Hey kids..

I had issues with my dash with all the gears lit up, issues about limp mode, pulling VAG codes, etc and 4D4 giving me all sorts of cool advice.

Made me start thinking about buying my own VAG instead of paying a shop to run/clear codes.

Anyway, I import stuff for my business from China and Hong Kong regularly, so i started looking at my supplier lists. I found a vendor who makes the familar orange VAG 5053 and the more professional 5052.

So, I started thinking if there was enough demand, i could order a bunch and offer them to AW people.

There are hong kong links to the 5053, but i'd sell them from Wash DC, where i'm located. I think i'd be able to sell these for about $90.00 delivered. I think that's a competitive price for USA shipments.

For those real hard-core addicts, I can get the 5052 for about $1600.00, although i don't know who's THAT dedicated.

I ordered the 5053 for myself, and others have said it's pretty good.

Email or post and if there's enough demand, i'll order a case or 2.

Marty

 

Will it work on my '98? The orange one I mean?

I'm down..

 

Hi.. the paperwork says it will work on all Audis after '96 that are OBD II compliant, so that should include your car.

once I see if there are enough people interested, i'll get a more comprehensive list of cars it works on. But it appears to be all Audi/VW after '96.

For a glove box solution, it seems like a good deal. Will know more when i get my sample to test on my car.

Marty

 

So is the CD that's included for a personal computer? What I mean, is that I don't need to hook it up to the car with a a laptop right?

 

Hi.. The unit is a memo option, so i 'ASSUME' it means you can download the data for later review. It is a complete stand alone unit, so you don't need to hook up anything else, just put in the 9v battery and rock and roll.

As I said before, I ordered a sample and i'll test it and show my audi shop and maybe they'll let me test it against their monster pro system to see how well it does.

My feeling, is if it shows codes you can adjust, clears errors and gives accurate diagnostics, it may be a good investment.

Marty

 

looks like a normal code reader.... why not just get the vag com package, like 300 dollars and it the same functionality as the 5052 for a fraction of a price, only thing is you have to supply the pc... i got a cheap old laptop off craigs list for 125 so for 425 i got a 5052 for like less then half

 

I think the key is 400-500 isn't 90. For many people, maybe all they need is a basic code reader.. i'd agree if you want more flexibility then doing the vag-com options may be better.

if people just want to keep a cheap vag in your glove box to diagnose stuff quickly, the 5053 is probably adequate..

Personally, i don't want access to be able to modify ABS or air bag stuff, as i'm not going to even pretend to think i'm qualified to screw with settings that could get me dead.

Marty

 

Why not just get a VAG COM that you can get for a few hundred bucks?

 

I agree that VAG-COM is a better deal than the 5052. However, the 5053 looks like a pretty cool little tool. It is not just a basic code scanner; it has measuring blocks and readiness. Cool. More portable and cheaper than VAG-COM, but you lose the big screenness of VAG-COM and the ability to export files.

I have VAG-COM and a small hand held generic ODBII scanner that can do all cars.

 

4D4..

First, thanks for all the help on my gear problems, if *I* had the VAG it woulda solved my problems. but i appreciate all your help.

Second, I agree, that there are reasons for both tools. I doubt anyone's keeping a VAG-COM laptop in their car for on the road diagnostics, or while traveling. And a $90 unit that serves the same basic needs as a laptop unit will serve both the die-hards who want every gadget, and the people like me who simply drive their car and want to do simple diagnostics before the Audi Shop Vultures get their paws on the car. Would be tough for them to say it needs X, when you diagnosed Y that's 1/3rd the price. There's gonna be some 'splainin to do Lucy'..

When I made the offer to buy a few dozen of these for AW folks, it wasn't for discussion over why the Vag-Com is better, which, admittedly it is, but to get people a small, fairly inexpensive tool they can leave in the car, and for hobbiests who simply want a cheap way to find out why the check engine light came on.

I really know i'll never be tinkering with settings unless someone tells me in advance it won't break something.

If somehow we can get back to the original reason for my post, which is to find out how many people would want one if i can get them to you for under $90 would let me know, i can decide if i want to order a few cases or not.

Thanks!
Marty