Feedback on VAG-COM VCDS Kit for $97 vs. Ross Tech / ODBEleven

[audimodsdfw]

Hi All,

I have never owned VCDS software and would like to jump in and learn it. I plan to lower my 2016 S6, turn on VIM, play around with other stuff, while being very careful of course.

When searching Ross-Tech vs. ODBEleven Basic / Pro I came across this website with a product that seems to be working. Claims to not be a cheap knock off from China that doesn't work etc.

I can learn long coding, I just don't want to start off on the wrong foot since I have no experience with VCDS other than watching over someone's shoulder.

Is there anyone who has purchased this specific "kit" for $97 or knows someone who has?

https://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/...vagcom-vcds-18

Or should I just go with ODBEleven? Seems much can be done without credits...

Thanks for your input!

[daytona rs7]

i got the Ross-tech VCDS, before they started to limit how many VIN's it can attach to. have never had a problem, and has almost no limitations to what it can read and change.

I hear great things about OBDeleven. i can't help but feel it maybe has some (advanced) functions unavailable to it, that ROSS-tech can do. i may be completely wrong.

Id stay away from the china made VCDS cables, mostly due to the software.. One of the best things about Ross-tech is the software and support (if ever needed) that comes with it. you cant use full/licensed ross-tech software without a ross-tech branded cable.

[audimodsdfw]

i got the Ross-tech VCDS, before they started to limit how many VIN's it can attach to. have never had a problem, and has almost no limitations to what it can read and change.

I hear great things about OBDeleven. i can't help but feel it maybe has some (advanced) functions unavailable to it, that ROSS-tech can do. i may be completely wrong.

Id stay away from the china made VCDS cables, mostly due to the software.. One of the best things about Ross-tech is the software and support (if ever needed) that comes with it. you cant use full/licensed ross-tech software without a ross-tech branded cable.

Thanks! This company specifically discusses the chip in their cable and it being the reason why theirs works. This is a quote from the description of the product on the company's website -

What's the Difference Between (Total Car Diagnostics VAGCOM 18.9.0) — and Original (Ross-Tech VAGCOM)?...
Firstly, this is NOT the original RossTech VAGCOM kit as sold for $600+ on their website... (Even though we encourage you to get the original on their website right now or eventually... if you're truly serious, caring mechanic who deals with customer cars. But if you won't do that for whatever reason, then keep reading...)

Our version of VAG-COM cable uses a 3rd Party manufactured chip. That's why we can keep costs down — because we're not using Ross-Tech™ OEM chip — but 3rd party chip using identical firmware code.

In short, this cuts down our OEM licensing fees... hence we pass those savings onto YOU.

So to clarify... Total Car Diagnostics VAG-COM 18.9.0 cable gives you 100% identical capability of what original VAG-COM $600+ kit can do.

It also comes with original, genuine and fully license-activated RossTech VCDS 18.9.0 software. (Software is NOT cracked or modified in any way. It's original software.)

In summary: This VAGCOM 18.9.0 cable and software is the exact same product in terms of functionality and features when compared side-by-side to original RossTech VAG-COM $600+ kit. You're about to own it at a fraction of the cost. Also our VAGCOM works on unlimited VIN / vehicles - and on unlimited computers. So no restrictions of any kind.

[Shane Horning]

I have vcds and obd11 and both are awesome. Vcds doesn't require internet connection and is faster but obd11 is very handy and works great for coding. Once you learn how to use both there aren't many things different

[daytona rs7]

Thanks! This company specifically discusses the chip in their cable and it being the reason why theirs works. This is a quote from the description of the product on the company's website -

What's the Difference Between (Total Car Diagnostics VAGCOM 18.9.0) — and Original (Ross-Tech VAGCOM)?...
Firstly, this is NOT the original RossTech VAGCOM kit as sold for $600+ on their website... (Even though we encourage you to get the original on their website right now or eventually... if you're truly serious, caring mechanic who deals with customer cars. But if you won't do that for whatever reason, then keep reading...)

Our version of VAG-COM cable uses a 3rd Party manufactured chip. That's why we can keep costs down — because we're not using Ross-Tech™ OEM chip — but 3rd party chip using identical firmware code.

In short, this cuts down our OEM licensing fees... hence we pass those savings onto YOU.

So to clarify... Total Car Diagnostics VAG-COM 18.9.0 cable gives you 100% identical capability of what original VAG-COM $600+ kit can do.

It also comes with original, genuine and fully license-activated RossTech VCDS 18.9.0 software. (Software is NOT cracked or modified in any way. It's original software.)

In summary: This VAGCOM 18.9.0 cable and software is the exact same product in terms of functionality and features when compared side-by-side to original RossTech VAG-COM $600+ kit. You're about to own it at a fraction of the cost. Also our VAGCOM works on unlimited VIN / vehicles - and on unlimited computers. So no restrictions of any kind.

ross-tech software is up to version 19.6.

I haven't updated the software on my laptop out of pure laziness (not sure what version im currently running), and there are some functions that even my ross-tech cant do since MY17 RS7 has features that aren't integrated into whatever software i have installed. It hasn't hindered me yet, but im sure when i do get around to updating software, ill have even more functionality.


not sure exactly what the differences are from software version 18.XX to 19.XX, but you are limited to using software version 18.9 that would come with the china made cable...unless you find a cracked vcds software.
what happens if you get a new car? reading some codes, changing some options will not the available to you since the new car has features that the old software doesn't work with.

[MSq5]

Why not spend $100 more and know it will have full support and accept software updates?

Seems penny wise and dollar short if you don’t need multi-vehicle support beyond three cars. The three car enthusiast version does everything the more pricey ones do, but is limited to three VINs.

[doughboy17]

I highly recommend OBD11!

Understand that you do not need credits to do anything that cannot be done in the Pro version through Long Coding or other available functionality. Credits can simply be used to "purchase" one-touch/one button touch functionality. Unless you are going to perform logging, OBD11 will work fantastic (the latency in the bluetooth connection limits how quickly values can be pulled when logging vs. VCDS). If you need logging, some tuners even offer it as complimentary functionality with their tunes and cable.

[gta7]

I have both Ross Tech and OBD Eleven.

The credit model annoys me greatly. I also really like knowing exactly what I change. With the OBD Eleven you don’t know for some of the changes as they don’t share what they did.

Ross Tech does require some homework and it’s pretty technical but once you get the hang of it it’s very easy to use.

[bpd]

Looking at Vehicles Supported, It does not list C7 4G chassis.

[BlueStar]

The "Total Car Diagnostics VAG-COM 18.9.0" is no different than the "cheap knock off from China" that they condemn. When you see a VCDS that's tied to a specific version of the Ross-Tech software, then it's a fake. If you buy this knock-off and try to use it with the latest software, it will stop working.

If you're going to buy this junk, at least save yourself 80 bucks: https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-Ros...8AAOSw5eFdFg2w

For your 2016 S6, you should buy a genuine Ross-Tech HEX-V2 for $199. After registration, you'll get support from R-T, free firmware updates, and you'll be able to use the latest software version.

[hmuller]

I have the Ross-Tech Hex-Net and it works great. Please support Ross-Tech and don't buy any knock-offs that may or may not work. If you sped that much on a car, the original Ross-Tech cable is just a drop in the bucket. Anyway, I saw you want to activate VIM and I don't think anyone has found a way yet how to do that with VCDS. That seems the only thing I'm aware of where OBD11 has the edge.

[audimodsdfw]

Thanks for everyone's comments, very much appreciated!

No to China, I am with you HMULLER.... I wanted to see if anyone had experience with this specific brand/cable just to verify.

Same as the RS6 grill made in China that would save me $1300+ based on the few added options with Europrice that I would require, if I do it, I will do it right with OEM only! No offense to anyone who has purchased the RS grill from China!

Thanks again for everyone's feedback!

[woodchuck]

VCDS has the HEX-V2 now...
I have the OBDEleven and I've had no issues. I do however want to start doing some logging here and there, which I can see is going to be a problem. It's also a pain in the arse to open the app every morning while on the throne to gather credits.

the HEX-V2 is only $200 for a 3VIN limit.. $300 for 10. So I guess it's not something you'll want to share much, but I'm curious if they'll let you wipe that "list" after some time, assuming you go through a lot of cars or something *shrug*

https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/

[MSq5]

VCDS has the HEX-V2 now...
I have the OBDEleven and I've had no issues. I do however want to start doing some logging here and there, which I can see is going to be a problem. It's also a pain in the arse to open the app every morning while on the throne to gather credits.

the HEX-V2 is only $200 for a 3VIN limit.. $300 for 10. So I guess it's not something you'll want to share much, but I'm curious if they'll let you wipe that "list" after some time, assuming you go through a lot of cars or something *shrug*

https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/

The link you posted states that the VINs are stored permanently and cannot be erased. Once the third VIN is entered, it is locked and will not register a new VIN. If you think you will go through more than three cars in the life of the device, perhaps it is worth the extra $100 ($300 total) to be able to register up to 10. The same link says that you can use the diagnostic functions on unlimited vehicles, including the full auto-scan and code clearing. Maybe even data logging, not sure there. But, you just can't change anything.

[BlueStar]

The link you posted states that the VINs are stored permanently and cannot be erased. Once the third VIN is entered, it is locked and will not register a new VIN. If you think you will go through more than three cars in the life of the device, perhaps it is worth the extra $100 ($300 total) to be able to register up to 10...

Additional VINs for the HEX-V2 are available for purchase from RT. For $169, you can upgrade a 3-VIN to 10-VIN, or a 10-VIN to unlimited VINs. Note that the upgrades are only available to the original registered owner. https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/upVIN

I own a 3-VIN HEX-V2 and I think it's a superior product to the old HEX+CAN's. They made a few physical improvements like a better LED indicator and a removable USB cord. Also, it's faster...an autoscan with a HEX+CAN on my S5 takes 4.5 minutes; with the HEX-V2, 2 minutes. It's a better interface, and at 2 bills for the 3-VIN, it's a great deal. I've used it for over 2 years and still have 2 VINs left.

[Id0lized]

VCDS has the HEX-V2 now...
I have the OBDEleven and I've had no issues. I do however want to start doing some logging here and there, which I can see is going to be a problem. It's also a pain in the arse to open the app every morning while on the throne to gather credits.

the HEX-V2 is only $200 for a 3VIN limit.. $300 for 10. So I guess it's not something you'll want to share much, but I'm curious if they'll let you wipe that "list" after some time, assuming you go through a lot of cars or something *shrug*

https://store.ross-tech.com/shop/vchv2_ent/

I have the Ross-Tech VCDS (hex-v2 3vin limit) and it works well.

Key Notes from Ross-Tech FAQ:
A VIN-Limited interface can do Auto-Scans, Clear DTCs, and look at Measuring Values on an unlimited number of cars (so yes, VCDS can be used to help unlimited others in these areas).

What functions are VIN-Restricted?
In essence, it's those functions that actually change things in the car:
Adaptation
Basic Settings
Changing Codings
Changing the Gateway Installation List
Login or Security Access
Output Tests
Optical Bus Diagnostic
Readiness
Resetting SRI
Turning Transport Mode on or off

In addition, directly accessing a control module outside of an Auto-Scan will prompt the user whether he wants to "register" that car's VIN, but declining to do so at that point will not prevent access to the module.

[Wantboost]

I have obd11 but has some limitations. It is handy. But currently I need to do a fiber optic diagnostic and it's NOT capable so I wish I had a vag com

[maRS5]

Question about OBD11. So if you don't get the "PRO" version and you say you don't have any "CREDITS" (disregard the credits that you earn by watching ads), it's essentially just a $85 basic OBD reader, right? It seems that without using the apps (via credits) or the "pro" subscription, you can't do anything outside a standard non-VAG specific OBD reader (read/clear basic codes, etc)

I'm thinking the 3 VIN Ross-Tech VCDS makes more sense. It's $100 more but there's no subscription and no limitations. I guess you just don't get the "one-touch Apps"? I don't know why Ross-Tech doesn't have these "one-touch" features. It can't be that hard to add to an app that runs on a PC if these other companies can add it to a phone app.