Had one fail (after 50k on a 2001 150bhp engine) about 500-600 miles ago and got it replaced by my local garage along with other service work that was needed.

I'm heading off on a 2500 mile road trip to the French Alps and I have this awful feeling another will go on the trip.

How easy is it to replace a coil pack? What tools are required? Where can I get them from?

Either I replace the other three before I go or take one or two with me, just in case. Chance of getting a VAG garage to replace a coil on the side of a motorway on a Sunday afternoon in France are pretty damn slim...

http://briskoda.net/forums/technical-guides/pictorial-guide-changing-coil-pack-1-8t-engine/76367/

They are easy to change. It helps to have a large screwdriver and a small socket set or Allen key set.

Just a note - on mine the 3 screws holding the mounitng plate above Cylinder 4 is retained with Torx screws as opposed to allen socket screws

On mine it's 10mm head set screws (bolts). Easy enough to change but if you are certain on carrying a spare, why don't you replace the worst looking one before you go making sure the two new ones are at the gearbox end (the hardest to change) then carry 1 old one as a spare. They should be in stock at most dealers but you don't want to drive on it with one down really, as it can damage the cat.

Greg.

Replace the others as a precaution especially when going that distance. You can replace them of course if one goes, depends where it conks out on you though - hopefully not a tunnel or a motorway etc. For the cost £100 or so - Id have all 4 new ones in.

Have to agree I would just do them all anyway. Had a AYP 1.8T 150 in my ibiza and they kept going until I just hot them all changed. Can be pretty annoying when you pull out to overtake and it suddenly goes into limp mode! Think I paid £25 about 2 years ago.

Great stuff. Going to see if my local garage can get them en before the end of the week.

If not, is this the correct coil?

VW , AUDI, SKODA, IGNITION COIL 1.8T on eBay, also, Volkswagen, Car Parts, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 19-Jul-08 13:51:42 BST)

They look correct - I believe GSF do them also at a good rate.

I believe that the latest revision is 06B 905 115R . I would opt for that from a dealer rather than fit an earlier superceded version.