vag-com software options?

[brunogomes]

I'm looking to do some VAG-COM mods this week and I was wondering if there is a preferable software to install in my laptop?

Basically all I need is the cable and install the software? I checked the Carista APP, but I dont think it allows me to increase the LED brightness for example and that's one of the things I wanted to do. Is that correct? Or did i miss that option in the Carista APP?

Mostly concerned with the software version if that makes any difference for 2013 + MMI or whatnot...

And for the cable, I see some $200+ cables and some that cost $50... Is there any reason for this? Since its just a cable, I cant seem to justify buying the more expensive one...

Any useful links to posts or websites where I can get the best software / cables is very much appreciated!

Thanks in advance and good day everyone ^.^

[Brozee]

You need the official VCDS Cable from Ross-Tech and the desktop software. You need the OEM cable from them, the junk ebay ones don't fully read all sectors that you need, prove to be unreliable, and believe me it is worth the investment to go with the real cable. It has paid itself 10x over for me, and also helped out friends and family that I used the cable for. It can also be used on VW's as well. I've used this cable on any number of cars, Jettas, Golfs, any Audi after just about 2000.

You need this cable, which is the official Ross-Tech VCDS cable that one end is USB to go into the computer, the other plugs into the OBDII on the vehicle itself.
http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCHUC.html

Here is the desktop software, free and it is the official software provided by Ross-Tech, download the VCDS Release 14.10
http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/download/current.php


Your question about software version for 2013, you don't have to worry. 1. That doesn't make any sense, and 2. You could have a 2010 Audi S5 or a 2016 Audi S5 with different versions, they'd still use the same cable.

This is ALL the information you need on it. Purchase the cable and enjoy. There are tons of threads, youtube videos, etc. on how to use the cable and desktop software. This is the same cable you use for customization (enabling TV in motion, seat belt chime, unroll windows, etc) as well as diagnostic (battery, engine, Everything).


/Thread.

[brunogomes]

You need the official VCDS Cable from Ross-Tech and the desktop software. You need the OEM cable from them, the junk ebay ones don't fully read all sectors that you need, prove to be unreliable, and believe me it is worth the investment to go with the real cable. It has paid itself 10x over for me, and also helped out friends and family that I used the cable for. It can also be used on VW's as well. I've used this cable on any number of cars, Jettas, Golfs, any Audi after just about 2000.

You need this cable, which is the official Ross-Tech VCDS cable that one end is USB to go into the computer, the other plugs into the OBDII on the vehicle itself.
http://store.ross-tech.com/shop/VCHUC.html

Here is the desktop software, free and it is the official software provided by Ross-Tech, download the VCDS Release 14.10
http://www.ross-tech.com/vcds/download/current.php


Your question about software version for 2013, you don't have to worry. 1. That doesn't make any sense, and 2. You could have a 2010 Audi S5 or a 2016 Audi S5 with different versions, they'd still use the same cable.

This is ALL the information you need on it. Purchase the cable and enjoy. There are tons of threads, youtube videos, etc. on how to use the cable and desktop software. This is the same cable you use for customization (enabling TV in motion, seat belt chime, unroll windows, etc) as well as diagnostic (battery, engine, Everything).


/Thread.

Ah thx for the info!

Guess I'll just look for someone with the cable near me, not to mention that software is not compatible with Mac OS. As a programmer myself I find that a bummer ^.^

[d1amund]

Grab a copy of Win7, load onto a bootcamp partition...bam, you're doing vagcom on your Mac.

[Jeff V.]

not to mention that software is not compatible with Mac OS.

The new HEX-NET adapters have a browser based interface that works on any modern device. OSX, Android, Linux, etc. It's not quite as polished as their native Windows app, but it's moving in the right direction. The wifi connectivity is pretty awesome too. I left my car running in the driveway and reconfigured some of my convenience module settings from my front porch.

For anything else where I need the full Windows app, I have Virtual Box running Win7 on my MacBook. Since the interface is wifi based, there's no hassling with USB drivers and virtual machine settings. The VCDS v15 beta has wifi connectivity to the HEX-NET adapters.