Why should I buy VCDS?

[darich]

Hi guys.......

Looking for an answer to the above question.

I see from Ross-Tech page the kit is $349 (£220) plus any postage costs.
I'm not really mechanically minded but better than a lot with computers.

How would having VCDS benefit me?

My current car situation...
2006 A4 B7 2.0T Q SLIne SE....remapped.
My rear parking sensors are not working.....would VCDS diagnose problems?
I like the idea of coming home lights.......would VCDS enable these (I have xenons but not auto lights)
I have a couple of LED bulbs fitted which give errors on the DIS due ot lack of resistance.....would VCDS remove the warnings?
EDIT : I have occasional flickering headlamps that has once manaed to register an error on my DIS......would VCDS aid diagnosis of whether it's the bulb/ballast/something else?
My car has 53k miles and I use a local independent VW/Audi specialist for servicing so he keeps my book stamped.
Is it an wasy system to use?
What is the etiquette for helping other forum members who don't have it? do you charge? money? beer? (I'm not really a drinker) how much? Would it "earn" a bit of cash for me if I had it?

Is there anything else that VCDS would do that would make it worth spending quite a bit of cash on it?

Apologies for the barrage of questions but would be grateful for any useful info.

Cheers

[A4Ade]

First, you might be better looking at one of Ross Tech's authorised UK distributors - if you order from the US you'll have import duty on top of postage.
As for if it's worth it, I can't answer your specific queries (I'm sure someone will) but certainly many faults can be diagnosed with VCDS. I saved myself a few quid on my last car with it. What do your garage charge for a diagnostic? £50? I had a coil pack go on my B6 which I wouldn't have known how to diagnose without VCDS (I'm more computer literate than mechanically so) so for me it's definitely worthwhile. If you're planning any retrofits that require coding then it's also essential. And as for renting out your services, you could try I suppose, although on this forum it's frowned upon (forbidden?) to advertise if you want payment. With many members offering for free you might not get many takers anyway!

[darich]

thanks A4

Just to clarify a point though...........
I wasn't even thinking about advertising a service. I was more thinking that if someone needed help with VCDS and I was in a position to do so, then is it normal practice to charge a token amount, say £20 or a box of beer or is it normally expected to be done for free??

I'd be hard pressed to advertise or charge for a providing a service when I'd be a total novice myself.

IS VCDS the cable with software?
There are several for sale on ebay or are they best avoided?

thanks

[Splash]

I'm having the same thoughts as you having run VW Group cars continuously for the past 20 years (scary). Guess I'm also slightly concerned about getting the wrong parameters input and knackering something.

I'm frequently at Lanark, so would be interested if you get a kit, not that I need anything doing, but my car's only slightly younger and less miles than yours so I suspect there will be 'faults' to come. Thankfully my warranty covers diagnostics from memory, but I can't remember the excess.

Saw a thread somewhere that said that one forumite is a good source of VCDS (he's a dealer), so will look investigate and post or PM.

[phil miller]

VCDS is a great tool, DONT BUY A RIPPED OFF ONE FROM EBAY buy a genuine one from a UK dealer, now as for payment, normally members will come to you, you both then scan the car and see whats what, once sorted you might get beer tokens or a £20 thank you hand shake, its not expected as ive learnt more about VCDS by helping other members than i would have if i hadnt, now with VCDS yes you can change things and mess it up, but do like i did to start with, i had a nose around and before changing anything i took screen shots on my phone so i could put it back to what it was if needed, that is the best way, also i scan mine and my OHs golf every couple of weeks, that way if something goes wrong you know asap, best money ive spent in a long time

[Crasher]

is it normal practice to charge a token amount, say £20 or a box of beer or is it normally expected to be done for free?

Depends if they are a taxi driver or not...

[Blackrat]

All the above, plus you I can use it to put my Xenons into EU mod do I don't annoy the French!!!

A4 3.0TDi SLine Q

[Crasher]

I don't annoy the French!!!

Awww, shame on you, my favourite sport after annoying the Scots...well its hard to choose between the two to be honest.

[Splash]

Awww, shame on you, my favourite sport after annoying the Scots...well its hard to choose between the two to be honest.

Hey, steady on! I grew up in LE/J25 but now stay in Scotland. Its the Welsh that bug me - well, the one I married at least.

[Crasher]

The Welsh are fine, lovely voices and that Alex Jones, what legs!