My service adviser had a very difficult time understanding that the drivers turn signal light was lit bright ON constantly, with or without ignition. He advised me that the European parking light was activated when i in fact did not activate it, since the check bulb light lit up on the dash, then randomly turned off and on. Since the local dealership did not stock that item, I was fortunate enough to have a rental car for 1 week while they fixed the defective part.

Update from Nov 14, 2011: To further clarify, the "European parking light" feature was never correctly duplicated to be active at the dealership.

Keep in mind this is a completely stock electronic setup, no euro switch installed nor vagcom reprogramming, so I highly doubt a North American Gti would have this option without user intervention. The replaced defective part was the central electronic control module or (cecm).

fyi: Thanks to Scott for feedback and request for clarification.