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Audi A3: What VAG-COM Mods Are Suggested

The number of functions and features in your Audi that you can modify or control with VAG-COM are quite simply staggering. But which ones should you change, and which ones are better left alone?

By Brett Foote - March 23, 2016

This article applies to the Audi A3 (2003-2016).

VAG-COM is a Microsoft Windows based vehicle diagnostics system that is used to complete diagnostics and make adjustments primarily in Volkswagen Group vehicles, including Audi. The original intention of systems like VAG-COM is to allow dealerships to not only diagnose problems, but to also modify options such as the way a car alarm beeps or how the windows roll down when you press the buttons on the key fob in a certain manner. Even though these functions were intended to be modified only by dealers, it should come as no surprise that some smart owners have figured out how to DIY these functions at home. There are quite literally dozens of options available, but the following are perhaps the most useful and popular among A3 owners.

VAG-COM Recommended Options

Figure 1. VAG-COM main screen.

Some of the most popular options to change in the VAG-COM are the operation of the various external lights, behavior of the windows, and various console display options.

External Light Controls

Figure 2. Various daytime running light options.

Various external lights can be controlled via the VAG-COM, including the operation of the daytime running lights.

Changes can be made so that the lights blink out of phase with the turn signal instead of simply turning off when the turn signal is on, which is a nice touch. You can also turn the daytime running lights off when the headlight switch is off, and turn on/off rear DRL's.

Another cool option is the ability to use adaptive lighting with the high beams, which is nice if you do a lot of night driving.

Comfort Closing/Opening of External Windows

Figure 3. The many comfort opening options available.

If you'd like to have a variety of ways to open and close the windows and the sunroof, you'll love the options available in VAG-COM. There are almost endless ways to open and close all of them via the key fob. Perhaps the coolest option of them all is one that automatically closes the windows if rain is detected.

If you just want to keep things simple, you can set up the basic comfort open or close, which makes the windows roll fully up or down with the push of a button. If you live in a hot climate, this is a great way to air things out before you hop in the car and burn yourself on that lovely black leather.

Other Popular Options

Figure 4. The VAG-COM has various options for your information screen.

The VAG-COM is full of other useful options that can offer increased convenience. Among them are everything from the ability to add oil temp, to the information screen to an automatic mirror "dip" when you shift into reverse that helps improve visibility while backing up.

You can also disable annoying tones like the seatbelt warning and message sound, make a pleasant chime sound when the doors lock (instead of the horn), and even deactivate the parking assistant activation sound.

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