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VCDS options

Simon Bailey
in Audi Q5 Club

Featured Replies

Hi guys I have seen on ebay someone selling different versions of vcds software.I have a 2014 Audi SQ5 and was wondering which version to get think the latest one he has is 25.3.0 and which obd cable i would need to buy to use it on my laptop

VCDS requires the software and an actual VCDS cable, a generic OBD won't work.

    • Like 1

    Don’t buy VCDS via EBay, buy it from Gendan UK. VCDS is RossTech and you get lifetime updates for software and genuine dongle to connect to car and laptop.

    You can buy in 3-VIN, 5-Vin or professional unlimited version. Regards connection, suspect it’s HEX-2. Gendan will be able to advise.

    On 2014 model you should be able to do most things, depends what you want it for. On 2020 or newer, then a number of restrictions in place regards adaptations that require dealer level ODIS system.

     

    • Like 2
    • Author

    Hi thanks for replies I really didn't want to spend hundreds on buying vcds as really only want to enable audi drive select.I have carista but it hasn't seemed to have enabled it properly.I happened to come across someone on ebay selling just the software for around £25 but was unsure of what cable I would require to use it.

    Richard.

    For my own interest, is the VCDS a self contained unit or does it need to be connected to a laptop computer? I can't get the details myself from the Ross Tach website without accepting cookies which I never do.

    11 hours ago, cliffcoggin said:

    Richard.

    For my own interest, is the VCDS a self contained unit or does it need to be connected to a laptop computer? I can't get the details myself from the Ross Tach website without accepting cookies which I never do.

    VCDS is the operating software. The USB dongle is the key part as it connects to the car and of course VCDS runs the diagnostic scan. Importantly, VCDS, only genuine copies are licensed, so once installed it will constantly search for latest update. In addition you can post scans on RossTech forum with tech queries if you’re stuck. Occasionally the dongle will require hardware firmware update too.

    I can honestly say it’s saved me a fortune over the years. BMW’s ISTA is very similar which I have a copy if too.

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