KEVIN97A4

I mean the real vag com retails for several hundred bucks..whats the con to getting this one..?<ul><li><a href="http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-AUDI-OBDII-OBD2-Diagnostic-Cable-NOT-MD-BY-VAG-COM_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43989QQitemZ4577049 361QQrdZ1">http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-AUDI-OBDII-OBD2-Diagnostic-Cable-NOT-MD-BY-VAG-COM_W0QQcm

DirkM

you are limited to a two year old version of the VAG-COM software. Because it doesn't support CAN (which is required for the B7 and A3).

mksap11

1) won't work with newer cars that require CAN (would likely work on most of some B7 modules, but I'm not sure if <a href="http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/canbus.html" target="_blank">this Ross-Tech page</a> means that you need version 5.00+)
2) won't work with newer versions of VAG-COM than 409 (current version is 5.x)
3) because it's a 'dumb' interface, it requires you to obtain an activation code for the specific computer you want to register it to (unless you use it in <a href="http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/vag-functions.html" target="_blank">shareware mode</a>). The HEX/USB-COM cables act as software dongles allowing you to move it from computer to computer.
4) doesn't mention if it's dual-K line compatible
5) seller's location is in China. There are alternative OBD/VAG cables whose sellers are in the US. (e.g. obdtool.com)

For the cost though, why not see if it works? I did something similar a few years back so that I'd have something for my Jetta and Touareg. I later had to upgrade to the registered/paid version to do some of the mods I wanted to do on the Touareg. I ended up upgrading to a USB-COM+can cable since I wanted to use the latest version of the VAG-COM software, and because I wanted something that could access all the modules in the B7 (and what ever VAG car I end up replacing the Touareg with ;-)

KEVIN97A4

thanks for the info guys