[b6x]

I'm a bit confused with the whole VAG-COM thing. Basically, my requirements are:-

• fully compatible with my 2000 4motion
• decent, full version
• USB connection
  

Not much really, but I certainly can't afford the prices of the kit new.

So, am I right in assuming that if I can source my own USB cable
(from someome selling up) then I can download the latest software from
ross-tech for $99 and be fully legal?

I don't understand why the person "selling up" (after paying full price
for everything) can't also sell me the software and I have to pay for
it again.

Or am I getting it a bit wrong?

Thanks,

b6x

 

[Milkfloat]

The only true USB cable comes from Vag-Com.  You can buy a serial lead and a usb convertor from third parties, but it will only work with older versions of the software.  TBH that will probably be good enough for you.  I have the full monty USB CAN BUS version, I bought it from the States as it was a lot cheaper than getting it in the UK.  The person selling up cannot legally sell you the software, as it is licenced to him and his computer.  If you have a full monty lead the security is built into it rather than using serial numbers and keys, so you can sell on the cable.

 

[b6x]

If you have a full monty lead the
security is built into it rather than using serial numbers and keys, so
you can sell on the cable.

...but I'd have to pay again for the software itself?

Surely if the person selling the cable has no further use for the
software and unloads it, he's able to sell the license he's
personally purchased to someone else?

 

[Milkfloat]

With ethe proper cable from Ross-Tech you just get teh latest software. Selling on the cable means that the new user would have access to the full software.

In your case, it would be possible for the old user with a registered version to uninstall the software and ask for a new code for your machine. I think that it may go agaisnt the licence though.

 

[b6x]

ok. Cool. Thanks alot.

So, in order to stay legal and have a decent version (on
USB), I just need to keep a look out for someone selling their
"official" cable.

... and no further expense ?

Thanks again

 

[b6x]

... it's a shame the official cable from ross-tech is $249. And that's
just for the "enthuiast" option, not the professional.

That's just too expensive IMO and means serial cable and old version is tempting for most.

 

[Jambo69]

B6X,

Im in the same boat as you. there are companies (3rd party) that sell a usb interface which uses the older software. you wont need a serial usb adapter at least. these can cause problems anyway, i know thats why i have bought a usb one now instead.

the company is

http://ucables.com/car-diagnostics/all-brands

but there are others about.

ive just got my lead, i dont have a laptop so it means putting my pc in the car gonna have a go in a minute.

ill keep you posted

Jambo69

 

[b6x]

Jambo

Good luck. I'm sure it'll be fine. It's probably worth
investing in a cheap laptop. eBay tends to have them for less
that ?200 for really basic one with USB. I've seen/used the older
versions of VAG-COM and although sufficient, it would be nice to
have the full up-to-date version, with the pukka kit and be fully
legal. - although the pricing tends to make most people go
the old 3rd party route.

I'm going to keep an eye out for someone selling a second hand official
KEY-USB cable as personally I cannot justify $250 for a few extra
features. I'm sure if the price was more realistic for the enthuiast
it'll be more popular than the 3rd party route. Only my opinion.

Regards,

b6x

 

[Zenyck100]

how did you get on with your vagcom cable??

 

[rxs_tdi]

This sounds like a good option but if I buy the cable what is the easiest/cheapest way of buying the software?

 

[b6x]

My understanding is as follows:-

if you want to buy a cable from ebay, then you are limited to the older
VAG COM software (v3.11 or something). That software itself is
downloadable from the ross-tech website, however you will need to
activate it to obtain full functionailty. Not sure on cost of
this.

if you wanted the latest level of VAG COM software, then you need to
purchase the KEY range of cables (expensive!), which include some
dongle type thing for software activation. You may also need to
relicense the software if you've purchased second hand cable. Not
sure about that.

All very confusing. IMO would be easier if the enthusiasts kit
was more keenly priced and people just bought it direct and legally
from ross-tech.

regards,

b6x

 

[rxs_tdi]

Thanks for the reply.   I agree with all your comments - would much prefer to just buy direct but it is hard to justify the cost for the amount of times I am likely to need it (hopefully not that often!)

 

[Uwe]

Let's put the pricing in perspective. A VAG-COM
system with KEY-series interface costs ~$250.
Thats ~140 pounds.

How much does your dealer charge you to scan your
car? Add to that the hassle factor of making an
appointment at the dealer and actually going there, vs the convenience
of doing it yourself, any time you want wherever you happen to
be.

How much does it a full tank of fuel cost you?

How much have you spent on "modifications" / "improvements" to your car?

-Uwe-

 

[GaryM]

Let's put the pricing in perspective. A VAG-COM system with KEY-series interface costs ~$250. Thats ~140 pounds.

How much does your dealer charge you to scan your car? Add to that the hassle factor of making an appointment at the dealer and actually going there, vs the convenience of doing it yourself, any time you want wherever you happen to be.

How much does it a full tank of fuel cost you?

How much have you spent on "modifications" / "improvements" to your car?

-Uwe-

Which is EXACTLY why I bought a Key-USB cable from Uwe.
A complete bargain in relative terms and a good safe way of checking for potential problems on a regular basis.

 

[GaryM]

My understanding is as follows:-

You may also need to relicense the software if you've purchased second hand cable. Not sure about that.

Nope, the Key series dongle contains the actual licesne within the hardware so by selling the cable you're actually selling the license.
Just download the latest software from ross-tech and use it with the cable.

 

[b6x]

Let's put the pricing in perspective. A VAG-COM
system with KEY-series interface costs ~$250.
Thats ~140 pounds.

How much does your dealer charge you to scan your
car? Add to that the hassle factor of making an
appointment at the dealer and actually going there, vs the convenience
of doing it yourself, any time you want wherever you happen to
be.

How much does it a full tank of fuel cost you?

How much have you spent on "modifications" / "improvements" to your car?

-Uwe-

I agree entirely... however for the novice enthuiast who wants to
check the codes every now and again out of interest, and wants to
maybe just enable the odd feature, ?140 is quite a bit. At
the end of the day, having the cable doesn't avoid the "hassle
factor" of making appointments and visiting dealers. If there's a
fault, that needs to happen anyway. The cable can't fix the
vast majority of issues... and does anyone really periodically go
to the dealer just for a code scan?

My personal opinion is that 75% of people cannot justify ?140 for a
"nice to have" option and would rather go the 'old version and cable
off ebay' route. However if the ross-tech offering was
cheaper - more people would be tempted with the latest,.
legitimate route. I know I would, rather than having to wait for
someone to sell a KEY-USB cable.

Only my opinion and I respect yours. Thanks for listening.

b6x

 

[RaT]

'At the end of the day, having the cable doesn't avoid the "hassle factor" of making appointments and visiting dealers. If there's a fault, that needs to happen anyway. The cable can't fix the vast majority of issues... and does anyone really periodically go to the dealer just for a code scan? '

If you have a cable you can avoid a lot of visits to the dealer, some faults are very easy to fix, however if you are not familiar with maitenance on your car then you would have to pay the dealers. I understand what you say about a cheap version but if you want to just see if you have any fault codes then buy a cheap fault reader from halfords. VAGCOM is a top piece of kit and used to its full potential together with some decent manuals it is excellent.I dont think the price is that high for what it is and the support from Uwe and ross-tech is excellent...in my opinion buy the genuien product..(or go to a meet where there is often someone with VAGCOM !)

 

[b6x]

Sure. I agree that VAG-COM is a great bit of kit and there is
cheaper alternatives for people who just want fault code reading.
My point is really that with a keener pricing policy then I'm sure more
people would rather pay the extra for the real deal than the
cheaper/older "cable from ebay" route. I assume (and maybe wrong
here) that ross-tech get pretty much sod all in terms of revenue from
people taking that route - of which I would also assume is
a fairly large percentage of regular Golf owners.

I personally am holding out for someone selling a KEY-USB cable as I
would like the full, legitimate version. I agree, it's an
excellent product that everyone would love to have.

Maybe Uwe would consider a heavily reduced GB discount to test my
theory and steer people towards considering original ross-tech?

Thanks,

b6x

 

[Milkfloat]

Ross-Tech will make $99 on each cable registered no matter which third party provider sells it.  If you want the older less software then this route is the way to go.  If you want a fully registered, supported and portable solution then a cable with built in activation is the way to go.  I very very much doubt you will get a group buy or forum discount, as I suspect that almost every cable he sells is bought by a member of a forum so everyone would want a discount.  The software and hardware did not magically appear in Ross-Techs hands, they had to develop and support the solution at great cost.  Personally I am very happy with my CAN USB cable.

 

[b6x]

Fair enough. I guess it's nice for the guys who can afford it.

If anyone knows someone selling a KEY- cable, I'd be interested.

In the meantime, I can consider the 3rd party eBay route myself.

Thanks for your time guys. Regards,

b6x

ps. as a matter of interest, does anyone have a list / url
of the benefits of the latest software over 3.11 ? Thx.