Their website suggested getting the Bently service manual along with either their Hex-USB+CAN or thier KII-USB interface. Which of these interfaces should I get? What exactly is the difference between the two?

Are the Bently manual and Vag-com software easy to understand for someone who's somewhat new to automotive maintenance and not all that computer inclined? I've never used anything like this before.

I really don't know anything about Vag-com other than what I just posted. Is there anything else I should know before purchasing the software, manual, and usb cable?

 

Bump.

 

Bump.

 

I'm also thinking about getting VAG-COM, and the KII-USB interface is the one our cars use.

http://www.ross-tech.com/vag-com/car...ions/a4s4.html

The HEX-USB+CAN can be used on our cars and also those with newer computers, but it also cost $100 more than the KII-USB interface. I don't plan on owning a late-model Audi so it wouldn't do me any good to pay the extra $100.

BTW, I have a scan tool from Harbor Freight that cost $99 that works fine for pulling and resetting codes and service lights, but I can't do adaptations or any of the other advanced things VAG-COM can do.

I also have the Bentley manual which was the best money I have spent on my Audi so far. I'm a noob and I've done a bunch of work on my car using the manual and info posted here. I suppose Ross-Tech recommends the manual because it has a table of diagnostic codes and instructions for doing adaptations and troubleshooting with diagnostic codes.

Hey, I'm stationed at Fort Gordon, where in GA are you at? I just got back from Iraq myself. Maybe I can borrow your VAG-COM to do a throttle body adaptation? JK!

 

Thanks for the info. Never heard of Fort Gordon, is that an Army base? I'm stationed at Moody AFB, just outside of Valdosta. You're more than welcome to come down and use my software and driveway. I'm a little short on tools, so you may want to bring your own.

I'll be back early next month, so hit me up.

 

I think most of us would agree to just buying the cheap cable off Ebay and getting the free version of Vag-Com. It would suit most needs. As far as the Bentleys I'd go ahead and get that.

 

the shareware version of vagcom is ok for doing really routine things like MAF readings, timing, and some other sensors, but you can only read blocks 1-25 in the shareware version. its really useless for doing any kind of tuning or in depth logging. its definately worth the money to get the full version. im not even sure you can do a TBA with the shareware version.

 

I've heard some pros and cons about the shareware version and the full version. Personally I think I'll go with the full version.

Is the only advantage of the HEX-USB+CAN interface the ability to work on later model Audis?

I saw them advertising a "Turbo" mode for measuring blocks on newer KWP-2000 ECU's. What is that?

 

the newer Audis, i think B7 and up, use a CAN interface instead of our K-Line to communicate with sensors around the car. CAN is faster then K-line so you can update readings closer to real time. unless you have a newer car or have plans on getting one, the regular HEX-USB is fine.

thats probably what that turbo mode you are reading is for too, faster readings for the newer cars. doesnt apply to us B5'ers unfortunately.

 

Ok, so I don't need the CAN interface.

Is the KII-USB interface pretty much the same as the HEX-USB? If not, what's the difference between the two for applications for my B5?