99 Passat Sport 1.8T - Engine cuts out

[jezzaaa]

Chaps - a question on behalf of a friend of mine. Came back up to Scotland after Christmas with his family and the car was dead. Jumped it from another car...and it starts...and revs a bit...but then cuts out...or continues on a very low and lumpy idle for a few minutes before cutting out again. After you first start it you can sometimes rev it for a few goes before it cuts out again.

I've heard rumours that coil packs go on these 1.8T engines...any idea what it might be?

Cheers as always,

J.