Best audi scan tool?

[TulsaMike4]

While I can data log with multiple different cables I own, I wanted something with two way capabilities and better code descriptions. I was going to order the ross tech cable for $200, but thought I’d ask around before doing so, and seeing if something for slightly more offers more, or something for less offers equivalent.

[rlme36]

subscribed

[Andy_FL]

Yeah, IMO it's going to be Ross-Tech VCDS. I'm sure OBD11 users will chime in and I get it, it's "easier to use" but it does not have the depth of features and coding ability that VCDS offers. It is also built on using "credits" and/or subscriptions - I can't keep track, so who knows what you'll be charged in the future to use it. With VCDS, you pay once. Curious, what multiple different cables you own?

[TulsaMike4]

Yeah, IMO it's going to be Ross-Tech VCDS. I'm sure OBD11 users will chime in and I get it, it's "easier to use" but it does not have the depth of features and coding ability that VCDS offers. It is also built on using "credits" and/or subscriptions - I can't keep track, so who knows what you'll be charged in the future to use it. With VCDS, you pay once. Curious, what multiple different cables you own?

Mostly domestic tuning software, but the scan tools and datalog stuff work fine for Audi, it just lacks two way communication and some of the abilities to diagnose, and since it sounds like check engine lights are just part of owning an Audi, I thought I’d grab one so I can do the work myself.

[AldermanToffee]

VCDS is going to be your best bet. In terms of datalogging, unless you get your tuner to setup VehiCAL for you (which they most likely won't do..), you won't find anything with better datalogging than your tuners built-in datalogger / VCDS.

[Jetta03]

I've used ross-tech in the past and use OBDeleven now. VCDS is the 'best' in terms of capabilities hands down. BUT....VCDS also uses the same clunky UI they've had since the early 2000's and it is unintuitive and tricky to use and requires a laptop. If that's your cup of tea then great. OBDeleven on the other hand is super easy to use and you can earn credits simply by opening the app....more than enough to do what you want to do if you can accept that little inconvenience. Otherwise the OBDeleven app and ui is just plain better and easier with the pre-canned 'apps' allowing you to do 90% of what VCDS offers without the risk inherent in doing your own work to code and recode modules by hand.

Again, it depends what you want.
Cheers

[FromS60toB61.8t]

VCDS is the best to be able to do everything, OBDEleven is great for convenience. I've got both, pretty much only use OBDEleven now days.

[E.Anderson]

OBDeleven on the other hand is super easy to use and you can earn credits simply by opening the app....

Those days are over. You now must pay for every change.

[TulsaMike4]

It looks like vcds is my best bet. My other software setups have great data logging and are super easy to use, they just don’t do in depth diagnostics or two way with Audi, which is what I need.
Thank you all for the help :)

[FromS60toB61.8t]

Those days are over. You now must pay for every change.

If you know what blocks to change manually in the long-coding, you can code stuff for free without using the apps. All those apps do is change the coding for you for whatever you're trying to achieve.

[AldermanToffee]

If you know what blocks to change manually in the long-coding, you can code stuff for free without using the apps. All those apps do is change the coding for you for whatever you're trying to achieve.

At that point though you're better off with running VCDS given that it can decode the long coding and actually tell you what 90% of the individual bits in long coding specify.

The only other argument for that is "but you can use OBD11 on your phone".. in which case you can buy the new WiFi version of VCDS which has a mobile interface but still full functionality on your desktop as well.

[FromS60toB61.8t]

At that point though you're better off with running VCDS given that it can decode the long coding and actually tell you what 90% of the individual bits in long coding specify.

The only other argument for that is "but you can use OBD11 on your phone".. in which case you can buy the new WiFi version of VCDS which has a mobile interface but still full functionality on your desktop as well.

100%, I was just trying to point out that the "you must pay for every change" was inaccurate.

It's also $100 for obdeleven pro vs $450 for vcds mobile so there is the price point too. Also obdeleven works on unlimited cars vs limited VIN's with vcds.

I recommend owning both if you own vw/audis. That being said, I haven't had to pull out the VCDS laptop in ~3 years, last time was to chase down a fueling issue on our mk7 gti.
VCDS does everything
OBDEleven does most things and is super convenient and much cheaper.

Do with that info as you will.

[AldermanToffee]

100%, I was just trying to point out that the "you must pay for every change" was inaccurate.

It's also $100 for obdeleven pro vs $450 for vcds mobile so there is the price point too. Also obdeleven works on unlimited cars vs limited VIN's with vcds.

I recommend owning both if you own vw/audis. That being said, I haven't had to pull out the VCDS laptop in ~3 years, last time was to chase down a fueling issue on our mk7 gti.
VCDS does everything
OBDEleven does most things and is super convenient and much cheaper.

Do with that info as you will.

Yeah, that is definitely very true.

However if you're only going to change a few things my vote goes to Carista - it's like $20/30 or so. You can't do long-coding with it but it has plenty of pre-programmed tweaks like OBD does.

[jbain2]

Long time VCDS user. Also have a handheld Schwaben one that is portable and pretty robust but doesn’t match the versatility of VCDS.


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