jaboker Posted May 9, 2006 Report Share Posted May 9, 2006 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted May 9, 2006 Report Share Posted May 9, 2006 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sponge Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigyb Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 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 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sponge Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craigyb Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 The the way to go The most up to date and flexible combination, taking into acount future proofing and backward compatability. Same lead i have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterb Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 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. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted May 10, 2006 Report Share Posted May 10, 2006 Same as mine. HEX-USB+CAN My reply above was in reference to Sponge, but CraigyB posted inbetween while i was composing reply. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sponge Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 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? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Paul Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 just get the lead, software you download from the site free and the lead will unlock it. there is an adaptor for really old cars, but i wouldnt bother with it, ive not come across a car ive needed it on yet. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sponge Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 Thanks for the advice chaps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peterb Posted May 11, 2006 Report Share Posted May 11, 2006 I have used the adapter on a 1996 (N reg) A6 (C4 model). I think the C4 was probably (unsure about the A8) the last Audi in production which needed the adapter. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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