I want to buy VAG-Com. What do I need to know?

[audimeister]

Any issues with the B6 A4 in particular?

Do I buy a cheapie cable on ebay, or the whole enchilada from ross-tech?

Registered version or not?

Do you really need support from them?

What's the best, most cost-effective way to do this for somebody who is more car-savvy than tech-savvy?

I've seen the software run at my tuner, but I wasn't sure- is there a manual, or does the interface tell you all you need to know? Where do you find out what blocks do what?

Sorry if the q's are pretty basic- I did search first.

[NY03A4]

cheap cable on eaby limits ur functionality

[audimeister]

What specifically do you give up w/ the cheapie cable?

[rxrep]

From Ross-Tech's FAQ:

3.3 Can I buy an Interface adapter somewhere else?

Current versions of VAG-COM (versions 500.x and newer) are not compatible with 3rd party interfaces at all, even in shareware mode. To use the latest version of VAG-COM, you need to use a genuine KEY- or HEX- series Interface purchased directly from Ross-Tech or from one of our distributors.

You may find vendors that are willing to sell interfaces that they claim are "compatible" with certain older versions of VAG-COM. If you buy an interface from a 3rd party, please do not expect us to provide start-up support. If you can get it to work to your satisfaction using a currently supported shareware version, we'd be happy to have you register the VAG-COM software with us for $99 and will then provide support for the functionality of the software -- but not for connection problems.

Notes: (Caveat Emptor!)

œ We've had numerous reports of problems with 3rd-party USB interfaces. The USB drivers that we include with VAG-COM do not work with 3rd-party interfaces. In order for a 3rd party USB interface to work at all, the vendor must supply a USB driver for the device. Almost all 3rd party drivers emulate a Serial port. This is intrinsically slower than directly accessing the interface via USB. It may also cause difficulties connecting or unreliable sessions with some control modules.

œ We've had many reports that certain 3rd-party interfaces (Serial as well as USB) do not work properly with some control modules. If you have a 3rd party interface, please make sure it works with all the control modules in all the cars you're planning to scan before you register.

Again, If you buy someone else's interface and can't get it working, contact the vendor for support! Of course if you buy one of our complete hardware/software kits, we will provide start-up support as well as free updates for at least one year from date of purchase.

and

2.2 What's the difference between the Shareware version and the fully registered version?

All of our Current Interfaces have Activation built-in, so VAG-COM will always be Fully Registered/Activated. If you have an older Interface without built-in Activation, or have purchased an Interface somewhere other than Ross-Tech, VAG-COM will operate in Shareware mode until it is Activated. The differences between Shareware and fully registered/activated versions are listed near the bottom of each function page in the Online Demo / Manual and in the VAG-COM Function Chart.

[audimeister]

I appreciate the help, but I already read their propaganda. I was hoping to find someone with a little BTDT.

[xonetruthcrewx]

Propaganda? Haha. Dude, go buy the Ross Tech cable, otherwise you will be wasting your money on some 3rd party bullshit. Trust me, i once wasted my money.

[FINA4]

Originally posted by xonetruthcrewx
Propaganda? Haha. Dude, go buy the Ross Tech cable, otherwise you will be wasting your money on some 3rd party bullshit. Trust me, i once wasted my money.

^^^^ what he said

[skeeball]

Indispensable tool worth every penny.

[bhvrdr]

the cables you can make yourself or buy at a computer shop or ebay are fine for use with Ross-Techs freeware. This limits you to very limited logging (only up to channel 20) and you can carry out basic clearing of basic codes and recoding of the comfort/convenience functions. The full package is a must have for datalogging necessary engine parameters. The cheapie is fine for folks who will only be doing things like getting their windows to roll down with the key fob but i'd borrow some one elses vag com if that's all you want to use it for.

cheers! Mike

[Stevelev]

^2nd Mike's post. I bought the cheapo ebay cable and had problems with it. Then I purchased one from OBDtools and it worked for minor mods but had to register with Rosstech in order to get it to work properly for logging - that's your least cost route. For a few bucks more, just purchase the Ross Tech one and be done with it ... The difference in cost would be recouped in the increased resale value of the "name brand".

[audimeister]

Originally posted by Stevelev
^2nd Mike's post. I bought the cheapo ebay cable and had problems with it. Then I purchased one from OBDtools and it worked for minor mods but had to register with Rosstech in order to get it to work properly for logging - that's your least cost route. For a few bucks more, just purchase the Ross Tech one and be done with it ... The difference in cost would be recouped in the increased resale value of the "name brand".

Thanks, guys. This is what I was looking for.

[aLeXliu911]

whihc one should i buy out of those?

the kit will be used only on my car which is 2003 a4 1.8t QM

i am think of buying the VAG-COM License with HEX-USB+CAN Interface for $349.00 .

or the professional kit usb interface one will give u more optinons.

thx guys

Super Professional Kit $899.00

Professional Kit - USB Interface $599.00

Professional Kit - Serial Interface $599.00

VAG-COM License with HEX-USB+CAN Interface $349.00

VAG-COM License with HEX-COM+CAN Interface $329.00

VAG-COM License with Micro-CAN Interface $249.00

VAG-COM License with KEY-USB Interface $249.00

VAG-COM License with KEY-COM Interface $229.00 In Stock

VAG-COM Software License $99.00
VAS 5051/2 "2x2" Adapter for Older Cars $50.00 In Stock

[bhvrdr]

You can get by with the $229 package and either purchase the...

1. vag license with key com

2. vag licence with key usb

The difference is that one uses serial port and the other uses USB. If you have a serial port, purchase that one. It is what vag-com was originally written for and it works best with serial, but they made a workaround in their package to use USB so if that is all you have, than go for it.


The $229 package will get you all the functinality you could ever want for your car...

BUT...

It cannot be used with 2005+ audi/vag cars that use the newest CAN protocol which is cars like the B7 A4, the new A3, and the new GTI, jetta, passat, etc. cars. If you ever plan on getting a new car or will be doing diagnostics on any of those cars than choose from the two models of vag com that state "+CAN" in their title.

cheers! Mike

[aLeXliu911]

wut if i buy the 229 one now and later one if u buy a new car like b7 , then i have to spend 349 for it. and means i will waste my 229?

thx mike

[aLeXliu911]

or i can do a upgrade or something to get CAN?

[bhvrdr]

Check with ross-tech as I thought I read something about a possible credit if you send them your old cable. You will need a new cable for the CAN protocol. I'd check that out if that's a consideration. Yes, otherwise you would have to put out the cash all over. cheers! Mike

[A4 TSCHUSS]

Originally posted by xonetruthcrewx
Propaganda? Haha. Dude, go buy the Ross Tech cable, otherwise you will be wasting your money on some 3rd party bullshit. Trust me, i once wasted my money.

you are completely wrong!

you can go buy a cable and usb/serial adapter from www.obdtool.com for $81 (this is the dual K line cable) which I actually have NEVER used the dual part of it, so you could probably just buy the $71 single K line and then spend another $30 for the keyspan usb/serial adapter (you do need this particular one for it to work.) So that will cost you $100. Then you do a google search for VAG COM key generator and software and download it (you dont need the "newest stuff out" the other sofware will work perfect. Mine is version 311.2), install the software, connect to your car and then go back to the start screen and get the serial # under the "ABOUT" button, paste into key generator and then there ya go you have a registered copy of VAG COM. And once again I have NEVER had a problem doing ANYTHING I wanted to do, as far as datalogging ANY block, clearing codes, doing window mod by changing codeing, etc.

[aLeXliu911]

Originally posted by bhvrdr
Check with ross-tech as I thought I read something about a possible credit if you send them your old cable. You will need a new cable for the CAN protocol. I'd check that out if that's a consideration. Yes, otherwise you would have to put out the cash all over. cheers! Mike

thx mike

[FINA4]

Originally posted by aLeXliu911
wut if i buy the 229 one now and later one if u buy a new car like b7 , then i have to spend 349 for it. and means i will waste my 229?

thx mike

Nope, you can upgrade it for $179 or $199. See here:

http://www.ross-tech.com/Merchant2/m...ry_Code=RetKEY

[FINA4]

Originally posted by A4 TSCHUSS
you are completely wrong!

you can go buy a cable and usb/serial adapter from www.obdtool.com for $81 (this is the dual K line cable) which I actually have NEVER used the dual part of it, so you could probably just buy the $71 single K line and then spend another $30 for the keyspan usb/serial adapter (you do need this particular one for it to work.) So that will cost you $100. Then you do a google search for VAG COM key generator and software and download it (you dont need the "newest stuff out" the other sofware will work perfect. Mine is version 311.2), install the software, connect to your car and then go back to the start screen and get the serial # under the "ABOUT" button, paste into key generator and then there ya go you have a registered copy of VAG COM. And once again I have NEVER had a problem doing ANYTHING I wanted to do, as far as datalogging ANY block, clearing codes, doing window mod by changing codeing, etc.

So you are advising people to download hacked version of VAG-COM and key generator?

[aLeXliu911]

so it's best to just buy the 349 one, and more features u r gonna have on 349 one than 229 one?

[BranCKY3]

Originally posted by A4 TSCHUSS
you are completely wrong!

...

Might want to delete that, haha. Not good to post that stuff in public forums.

[rxrep]

K... I'll not post the propaganda and say BTDT.
The propaganda is correct. Other than hacking codes and piecing together parts, which is illegal wether you get caught doing it or not, there isn't much you can do to get full functionality of the latest software.
I did have cheap eBay cable, and it worked with old version freeware, but I couldn't log much and sometimes it wouldn't connect at all.
So I bought the real thing. And it works perfect for everything. If people will spend thousands on performance mods, they should have a few hundred set aside for correct diagnostic software.
Not knockin'; just sayin'.

[FINA4]

Originally posted by aLeXliu911
so it's best to just buy the 349 one, and more features u r gonna have on 349 one than 229 one?

If you ever plan to buy a newer Audi, then the $349 is best deal for you.

[fdruiz011]

All i want to do with it would be the foglight mod. Can i get away with a cheap cable and disc from amazon?
I.E. http://www.amazon.com/OBD2-Diagnosti...ywords=vag+com

[diagnosticator]

No.