VCDS recommendation

dodzy

Hi folks,

been toying with the idea of purchasing a VCDS for some time now. Considering I've driven Audi / VW for the last 10yrs and likely my next car will be an A5 or passat CC, and adding to this that I saved a few quid fixing the EPB on the A6 yesterday for the princely sum of zero € after looking down the barrel of a potential €300 fix, I've decided to take the plunge so .....

What version should I ?
I've seen that a cheaper version locks into 3 VINs max vs the more expensive 10 VINs option. What particular functions cause a VIN lock on the VCDS ?
Where should I purchase ?

tossy

I only became aware of the VIN lock thing on new cables recently, did a little googling and it appears to only come into effect when you do coding or adaptions i would say most of the VCDS work i do for other forum members is coding or adaptations so on a newer VIN limited cable i wouldn't be able to help anyone out.

Things like basic scans and fault resets are not limited, but service interval reminded resets are limited.

If it was me i'd with the unlimited cable, you won't loose to much money on it if you ever decide to sell it in future.

dodzy

tossy wrote: »

I only became aware of the VIN lock thing on new cables recently, did a little googling and it appears to only come into effect when you do coding or adaptions i would say most of the VCDS work i do for other forum members is coding or adaptations so on a newer VIN limited cable i wouldn't be able to help anyone out.

Things like basic scans and fault resets are not limited, but service interval reminded resets are limited.

If it was me i'd with the unlimited cable, you won't loose to much money on it if you ever decide to sell it in future.

Thats the thing tossy. 3 VINs or 10. Did not look too deep yet but will be banging off Rosstech a query. I'd like to think that I could help people out but no chance I'll buying one if there are restrictions. Will update once I get a reply from RT.

Looks like-

€199 for 3 VIN
€299 for 10 VIN
€500 - Unlimited

Neilw

I've been searching for my vcds cable for the last week, can't find it anywhere.
I don't remember loaning it to anyone, I'm a bit worried it was thrown out

dodzy

Neilw wrote: »

I've been searching for my vcds cable for the last week, can't find it anywhere.
I don't remember loaning it to anyone, I'm a bit worried it was thrown out

Oh sh*t Neil

Hope you find it. (Oh, BTW, I sorted out the EPB fault on the A6 the "old fashioned" way yesterday )

tossy

OSI wrote: »

OBDEleven is €55 for the Pro version and allows you to do 95% of what most use VCDS for via your phone and doesn't have RossTechs toys out of pram attitude.

VCDS is a ground up tool developed for VAG cars with constant updates for newer cars and modules (it updates at least every 2 weeks or so) with constant fine tuning and back up from Rosstech. No offence to the product mention but i don't want to be relying on a phone and bluetooth when i am coding a control module on a car.

Thats my first time to see the pricing on the new cables,considering an existing unlimited cable was 350 - 400e then it's not a bad price. An unlimited cable is going to be worth a fortune in a few years.

mloc123

http://www.adverts.ie/other/vagcom-vcds-17-1-3-diagnostic-cable-with-vcds-17-1-3-software/10167677

Are these legit? I am slightly confused, I have read that there are 'fake' Chinese copies that have limited usage? I am looking to enable update some features (high beam assist, lane assist etc..)

Alan_007_

mloc123 wrote: »

http://www.adverts.ie/other/vagcom-vcds-17-1-3-diagnostic-cable-with-vcds-17-1-3-software/10167677

Are these legit? I am slightly confused, I have read that there are 'fake' Chinese copies that have limited usage? I am looking to enable update some features (high beam assist, lane assist etc..)

No, it's not likely to be legit as such.

It will probably still work, but AFAIK it's a cracked version of the software on a disc that comes with a cable that tricks the software into thinking that it's a real Ross Tech cable.

The real VCDS cable is far more expensive.