Carlston

If you get all the build codes, you can work out what the OEM part numbers are for the springs and shock absorbers that were fitted to the car when it left the factory. Knowing this information is invaluable, because it makes it easy to source suitable aftermarket parts. I don't think the car even on standard ride height springs and shock absorbers should behave like a bucking bronco when accelerating and braking. Losing 15mm in ride height by changing to sports/lowered springs and shock absorbers will make the ride quality noticeably less supple, as to compensate for this lose of ride height involves making the springs stiffer so that they don't bottom out easily. However, if you are on 205/55R16 you might still be able to get a decent handling/ride balance even with 15mm lowered suspension. With 225/45R17 (or 225/40R18) I would be inclined to stick with the standard ride height. You might want to take a look at some of the aftermarket spring catalogues from Kilen, KYB, and gknautomotive. Kilen spring catalogue https://www.kilensprings.com/springs-catalouges/onlinecatalogue.asp KYB spring catalogue https://kyb-europe.com/catalogue/ gknautomotive spring catalogue https://web.tecalliance.net/gkn/en/home?sessionArticleCountry=GB&sessionTargetCountry=GB

I suspect the only difference with the 6R0407151D/6R0407152D wishbones compared to the other wishbones is the rear rubber bush. It's a solid rubber bush on the VRS, and non-solid rubber bush on all other models including other models with sports suspension, ie. it's only the VRS model that gets the solid rear rubber bushes...or at least build code G01 or G07. Non-solid rubber bush 1J0407181 2 1J0 407 181 bonded rubber bush rear 2 PR-G02/G03/ G04/G38/G39/ G40/G41 Solid rubber bush 6R0407181B (2) 6R0 407 181 B bonded rubber bush 1 PR-G01,G07 Both rubber bush types are readily available aftermarket. Genuine Skoda left wishbone 6R0407151D https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/6r0407151d-bottom-left-arm-15244.html Genuine Skoda right wishbone 6R0407152D https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/6r0407152d-front-axle-arm-15245.html

Does your car have standard ride height, lowered ride height, or increased ride height? Build code 2UA means standard ride height as shown in the chart below. Build codes 2UA = standard ride height 2UC = lowered ride height 2UF or 2UB = increased ride height

Skoda parts departments have them on their computer system. They just need your VIN to access all the build codes for your vehicle. Some independent garages that work on VW group cars also have a computer system that allows them to access this information. If they are repairing someone's VW group car (VW, Audi, Seat, Skoda, etc.) they need to be able to find the correct replacement parts, and hence they will often have a computer system that allows them access to the car's build codes. You can also get the build codes using erwin.skoda-auto.cz but it costs 7 Euros for 1 hour's access, which should be enough time to download all the build codes. https://erwin.skoda-auto.cz/erwin/showHome.do

As you need new suspension parts for the track control arm (aka front wishbone), I suggest you fit part number 1 in the diagram below...and do both sides. This gives you the complete wishbone including rubber bushes, and because ball joints are cheap it makes sense to change them at the same time...as no extra labour is involved. Does your car include either build code G01 or G07 ? This might be on the white build code label in the spare wheel well area under the carpet. Being a VRS I suspect it will have one of these build codes, which would probably mean that the rubber bushes on the wishbones are slightly stiffer/harder than the normal ones. However, you do have the option of fitting normal 6R0407151 or 6R0407151E left wishbones, and 6R0407152 or 6R0407152E right wishbones from the normal cars. If you did go for aftermarket G01/G07 wishbones, I've only seen one choice on autodoc...so the choice is very limited. Aftermarket left wishbone for G01/G07 build codes (rare aftermarket part) https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bugiad/10827805 Aftermarket right wishbone for G01/G07 build codes (rare aftermarket part) https://www.autodoc.co.uk/bugiad/10827806 It's possible that the aftermarket parts sold to replace OEM part numbers 6R0407151D and 6R0407151D (ie. G01/G07 parts) are actually ordinary 6R0407151, 6R0407151E, 6R0407152, 6R0407152E parts...as some aftermarket brands are very sneeky (ie. pretend they are something that they are not). If you want to be sure about matching the G01/G07 build code parts exactly, then Skoda OEM parts might be needed. Maybe just go for aftermarket parts sold to replace the ordinary 6R0407151, 6R0407151E, 6R0407152, 6R0407152E OEM part numbers (ie. for build codes G02/G03/G04/G38/G39/G40/G41). Choice of wishbones depending on build code and date of manufacture 1 6R0 407 151 track control arm, complete D >> - 28.06.2010 left 1 PR-G02/G03/ G04/G38/G39/ G40/G41 (1) 6R0 407 151 E track control arm, complete D - 29.06.2010>> left 1 PR-G02/G03/ G04/G38/G39/ G40/G41 (1) 6R0 407 152 track control arm, complete D >> - 28.06.2010 right 1 PR-G02/G03/ G04/G38/G39/ G40/G41 (1) 6R0 407 152 E track control arm, complete D - 29.06.2010>> right 1 PR-G02/G03/ G04/G38/G39/ G40/G41 (1) 6R0 407 151 D track control arm, complete left 1 PR-G01/G07 (1) 6R0 407 152 D track control arm, complete right 1 PR-G01/G07 https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/fabia/fab/2011-697/4/407-407010/#11

272mm rear brake discs 1KT https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/octavia/oct/2016-753/6/615-615062/ The front brake discs might be 340mm for pre-facelift models, and 312mm for facelift models on the Octavia MK3 2.0TDI VRS. However, you can check if you have the full build codes for your car's VIN. There might be about 180 build codes, so many more than what is shown on the white label/sticker in the spare wheel well area. 312mm front brake discs 1ZB https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/octavia/oct/2016-753/6/615-615030/ 340mm front brake discs 1LG https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/octavia/oct/2016-753/6/615-615040/

Although the rear springs are only weight range 4, they will be new and therefore not broken and not sagging from age and use. See how you get on with them, as not everyone needs harder rear springs. The problem with rear springs, is that it's always going to be a compromise depending on what load you are carrying. Harder rear springs work better with heavier loads, and softer rear springs work better with lighter loads.

The single bolt holding the front disc on is an M6x16 size with a T30 torx countersunk head. If it's tight, it is better to use a Torx Plus rather than just a Torx screwdriver/bit, and possibly in combination with an impact screwdriver. The Torx Plus design allows for about 20% more torque to be applied before the bolt head strips. https://www.autodoc.co.uk/topran/8873420 12 N 10648301 hex socket countersunk bolt M6X16 2 https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/citigo/cit/2016-727/6/615-615000/#12 There's some information on Wikipedia about the Torx design. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Torx

Would a French garage allow you to fit aftermarket rear springs that match the OEM part number exactly and have the coloured dots marked on them, ie. 1 white dot and 2 orange dots? Some aftermarket rear springs that match 1K0511115BH Quinton Hazell QCS5433 SKF VKDL 31009 Quinton Spidan 86455 Suplex 39308 https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/1k0511115bh?search=OEN+1K0511115BH&supplier[0]=1&supplier[1]=10708&supplier[2]=50&supplier[3]=57 Rear springs 1K0511115BH (1) 1K0 511 115 BH coil spring 1 paint mark 2 paint marks rear white orange 2 PR-1JA+0YD If you zoom into the above photo, you can see that the dots are 1 white dot and 2 orange dots meaning that this spring matches OEM part number 1K0511115BH.

215/40R17 fitted to 7Jx17 ET46 rims are for the Fabia MK3, not the earlier Fabia MK1 and Fabia MK2 cars. You might have problems with rubbing when you turn the steering wheel to full lock, or possibly elsewhere too. The Fabia MK3 uses slightly bigger tyres, so is likely to have more room in the wheelarches. With 205 tyres, you would be better off with less offset, such as ET38 to ET42 to better fill the wheelarch. Maybe look at 6.5Jx17 ET40 rims from the Skoda Scala/Kamiq. The Scala uses 205/50R17 on these rims, and the Kamiq uses 205/55R17 on these rims. For the Fabia MK2, you might be able to use 205/45R17 without rubbing with this width and offset of rim. It would be an oversize tyre on the Fabia MK2, with an outside diameter similar to 185/65R15 and 195/55R16. 2490CZK is about £84.90 https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/kolo-z-lehke-slitiny-volans-17-pro-scala-kamiq/p/654071497H+8Z8

Fabia MK1 to MK4 all have 5/100 PCD

The build code L03 shows that you have these front springs Front springs 3C0411105C (1) 3C0 411 105 C coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark 2 paint marks orange green yellow 2 PR-L03 https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/superb/sup/2012-632/4/411-411001/#1 The 1 white dot and 2 orange dots on your rear springs indicates that you have these rear springs Rear springs 1K0511115BH (1) 1K0 511 115 BH coil spring 1 paint mark 2 paint marks rear white orange 2 PR-1JA+0YD https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/superb/sup/2012-632/5/511-511001/#1 Kilen/Lesjofors list 1K0511115DF rear springs for the Superb MK2 2.0TDI FWD estate with standard ride height Rear springs 1K0511115DF (2 weight ranges higher than 1K0511115BH) (1) 1K0 511 115 DF coil spring 1 paint mark 1 paint mark 1 paint mark rear white green brown 2 PR-1JA+0YF The following KYB, Kilen/Lesjofors are listed as matching 1K0511115DF KYB RA6148 Kilen 63135 Lesjofors 4285736 https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/1k0511115df?search=OEN+1K0511115DF&supplier[0]=246&supplier[1]=85&supplier[2]=253 Kilen 63135 and Lesjofors 4285736 are the same spring made in the same factory in Sweden, just sold under two different brand names. Kilen 63135 is listed on ebay for under £24 each https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/174765026659?epid=249617349&hash=item28b0cead63%3Ag%3AmtAAAOSwXUJgsNto&LH_ItemCondition=3 G07 means that you have these front shock absorbers 3C0413031AT 8 3C0 413 031 AT gas shock absorber 2 PR-G07 These are suitable rear shock absorbers for 0YF weight range rear springs 3C0513049CP (7) 3C0 513 049 CP gas shock absorber rear 2 PR-1JA,1JL+ 0YE,0YF,0YG, 0YH,0YJ,0YK, 0YL

The specification of the COMET alloy rims is 6.5Jx16 ET43 5/100 57.1 They come in three different colours, as follows. 5J0601025L 7ZS chrome coloured metallic 5J0601025LA FL8 black metallic 5J0601025LB HA7 anthracite metallic (grey) 3 5J0 601 025 L aluminium rim 6,5JX16 ET43 4 COMET 5J0601025L 7ZS chrome coloured metallic 2003.10 - 2012.14 (3) 5J0 601 025 LA aluminium rim 6,5JX16 ET43 4 COMET CS0 5J0 601 025 LAFL8 black metallic MONTE CARLO 2001.11 - 2012.14 (3) 5J0 601 025 LB aluminium rim 6,5JX16 ET43 4 COMET 5J0 601 025 LBHA7 anthracite metallic (grey) PR-C6S 2001.12 - 2012.14 https://skoda.7zap.com/en/cz/fabia/fab/2013-697/6/601-601060/ 6Jx15 ET38 5/100 57.1 alloy rim (from Fabia MK3) One option, is to change to 6Jx15 ET38 5/100 57.1 alloy rims from the Fabia MK3. 185/60R15 would be a suitable tyre size for this rim. The standard 15" tyre and rim size for the Fabia MK2 is 195/55R15 fitted to a 6Jx15 ET43 rim. However, 185/60R15 is a cheaper tyre size and will ride a little better. https://eshop.skoda-auto.cz/cs_CZ/hlinikove-disky/c/alloyWheels?q=%3ApriceAsc%3AcarType%3AFabia%2BIII%2B%282014%2B%29&text=#

Is the 1.4TSI available with an 8-speed automatic gearbox with torque converter in Australia or just the DSG automatic?

Outside diameter of tyres 195/55R15 595.5mm 195/50R15 576.0mm Therefore, 195/55R15 has an outside diameter 3.4% bigger than 195/50R15. If you put 195/50R15 on the front they will rotate 3.4% faster than the 195/55R15 tyres on the rear. In general, anything over 1.5% difference in the outside diameter of tyres could cause problems with traction control, anti-lock brakes, electronic stability program, etc. 195/50R15 has a standard load index (ie. not XL) of 82 (475kg) 195/55R15 has a standard load index (ie. not XL) of 85 (515kg) This means that by changing the front tyres from 195/55R15 to 195/50R15 you would have to increase your front tyre pressures by about 0.2 bar (3 psi) in order for the tyres to be able to support the same load. Due to the slightly increased tread width of the lower profile 195/50R15 tyres, the lower sidewall height, the stiffer construction of the carcass, the change in front tyre size would result in a harder ride (all other things being equal). 195/50R15 may have more lateral grip than 195/55R15 in certain situations. This could potentially result in an oversteer situation, losing the back end of the car, etc. In the invent of an accident, the insurance assessor may not be happy with this staggered arrangement. It's very easy to spot, as the front tyres will have noticeably less sidewall height.

Skoda use the same rear brake pads for both the 300mm rear brake discs and the 310mm rear brake discs. They are both ATE brake systems. I would rather fit ATE brake pads to an ATE brake system knowing that they are precisely made to fit. ATE Rear brake pads for 300mm rear brake discs 1KU 3Q0698451 13 3Q0 698 451 1 set of brake pads for disk brake 1 14 3Q0 615 601 brake disc 300X12MM 5/112 2 https://volkswagen.7zap.com/en/rdw/passat+4motion+santana/pa/2016-793/6/615-615050/ ATE Rear brake pads for 310mm rear brake discs 1KZ 3Q0698451 13 3Q0 698 451 1 set of brake pads for disk brake 1 14 1K0 615 601 N brake disc (vented) 310X22 2 https://volkswagen.7zap.com/en/rdw/passat+4motion+santana/pa/2016-793/6/615-615060/ ATE 13.0460-7294.2 rear brake pads are sold to replace the following OEM part numbers: 3Q0698451 3Q0698451B 3Q0698451C 3Q0698451D 3Q0698451E 3Q0698451F 3QF698451 5G0698451 5Q0698451 5Q0698451P 5Q0698451S 8V0698451A 8V0698451D https://www.autodoc.co.uk/car-parts/oem/3q0698451?search=OEN+3Q0698451&supplier[0]=3

Underbody rubber plug, stopper, 25mm in diameter. https://www.skoda-parts.com/spare-part/n10246001-bodywork-grommet-bung-3232.html

Compared to the standard 8Jx19 ET45 rims, 7.5Jx19 ET51 rims give you about an extra 25mm of clearance. This extra rim clearance could be very useful when going through 2 metre width restrictions. However, 245/40R19 need 8J wide rims. ETRTO approved tyre and rim sizes 225/40 7.5-8.0-9.0 235/40 8.0-8.5-9.5 245/40 8.0-8.5-9.5 As you can see in the chart above, 245/40 tyres need a rim width between 8J and 9.5J, with 8.5J being a good starting point and hence enthasised in bold. Fitting 225/40R19 to a 7.5J rim will help improve ride comfort compared to fitting this size tyre to the standard 8J rim. This is because the narrower the rim, the more easily the sidewalls flex with any given tyre size.

Some owners run non-standard tyre sizes and rim specifications including different offsets. Many aftermarket alloy rims aren't available with exactly the same widths and offsets as standard, and hence owners will try to make sensible decisions. Anyone who fits wheel spacers could be making a big change to their offset. For example, using a 25mm wheel spacer will reduce the offset by 25mm. So an ET45 offset would change to ET20. I'm not a fan of wheel spacers or big changes to the original offset specification...but 5mm difference isn't a big change. Big Red Dog in New Zealand is running 245/40R19 on 7.5Jx19 ET51 rims, which have even more offset than ET50...but only by 1mm.

The build codes on the white sticker/label in the spare wheel well area only show about 20 of the build codes. There are around 180 build codes, so most of them aren't shown on the sticker. To get your full list of build codes you could use erWin. It costs about 7 Euros for 1 hour's access and is apparently enough time to print out the build codes. I was talking about the Octavia MK2, not the MK3. Unlike the MK2, the Octavia MK3 doesn't have multilink rear suspension except for the VRS and 4x4 models. You can see that information on 7zap.

Only declarable mods need to be declared. In many cases, the owner won't know if the car has been modified. If your local garage fits new aftermarket springs and shock absorbers, who knows whether they are identical to the originals. Probably not, as aftermarket springs and shock absorbers are usually sold to replace a whole shed load of different models, ie. a one size fits all approach. When you buy a secondhand car, you often won't know the history of it. Maybe the engine had a warped cylinder head, and the local garage skimmed it so that it was no longer warped. Due to the skimming, your engine now has a higher compression ratio than standard. The fact is, insurance is ultimately governed by the UK courts, and I think you will find that it's significant mods that need to be declared, not all mods. Even the manufacturer often sell modified parts after they have manufactured the car. I know of a car where the cup holder kept falling out. So the manufacturer modified the cup holder so that it didn't fall out. Are all these car owners now driving modified cars, and should they all declare this modified cup holder that no longer falls out? I doubt it. I think it would be better if the driver was insured and not the car. After all, it's usually the driver that causes accidents not the car. Then the insurance company could ask the driver whether he has been modified. If he has had a new bionic eye fitted to improve his eyesight, his insurance premiums would double.

The 6/3/2006 is the only major change I've seen to the rear springs. What springs are fitted is shown by the car's build codes, and sometimes also by the date of the car's manufacture.

Cars have to meet the construction and use regulations to be legally insured. It will be in the small print. Insurance companies don't insure cars that aren't road legal. If VOSA pulls you over and checks your rim widths you will be for the high jump. I say technically illegal about the rim width because it's doubtful whether there's much enforcement going on. It's not something that is checked during the MOT, and I expect VOSA has other priorities to keep them busy.

It could be that the tyre fitter that was going to fit the 235/35R19 tyres to your 7.5Jx19 rims checked in his tyre fitter's guide and found that fitting 235/35 tyres to 7.5J rims is technically illegal. As you can see in the chart below, 235/35 needs at least an 8J rim, with an ideal width being 8.5J and hence highlighted in bold. When you already have 235/35 tyres fitted to undersize 7.5J rims, it's unlikely that a tyre fitter would check in his tyre fitter's guide and just assume that was a legal fitment. If you get in an accident you may find that you have no insurance, especially if the accident is caused by the tyre exploding due to the undersize rim being used. With a car that can go 155mph, I'm not sure that I would want to risk it. ETRTO approved tyre and rim fitments 225/35 7.5-8.0-9.0 235/35 8.0-8.5-9.5

Your 2007 Octavia MK2 2.0TDI estate FWD with standard ride height was probably manufactured on or after 6/3/2006 so may have originally been fitted with 1K0511115BD rear springs, ie. three weight ranges less than 1K0511115BG. This could explain why you noticed the change to 1K0511115BG rear springs had made the car's ride harder. Up until and including 5/3/2006 Skoda had been fitting rear springs that were two weight ranges softer. You can see this information on 7zap. What works best for you could depend on what loads you carry plus personal preference. For example, someone who rarely carries rear seat passengers or much load in the back, maybe best with the softer springs that were fitted to the earlier cars, ie. perhaps 1K0511115BD or 1K0511115BE instead of 1K0511115BF or 1K0511115BG.