VCDS Interface Upgrades

We're often asked about the VCDS interface upgrades offered by Ross-Tech, and whether we can offer them?
These questions, and more, are answered below.

Can I upgrade?

That would depend upon the type of VCDS package you have.

1. HEX+CAN "dongle" interface: i.e. HEX-USB+CAN (HUC) or HEX-COM+CAN.
   If you bought your interface from us, and have registered it for support with Ross-Tech (if not, you would need to do that first), we can usually offer trade-in upgrades on Ross-Tech's behalf, subject to approval in each case.
   However, the discounts aren't huge - we can offer a £100 discount against an Unlimited VIN interface package:
   
   • HEX-V2 Unlimited (discounted price £399)
   • HEX-NET Unlimited (discounted price £525)
   
   We can't offer trade-in upgrades to 3 or 10-VIN interfaces.
   
   If you want to go for a trade-in, please send us an email.
   Please include:
   • The serial number (e.g. HC123456) of your VCDS interface
   • Your details (name, address, phone etc.)
   • The name and address under which it is registered with Ross-Tech (if different)
   • If possible, please attach clear photos of the front and rear of the interface, where all labels are legible
   We will then confirm eligibility with Ross-Tech. If approved, we would then need your old interface back, and once payment is made, we'd send you the new package.
2. Other discontinued "dongle" interfaces: e.g. KEY-USB/KII-USB/HEX-USB/Micro-CAN.
   Ross-Tech offer direct trade-ins on these, but unfortunately the numbers just don't add up for us to be able to offer a worthwhile trade-in value here in the UK.
   
   Our recommendation would be to try to sell it privately.
3. Non-CAN "dumb" interface: Typically these are referred to as 'KKL' interfaces.
   As these were generally not manufactured by Ross-Tech, they are not directly eligible for a trade-in.
   However, if you purchased a $99 USD VCDS-Lite license, Ross-Tech offer a trade-in against the value of the license.
   
   We cannot offer that, but Ross-Tech have been known to offer a free VIN license upgrade to UK buyers with a VCDS-Lite license who purchase a 3-VIN or 10-VIN interface from us.
   Crucially though, this is offered at Ross-Tech's discretion - you must agree it with them first.

Why would I need to upgrade?

Again, this depends on the package you have.

1. HEX+CAN "dongle" interface: i.e. HEX-USB+CAN (HUC) or HEX-COM+CAN.
   The HUC interface was discontinued at the end of 2016, after Audi unexpectedly introduced new systems in the A4 and Q7, which Ross-Tech were unable to support with the HUC hardware.
   These systems became more widespread across models and systems as cars were updated, creating an increasing number of 'holes' in the previously strong coverage of the HUC. Models built on entirely new platforms (such as the 2017-on VW Polo and VW Crafter models) were heavily reliant on these new systems.
   
   To save confusion, Ross-Tech drew a line in the sand with the 2019 model year (on sale from mid-2018), and only cover 2019-on model year cars, (and any vehicle built on a new platform from 2017), with their new HEX-V2 and HEX-NET interfaces, which offer all of the coverage of the HUC, plus support for the new systems.
2. Other discontinued "dongle" interfaces: e.g. KEY-USB/KII-USB/HEX-USB/Micro-CAN.
   These only work on cars using 'k-line' protocols, and are not compatible with the Controller Area Network (CAN) protocols used on most VW Audi (VAG) group cars since around 2004, (or in the case of the Micro-CAN, only supported a specific set of vehicles).
3. Non-CAN "dumb" interface: These again only work on cars using 'k-line' protocols, and are not compatible with CAN.

Is upgrading worthwhile?

Given their unlimited VIN coverage, the second-hand value of the HUC interface has actually increased since they were discontinued, as many enthusiasts working on older cars think they'll need unlimited VINs, rather than coverage for newer models.
If your HUC is still working you can probably get significantly more than the £100 selling it online and just buy the new package outright. We frequently see HUC interfaces selling for over £200 on Ebay.
This would also give you the option of going for the cheaper home user or enthusiast versions if you're not using VCDS professionally.

We have a tool to help you select the most suitable package for your needs - our VCDS Package Chooser.

What about VIN upgrades?

What do you do if you own a 3-VIN or 10-VIN HEX-V2 interface, or a 10-VIN HEX-NET, and you've used up all of your VIN slots?

We're frequently asked "if I sell a car, can I remove the VIN?"
The simple answer is NO. (If you could remove a VIN, what would be the point of having a limit?)

However, (if the interface is registered to you), you can upgrade your VIN license from 3 to 10 VINs, and again from 10 to Unlimited, for £169 a time.