Vag com & odis?

[changareth]

Is there a difference between these 2? Or do they just do the same thing but just a different software like iOS and Android?


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[Jeff V.]

VagCom (now called VCDS) is an aftermarket tool developed by Ross Tech. It mimics many of the functions of the factory diagnostic tools, and has excellent support from Ross Tech and the enthusiast communities.

ODIS is the software the dealers and big independent shops use. The legit versions are several thousand dollars. The ones you see for sale on eBay for $60-70 are cracked software and cheap, cloned Chinese hardware.

Basically, if you have to ask if you need ODIS, then you don't. Get VCDS.

[Quattttttttttro]

VagCom (now called VCDS) is an aftermarket tool developed by Ross Tech. It mimics many of the functions of the factory diagnostic tools, and has excellent support from Ross Tech and the enthusiast communities.

ODIS is the software the dealers and big independent shops use. The legit versions are several thousand dollars. The ones you see for sale on eBay for $60-70 are cracked software and cheap, cloned Chinese hardware.

Basically, if you have to ask if you need ODIS, then you don't. Get VCDS.

I'm new to this whole thing as well and don't mean to hijack OP's thread, but is there a huge difference between buying a $10 one from Amazon and buying one from Ross Tech?? Are there yearly licensing fee associated with the software?

[Jeff V.]

I'm new to this whole thing as well and don't mean to hijack OP's thread, but is there a huge difference between buying a $10 one from Amazon and buying one from Ross Tech?? Are there yearly licensing fee associated with the software?

No worries. It took me a little time to figure out too.

By "$10 one" do you just mean a generic OBD2 scanner? That's fine for engine codes directly related to emissions, but it won't tell you anything about anything else in the car. Like if your keyless entry stops working, you can't pull the codes from the body control module to see why. Or if you want to do something like upgrade to LED taillights, you can't use an OBD2 scanner to change the relevant programming. My 2008 S5 has 28 onboard computers. A generic OBD2 scanner will talk to ONE of them...the engine controller. And it will only pull limited data.

There's no yearly licensing on VCDS. It gives you nearly the same capabilities as the dealers, and you get support from Ross Tech. I've used mine to diagnose a starter issue, upgrade my taillights, change the behavior of some of the chimes in my car, and fix some radio problems.

You might also want to look into Carista. I've never used it, but I've heard it's pretty good. It's not as comprehensive as VCDS, but it's cheaper and does a lot of the most important, day to day stuff.

[Quattttttttttro]

No worries. It took me a little time to figure out too.

By "$10 one" do you just mean a generic OBD2 scanner? That's fine for engine codes directly related to emissions, but it won't tell you anything about anything else in the car. Like if your keyless entry stops working, you can't pull the codes from the body control module to see why. Or if you want to do something like upgrade to LED taillights, you can't use an OBD2 scanner to change the relevant programming. My 2008 S5 has 28 onboard computers. A generic OBD2 scanner will talk to ONE of them...the engine controller. And it will only pull limited data.

There's no yearly licensing on VCDS. It gives you nearly the same capabilities as the dealers, and you get support from Ross Tech. I've used mine to diagnose a starter issue, upgrade my taillights, change the behavior of some of the chimes in my car, and fix some radio problems.

You might also want to look into Carista. I've never used it, but I've heard it's pretty good. It's not as comprehensive as VCDS, but it's cheaper and does a lot of the most important, day to day stuff.

I really appreciate your help, Jeff. I will look into Carista. But honestly if VCDS is the more complete thing then I'll just buy that.

Thanks again!

[Ljbuck]

Greetings!
I have both Carista & VCDS. I purchased Carista when it first came out for really cheap. You can do small customizations like DRL on/off, etc. & can even reset the service interval if you do your own maintenance. I also dowloaded a 3rd party app (Apple) that shows hp/torque, intake temp, ambient air temp, etc. pretty much everything your CANBUS can detect. Its convenient if you are tuned and looking for a BALLPARK dyno results. With VCDS, you have diagnostic capabilities, can read codes & there is great support from the forums. I like them both, but I think biting the bullet and buying VCDS is the way to go.
-Lucas

[Quattttttttttro]

Greetings!
I have both Carista & VCDS. I purchased Carista when it first came out for really cheap. You can do small customizations like DRL on/off, etc. & can even reset the service interval if you do your own maintenance. I also dowloaded a 3rd party app (Apple) that shows hp/torque, intake temp, ambient air temp, etc. pretty much everything your CANBUS can detect. Its convenient if you are tuned and looking for a BALLPARK dyno results. With VCDS, you have diagnostic capabilities, can read codes & there is great support from the forums. I like them both, but I think biting the bullet and buying VCDS is the way to go.
-Lucas

Awesome, thanks Lucas.
You think best place to purchase one would be on Ross Tech website I'm assuming?

[Ljbuck]

Awesome, thanks Lucas.
You think best place to purchase one would be on Ross Tech website I'm assuming?

That's what I did. People sell them used sometimes, but you have to watch like a hawk because they're usually gone quickly.


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