Originally Posted by nobbyv

Just curious, in getting back to the fuel economy question: how are you guys calculating your fuel economy? I only ask because Motor Trend had a big write up this past issue about employing some UK company to calculate their economy based on capturing tailpipe emissions.

I always thought the "fill it until auto-shutoff, zero out trip odometer, refill later until auto shutoff" was pretty accurate, but they say even on the same pump you can see up to 4/10 gallon differences.

Originally Posted by q5q7

out of curiosity: what's COM in VAG-COM? command? I know VAG is volkswagen audi group.

Originally Posted by snagitseven

maybe "Communication" or "Computer"?

Originally Posted by snagitseven

The VCDS software for use with their cable is PC only but can be used with any of the available PC Windows emulators for the Mac.

My understanding is, outside of scans, other OBD devices will not have the scope or ability to do many or most of the mods provided by VCDS. Also, they may not have the benefit of the VCDS easy coding options. Others having experience with these devices and software can chime in here.

The VCDS has the ability to dive deep into the coding of an Audi or VW and can be a powerful diagnostic tool. However, beyond the long list of common mods and scans that the casual user can easily employ, it requires some expertise to avoid causing malfunction or even damage to the car's electronics and operation.

I've had my VCDS cable for several years and have used it on all four of my past and present Audis. Although I stick only to the proven mods and scans, I've found it to be very useful and well worth the $349 investment.

Originally Posted by iBetterDoNow

Since you have used VCDS for several years, were you using software version 11.11 instead of 12.12? Are these two versions having big difference to warrant paying $90 v.s. $349 ? There are sellers selling cable at $90 that only works with 11.11 software. TIA.

Originally Posted by snagitseven

I would strongly advise you to NOT buy a counterfeit, non-Ross-Tech cable for several reasons. One you've already guessed - if the firmware or software is updated (they frequently do), the imitation will no longer work. Second, Ross-Tech spends a great deal of money on research and maintaining their software; buying a rip-off copy, to me, is like illegally downloading pirated software from the internet. I wouldn't buy a Rolex watch from a guy on the corner, either. While it may keep time for awhile, it ain't a Rolex. Finally, Ross-Tech is an AudiWorld sponsor and we owe our sponsors our support whenever possible.
Spend the money and get the original article from the developer. You and they deserve it. After all, you spent a lot of money on your car. Don't try to save a few bucks on the cable.

Originally Posted by snagitseven

If they're designed to run the VCDS software, other cables are simply reverse engineered, unauthorized copies. Ross-Tech software is copyrighted and their cables are patented. They may be referring to other OBD devices that use their own software. Proprietary issues aside, I wouldn't waste my money on something that's unsupported and will not be able to be updated. I'm a just not a penny-wise and pound foolish kinda guy. Sort of the reason why I buy Audis vs other lesser makes.

Originally Posted by keithl

99% of my fill ups are at the same gas station and of those I usually grab the same pump. I use Fuelly to punch it in before I pull away from the pump and usually look at the big picture, the average over many tanks and thousands of miles. I am still early in, but my A6 for me is doing around 20.4, not bad since my Infiniti M37S was doing about 21 and was 150 lbs lighter and was only driving rear wheels.