Which VAG com cable?

jaboker · 09-05-2006, 07:22 PM

Is there a specific VAG com for an Audi A3? Not too clued up as to what exactly VAG com, but from what i've read its a cable that connects via laptop to the car?

I have an Audi A3 1.9 TDi 130bhp 2002. Is there a specific cable I need for this.

Paul · 09-05-2006, 07:45 PM

Vagcom is diagnostic software and lead for the VAG range.

www.ross-tech.com

For your A3, just choose weather you want USB or serial port.

Ie
KEY-USB or
KEY-COM (consider that serial ports are becoming less common)

If you are likely to change to a newer Audi/VW in future consider one of the leads with Canbus capabilities. (also backwards compatible)

HEX-USB+CAN Interface
HEX-COM+CAN Interface

All of these official leads will fully unlock all features of the software.

There are third pary lead available, but will limit functionality somewhat, and or limit you to certain old versions of the software, and require you to buy the registered version of vagcom if you want full function, as the free shareware version is limited in its operation.

You can buy vagcom direct from US, or through
SK Pang www.skpang.co.uk a poster here who sells both official leads/ software and compatible third party leads

Sponge · 10-05-2006, 03:23 PM

I thought I'd tag my enquiry onto this one.

A friend of mine has a 2005 A3 and I have a 2005 A4. Another friend is thinking of getting a TT. So I was thinking we could club together and get a cable. Would one of the Ross-Tech ones do for all vehicles? Would the advice be the same as above?

craigyb · 10-05-2006, 03:26 PM

Either of these depending on weather you want USB or SERIAL, you need canbus for the 2005 A3.

If you are likely to change to a newer Audi/VW in future consider one of the leads with Canbus capabilities. (also backwards compatible)

HEX-USB+CAN Interface
HEX-COM+CAN Interface

Sponge · 10-05-2006, 03:56 PM

I would have thought USB would be more desireable than serial as far as PC connections are concerned. Is there anything else that needs to be considered when choosing between the two? Because it seems to me that HEX-USB+CAN Interface would be the way to go.

craigyb · 10-05-2006, 04:02 PM

They are functionally identical except for the interface to the PC. I suppose one advantage is you can extend the serial port past the 5 meter limit of USB.

Paul · 10-05-2006, 04:03 PM

The the way to go [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img]

The most up to date and flexible combination, taking into acount future proofing and backward compatability.

Same lead i have.

peterb · 10-05-2006, 05:37 PM

Not many laptops come with a serial port these days, so USB would seem to be the more sensible option. CAN needed for latest cars, so you end up with what I've got: HEX-USB+CAN.

Paul · 10-05-2006, 07:29 PM

Same as mine. HEX-USB+CAN

My reply above was in reference to Sponge, but CraigyB posted inbetween while i was composing reply. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img]

Sponge · 11-05-2006, 09:30 AM

Next question:

I know it says on their site what's in the kit, but is it worth getting the 'Professional Kit'?

If the software and manual can be downloaded, surely it's not worth paying another $250?

09-05-2006, 07:22 PM	#1 (permalink)
jaboker Junior Member Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 3	Which VAG com cable? Is there a specific VAG com for an Audi A3? Not too clued up as to what exactly VAG com, but from what i've read its a cable that connects via laptop to the car? I have an Audi A3 1.9 TDi 130bhp 2002. Is there a specific cable I need for this.

09-05-2006, 07:45 PM	#2 (permalink)
Paul Porsche GT3 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: UK Posts: 10,305	Re: Which VAG com cable? Vagcom is diagnostic software and lead for the VAG range. www.ross-tech.com For your A3, just choose weather you want USB or serial port. Ie KEY-USB or KEY-COM (consider that serial ports are becoming less common) If you are likely to change to a newer Audi/VW in future consider one of the leads with Canbus capabilities. (also backwards compatible) HEX-USB+CAN Interface HEX-COM+CAN Interface All of these official leads will fully unlock all features of the software. There are third pary lead available, but will limit functionality somewhat, and or limit you to certain old versions of the software, and require you to buy the registered version of vagcom if you want full function, as the free shareware version is limited in its operation. You can buy vagcom direct from US, or through SK Pang www.skpang.co.uk a poster here who sells both official leads/ software and compatible third party leads __________________

10-05-2006, 03:23 PM	#3 (permalink)
Sponge I've got a brand new combine harvester Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Up to my neck in it Posts: 3,991	Re: Which VAG com cable? I thought I'd tag my enquiry onto this one. A friend of mine has a 2005 A3 and I have a 2005 A4. Another friend is thinking of getting a TT. So I was thinking we could club together and get a cable. Would one of the Ross-Tech ones do for all vehicles? Would the advice be the same as above? __________________ 2005 Audi A4 Avant S-Line, 2.0 TDI

10-05-2006, 03:26 PM	#4 (permalink)
craigyb Nissan GTR Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 3,729	Re: Which VAG com cable? Either of these depending on weather you want USB or SERIAL, you need canbus for the 2005 A3. If you are likely to change to a newer Audi/VW in future consider one of the leads with Canbus capabilities. (also backwards compatible) HEX-USB+CAN Interface HEX-COM+CAN Interface __________________ My Retrofit Website

10-05-2006, 03:56 PM	#5 (permalink)
Sponge I've got a brand new combine harvester Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Up to my neck in it Posts: 3,991	Re: Which VAG com cable? I would have thought USB would be more desireable than serial as far as PC connections are concerned. Is there anything else that needs to be considered when choosing between the two? Because it seems to me that HEX-USB+CAN Interface would be the way to go. __________________ 2005 Audi A4 Avant S-Line, 2.0 TDI

10-05-2006, 04:02 PM	#6 (permalink)
craigyb Nissan GTR Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Manchester Posts: 3,729	Re: Which VAG com cable? They are functionally identical except for the interface to the PC. I suppose one advantage is you can extend the serial port past the 5 meter limit of USB. __________________ My Retrofit Website

10-05-2006, 04:03 PM	#7 (permalink)
Paul Porsche GT3 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: UK Posts: 10,305	Re: Which VAG com cable? The the way to go [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img] The most up to date and flexible combination, taking into acount future proofing and backward compatability. Same lead i have. __________________

10-05-2006, 05:37 PM	#8 (permalink)
peterb Nissan GTR Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Tagum City, Mindanao, Philippines Posts: 3,806	Re: Which VAG com cable? Not many laptops come with a serial port these days, so USB would seem to be the more sensible option. CAN needed for latest cars, so you end up with what I've got: HEX-USB+CAN. __________________ 03 RS6 Avant <font color="red">SOLD [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]</font> 05 MR2 SMT <font color="red">SOLD [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif[/img]</font> Now: 2007/8 Mitsubishi Pajero (Shogun) 3.2Di Red

10-05-2006, 07:29 PM	#9 (permalink)
Paul Porsche GT3 Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: UK Posts: 10,305	Re: Which VAG com cable? Same as mine. HEX-USB+CAN My reply above was in reference to Sponge, but CraigyB posted inbetween while i was composing reply. [img]/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/169144-ok.gif[/img] __________________

11-05-2006, 09:30 AM	#10 (permalink)
Sponge I've got a brand new combine harvester Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Up to my neck in it Posts: 3,991	Re: Which VAG com cable? Next question: I know it says on their site what's in the kit, but is it worth getting the 'Professional Kit'? If the software and manual can be downloaded, surely it's not worth paying another $250? __________________ 2005 Audi A4 Avant S-Line, 2.0 TDI

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