Hey all, I need to do some code reading on my car and was wondering what the cheapest way is to get vag com usb system?
Is it as simple as buying a cable and disc from ebay and installing on a windows machine?
Help greatly appreciated.
Probably not,
most of the eBay stuff relies on the
shareware version of VAG-COM
which
does not work on the mk5.
Those low cost offerings do not include the software license
for the full version of VAG-COM.
They will probably still work with OBD-II functions,
which are limited to a subset of the ECU controller only,
none of the other controllers on the car.
The cable from Ross-Tech is not just a cable,
it also integrates a software protection key (dongle)
that enables the full version of the software.
So the cable is both the interface and the software license combined.
i.e. great software needs to be paid for so they can continue to maintain it.
Ross-Tech has done a good job, I bought my license 11 years ago
and still enjoy modern up-to-date solid software for the outlay.
The least expensive way is a cable specifically for a mk5 and newer can-buss cars.
VCDS License with Micro-CAN Interface
The more expensive cable works with both the newer can-bus cars
and pre-can-bus cars dating back to 1996.
with additional accessories, even older cars.
the mk4 is in this category.
VCDS License with HEX-USB+CAN Interface
About the only way you are going to save any $
is to purchase a used Ross-Tech Cable/license
from someone in the forum clasiffieds.