VagCom for beginners

[mkviken]

Can anyone advise what I need to Get started with vagcom?

Do I need a specific hand unit? Adaptercable to plug into car? Where do I get the software from? How much are we talking for all the kit I would need?

[Jimble]

I haven't got it but Ross Tech seems to get mentioned a lot and are very supportive apparently.
http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/

[The Doc]

You need this: http://www.gendan.co.uk/product_VCHU.html?gclid=CPue5uT2-qwCFYIPfAodXF_HTg

That is VCDS / vag com, the software is free and it's all you need except a laptop 

[Keithuk]

Getting started.

First you have to make a decision on what you want to do, simple checks and adjustments then VCDS-MicroCAN or the full VCDS. VAG-COM was changed to VCDS in 2008 but people still use the old name. Obviously you'll need a laptop to install it on to. As Doc says the software is free to download.

I bought mine from ilexa you're talking about £260 for VCDS. Don't be tempted by these cheap Chinese clones on eBay it pot luck if they work?

[EyeballPaul]

Im no expert on VCDS, but found this company online. They are alot cheaper than most ive seen and seem very professional with good reveiws,

http://www.vag-diagnostics.com/support.html

[Belix]

It seems like a lot of the cheaper ones use ross-tech software, but you cannot update it, and will get no support from Ross-tech.
You can pay a small fee to ross-tech and get support for third party cables, but still no software updates, so you're stuck with whichever came with the cable.

[mkviken]

has anyone tried an ebay VCDS lead? i take it they don't work and are 10x cheaper for a reason?

[mike.]

Im no expert on VCDS, but found this company online. They are alot cheaper than most ive seen and seem very professional with good reveiws,

http://www.vag-diagnostics.com/support.html

No those are just the cheap Chinese ripoffs except they have a flashy web page to fool you and then charge more

[mike.]

has anyone tried an ebay VCDS lead? i take it they don't work and are 10x cheaper for a reason?

They do work but if the interface goes wrong and overloads the CAN bus interface then there is the potential of some very expensive repairs plus you wont get any support from ROSS-TECH if you require coding help.

[Ess_Three]

The official product is brilliant...with great support.
Why risk a cheap rip-off copy on a £25k+ car?