I'm a VCDS / VAGCOM noob

[AlVegas]

This is my first Audi/VW car.

I know nothing about using VCDS/VAGCOM at all. Like, zero.

Question 1: Are VCDS and VAGCOM the same thing?

Question 2: Would this cable work? https://www.totalcardiagnostics.com/shop/vagcom-vcds-18

I've been spending time researching these things and it all seems very foreign to me. It's tough for an old dog like me to learn new tricks...Thanks in advance.

[PowerStroke]

I'm no VCDS expert, but I believe that cable is too old to work with the 8v RS3.

I would suggest ordering directly from Ross Tech. This is what I went with, the 3-VIN version, and it works great.

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

[superchris15]

I'm no VCDS expert, but I believe that cable is too old to work with the 8v RS3.

I would suggest ordering directly from Ross Tech. This is what I went with, the 3-VIN version, and it works great.

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

I just received the same one yesterday. I'm a complete noob at this too. I hooked it up and made the direct throttle change and it worked great and was really easy. I also pulled a couple fault codes. Really straight forward and totally worth the $200 ish.

[BzzzBom]

I believe you also need lap top PC (no MAC) with certain software and operating system requirements. Maybe someone can pitch in re that?
Thanks

[BzzzBom]

I just received the same one yesterday. I'm a complete noob at this too. I hooked it up and made the direct throttle change and it worked great and was really easy. I also pulled a couple fault codes. Really straight forward and totally worth the $200 ish.

Can you please elaborate on the change from switching to direct throttle. Do you also have a tune or are you planning to get one?

[BzzzBom]

I found the answer to my own question

A 1.5 GHZ dual core processor with 1 Gb of RAM and Windows 7 or newer (Windows 7 through 10, but not RT) with an available USB 2.0 (or higher) port. Use a machine robust enough to properly support the operating system. Windows running inside a Virtual Machine (for example on a Mac) is not supported.

[superchris15]

Can you please elaborate on the change from switching to direct throttle. Do you also have a tune or are you planning to get one?

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...nts?p=13807559

I am not tuned. I am considering it. This tweak is subtle but I like it.

[PowerStroke]

I am tuned and did the throttle mod as well. I do like it. It does feel more linear. Also did the increased traction mod but haven't had decent DA recently to objectively test if it launches better. Supposed to be better in the snow, though.