Is there any way to look up official Octavia part numbers - apart from calling a dealer and asking them for one ?

I find with my car its difficult getting exactly the right part from suppliers unless you have the exact OEM part number. its a problem and sometimes you get the Mk1 part instead of the Mk2 part.

For instance I just ordered a new alternator pulley, and it was listed as the same for both 1u2 and 1Z3 applications, but I suspect its different since other vendors make a distinction. So I may end up with the wrong part.

If you phone the dealer they will give you a quote but generally wont give you the part number because they dont want you to phone around for a cheaper price.

With EKTA you can look up part numbers but I dont know how you use it or hoe you get a copy.

TPS are generally happy to give you the part number (at least in Derby they are). Also they are often quite good on the pricing, so you may well end up buying it from them anyway. I got a good price on a cambelt kit and water pump not long ago, cheaper than ECP and GSF.

With the alternator pulley it will almost certainly have a part number on which has nothing to do with the VAG part number. I know on the mk1 octys the alternator pulley is common across several engines so it may be the same.

I recently replaced my alternator pulley - and of course it looks different from the original as often there are part revisions as well - just to make things more confusing!

www.vagcat.com is very good for part numbers, however. My local TPS are also happy to give out part numbers.

Sorry who are TPS ?

Trade Parts Specialists

http://www.thetradepartsspecialists.co.uk

Normally cheapest place you will be able to find bits.

Nearest one is at Sheepbridge for you Phil