VAG com basic equipment

[CALL AAA]

I'm just wondering what I need to buy to be able to do the basics with VAG COM software. By basics, I mean diagnostics and any little "tricks" to make the car do cool stuff. (like rolling down the windows with the remote?)
So I need a cable, and then do I need to download the software from Ross-Tech? Or if I have the cable, will it open automatically when I plug the car in. (Don't worry, I'll get directions befoe I plug anythin in.)
By the way, this will be for an '01, an '02 and an '04, all of them Audis.
Thanks for the help.
Tony

[ncttrnl]

You just need the basic vag com interface from the ross-tech site.

The hex-com is your best bet as it unlocks the software for full functionality. If you are going to get another audi in the future, get the hex+can because the new cars all use the CAN bus quite a bit. Its more expensive but it will protect your investment if you plan to continue being an Audi family.

[CALL AAA]

Cool, thanks.
I looked at Ross-Tech's site, and finally found the page that tells me what I need for each car. The cable would be the same for the '01 and the '02. but the cable for the A6 will jump the price up another $120. I'm glad I checked before I bought one though!

[ncttrnl]

Cool, thanks.
I looked at Ross-Tech's site, and finally found the page that tells me what I need for each car. The cable would be the same for the '01 and the '02. but the cable for the A6 will jump the price up another $120. I'm glad I checked before I bought one though!

Does the A6 need the CAN interface cable? I didn't realize they started using it that early.

[CALL AAA]

When I called Ross Tech, I think the engineer said '04s didn't require it. He was kind of speaking engineer-ese and he had an accent on top of that. But he said I wouldn't be able to do something (I didn't really understand what it was) on the A6 without the CAN interface. But if we ever get anything newer, we would need CAN.
Fortunately, he did not use the word "dongle" at any point during our conversation.

[jr_scheiBe]

go to ebay and do a search for the ross-tech. I got mine $120 i think. ppl are always trying to sell their's after the audi is sold.

[CALL AAA]

I would try ebay, but I've heard about people getting cables that don't allow them to do certain things. I don't know the specifics, but they kind of get ripped off buying a cheaper, less capable/compatible cable. I will check ebay though, and see what's for sale.
Thanks,
Tony