Durametric software

[Glyn]

I need to re-set my airbag light, i tripped it whilst fitting a new 4 stalk unit.
I disconnected the battery with the ignition on and waited 10 minutes before disconnecting the airbag but i seem to have induced the warning light.
A call to my local Porsche independant in Wigston Leicester revealled he does not have the computer to do a re-set and reccommended i go to OPC who will re-set for £50, i think this charge is over the top and considering getting the durametric software so i can reset myself, plus i will find lots of uses for it besides this.
On the Durametric site it is advertised at $249, does anyone know what this is going to cost in pounds - has anyone purchased this from the USA and are there any duties to pay on importing it.
I know i can pay by credit card, plus i guess the delivery charges but is there anything i am missing.

I was told by Durametric i could purchase this kit from Silverstone and they provided me a mobile number - rang them today but they seemed reluctant to give me a landline number to call them - not sure if this is a little dodgy, however they told me i can pay by card and the cost is £300.
Anyone know where i can get a reset at a reasonable charge, or advice about the Durametric purchase?

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

You'll have to pay a small percentage of duty, plus VAT on the total price including carriage, but it is still likely to work out a LOT cheaper than £300, especially with the current exchange rate. Bear in mind that with the DIY version of Durametric, you can only use it on 3 cars.

Shame you aren't closer to me - I would have been happy to do it for nothing. I think you need to look for a new indy. If they haven't got a computer, they shouldn't even be doing services - part of the schedule is to read out the fault memories.

 

[Mark Elder]

Apart from the sofware, what do you get? Is there some hardware to link from laptop to the car?

If it's just software then you might be able to download and Durametric may not realize they should have collected VAT from you....

 

[Glyn]

The Durametric comes complete with the software and the hardware USB to OBD2 plug and i do know its limited to three cars unless i pay 3 times the price for the "Proffessional package".

Richard, i agree the independant i used should have the computer and they should have connected to read any fault codes, i just didnt know they hadnt until days after the service (last Monday, at the same time ordered the 4 stalk unit to pick up with the car) until i tripped the airbag light and rang them to get a reset, i was gobsmaked when he told me that. They bill themselves as Porsche Independant specialists and their workshop was full of Porsches, he told me he was close to the point of getting the computer but was saving to get the Porsche PIWIS unit as no other solution offered all that he wanted, they have apparently been trading for years but i never knew they were there until i received a business card under the wipers when i stopped in Wigston (Tescos) - He told me they dont advertise or even have signs outside their workshop to prevent thefts, prior to this i always used Autobahn.
Also took the car for MOT Saturday and they gave me an advisory that the rear pads were at 3.5mm, the independant hadnt mentioned this when i picked the car up from service so i think it was something of a poor service, so its back to Autobahn.

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

ORIGINAL: marke2

Apart from the sofware, what do you get? Is there some hardware to link from laptop to the car?

If it's just software then you might be able to download and Durametric may not realize they should have collected VAT from you....

As Glyn says, it's the software and a USB-OBD2 interface lead. The latest version of the software can be downloaded from their web site, and thay are constantly updating it to add new features.

The duty and VAT will be collected by the shipping company - it isn't Durametric that charge it. I would imagine that duty would be arount 3-4%, so the total would be $249+shipping+duty+VAT on the lot. It might be a lot compared to a £25 OBD2 scanner, but it will do a heck of a lot more, and is Porsche-specific.

Sounds like I'm a saleseman for them, but I'm not - I've just heard lots of good things about them on Renntech.org.

 

[Glyn]

Well, i took the plunge and ordered it, I figure it will be around £200 ish and i think that is money well spent especially when OPC want £50 just to do one reset.
Many thanks to Richard (The salesman), not sure how or at what point i pay the VAT and duty though, i guess someone will either bill me or ask for the payment upfront at some point.
Just got to wait now

Thanks Richard for your advice and of course your kind offer for a free reset

 

[Richard_Hamilton]

I think Durametric use FedEx, so you will get their bill after deivery, or they may ask you to pay the duty & VAT before they deliver. Make sure Durametric put a phone number on the Air WayBill so the carrier can contact you. I buy quite a few bits and pieces from the US, and that's usually the way it works.

 

[Glyn]

Richard, your a gent.