quattro_silver

I need a VAG COM and I was wondering if I can get just the VAG-COM software license for $99 from Ross-Tech and buy an OBD->USB cable on ebay and download the interface for free from Ross-Tech. Would this work?

NoNonsense

Yes, that will work.

HIS4

IMO, it's worth spending the money to get the real deal.

DAP@EPL

And you have to download the old, "dumb-cable" version... no access to the latest VAG-COM updates.

quattro_silver

gotcha, $130 diff in price. i just care about logging / CELs

DAP@EPL

Buying the cable and software from Ross-Tech is WELL worth it, IMO.

quattro_silver

I'll prob just do that. Thanks Dave.

The_Jerbel (Jordan)

ebay cable with $99 registration has worked fine for me

quattro_silver

sort of what i was thinkn..

Andy@Ross-Tech

All of our Interfaces have built-in Activation so the user can install VAG-COM on as many different PC's as you'd like (the eBay ones do not). All of our Interfaces work with the latest versions of VAG-COM including Release 704 (the eBay ones do not - if they function at all, you'd be limited to versions of VAG-COM that are up to 3 years out of date). We offer CAN-Bus support on some of our Interfaces to work with the newest VW/Audi models while the eBay ones do not. All of our Interfaces use a custom-designed diagnostic port connection specially made for VW/Audi applications (generic shells like the ones it looks like they are using on eBay are not made to the same specifications and may not fit some VW/Audi models correctly). All of our Interfaces come with a 1 year guarantee, and we stand behind both our hardware and software with live human tech support via telephone and email located in the United States. Good luck getting any assistance from anyone if you buy some 3rd party cable and have problems with it.

Also, please see this page:

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/faq_3.html#3.3

Common difference between versions and between Fully Registered and Shareware.

Shareware:

Cannot do AutoScan
Won't display text for all fault codes
No Basic Settings (so no TBA, Xenon levelling, etc or checking timing on TDI's)
No Adaptation Saving (so no changing of locking/lights/horn behavior)
No Output Tests
No tech support from Ross-Tech

Limitations of 311 and 409 even if Fully Registered:

No Generic OBD-II
Won't work with CAN-Bus vehicles
Fewer fault code definitions and label files
No built-in Activation (you'll be limited to a single PC)
No Advanced Measuring Blocks
No Acceleration Measurement