OBD II vs VAG COM
 

Do I need a vag com to read codes off my 2001 A6 2.7t or can I get use an OBDII reader as well? If I'm not mistaken the vag com will cost me $230 and a obd code reader will cost me $70.

Re: OBD II vs VAG COM
 

Depends on what you need to read. An OBD-II tool will only give access to engine/tranny and emission related modules. VAG-COM will allow you to access all diagnostic capable modules in the car.

With a generic OBD-II reader, you will only get "P" codes.....
 

With a VAG-COM, you will get the VAG/Bosch diagnostics 5 digit codes, witch are much more informative.

More differences:
 

<ul><li><a href="http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/faq_1.html#1.10">http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/faq_1.html#1.10</a</li></ul>

As usual, I asked before I researched and read. Thanks.