[apoelistas]

I'm all for going with legit tools, but as a hobbiest, I simply cannot justify spending 2K plus

VCP looks like a good compromise, can anybody give an opinion?

Thanks

Also a hobbiest, started with testing clones and now have VCP AND VCDS original tools and VAS5054A in a few days.

1. VCDs is best for enthusiasts and retrofitters. Can do everything apart from firmware flash, removal of CP. Not a dealer tool
2. VCP can do coding though sometimes descriptions are missing. Can firmware flash. Cannot remove CP. Not a dealer tool. Has advanced features example can add keyless entry parameter to comfort unit., VIM, and others which I have not used.
3.VAS5054a. Is the dealer tool. Can firmware flash with odis-e or with svm with odis-s online. Can remove CP with Team viewer, and someone who offers this service. With odis-s you can do step by step calibrations or learining key online. Coding can be done manually but has no descriptions if you do not connect online with a dealer service provider.

The way I see it you need VCDs as the first tool. Then for advanced features you need VCP, e.g. firmware flash, If you want to remove CP then you need Vas5054a. original vas5054a can firmware flash faster than VCP, if firmware size is 2Mb or larger then you will notice the difference. e.g. flashing radio concert (>3mb file size) with VCP lasted for about 3.5 hours.