[Vwdiesel] Starting?

[Bud]

When I turn the key it sounds like the starter is spinning and not
engaging the fly wheel.  I turned it off and on several times and the
engine would turn over and then stop and spin freely like it
disengaged again.

My battery has 12v but that's checking with no load.  It is 5 years
old however and quite frankly I can't remember a battery lasting this
long.

Any thoughts?

Thanks,
Bud
85 Gold 1,6L NA