminal down and sets it solid.
Also, it's a VW. Do you have a flat plastic plate with some electronics mounted on top of battery terminals? If yes, wait for that to go bad any time.

I think VW started using the stupid above battery harness with the 4th gen Golf/Jetta (A-4 Chassis) cars. I don't remember if the New Beetle and Passat uses them. They are a stupid idea and a source of problem. Not too hard to remove it and rewire it properly.