User Experiences with Porsche PIWIS Tester 2 vs. PIWIS Tester 3

I recently received my new testers, and after using both the Porsche PIWIS 2 and PIWIS 3, I wanted to share my impressions. To clarify, I did not purchase the official PIWIS III from the factory, which costs around $5,900 and includes a factory carrying case, all necessary cables, a Wi-Fi cap for the VCI (Vehicle Communication Interface), and even multimeter and oscilloscope cables. This was too expensive for me, so I opted for an alternative.

Instead, I bought a Lenovo laptop with Windows 10 and the Porsche PIWIS III software pre-installed. This setup cost me about $1,500 and is available from various sources. The VCI and software have been modified to disable factory authentication, so there are no automatic updates unless you have a PPN account. If you have access to a PPN account, updates will work as usual.

PIWIS III (Software and Device)

The porsche piwis 3 on my laptop starts up automatically, and I can still use the Microsoft button to multitask. For instance, I can run TeamViewer or browse the web while using the diagnostic software. The VCI unit itself is compact, and the connecting cable is relatively short. However, it's a standard USB to MiniUSB cable, which means I can easily buy a longer one if needed.

One of the notable features of the PIWIS 3 is the ability to switch from aftersales mode to developer mode. This feature unlocks many special functions, including the ability to disable the idle stop feature permanently. The software installed on the SSD runs faster and is generally more user-friendly compared to earlier versions.

For example, in the diagnostics program, the tester automatically detects the car model. You just plug it in, turn on the vehicle, and it works. The guided troubleshooting feature has also improved. If there's an error, you can click on it, press the troubleshooting button, and the tool will generate a diagnostic plan. The plans are clearer and better explained in English compared to the older versions.

While I haven’t tested the schematic software yet, I expect it functions similarly to previous versions. There’s also a new ODBC program on the device that can read standard ODBC codes, and I plan to test it on a friend's car soon. The PIWIS 3 also includes oscilloscope and multimeter capabilities, but the laptop clone I bought doesn't come with the necessary cables for those features.

Overall, the PIWIS III is a faster and more capable tool, especially for newer models from 2018 onward. However, it doesn’t necessarily do more than the PIWIS 2 for older cars. It’s just better equipped for modern vehicles, with improved speed and new features that the PIWIS 2 doesn’t support.

PIWIS II vs. PIWIS III

While the PIWIS III is clearly an improvement, it doesn’t offer an overwhelming difference in functionality over the PIWIS 2. The key improvements are its speed and the ability to work with cars from 2018 onward. The PIWIS 2 still works well for older models and provides a reliable diagnostic experience, but it lacks the faster performance and modern features of the PIWIS 3.

Software Updates

Typically, Porsche provides one year of updates with the tool, after which you are charged for additional updates. These updates usually focus on adding support for newer model years, rather than offering software changes or improvements for existing models.

In conclusion, the PIWIS III is a better tool overall, especially for those working with newer Porsche models. However, if you primarily work with older vehicles, the PIWIS 2 is still a solid choice. The PIWIS III simply offers enhanced speed, more modern features, and better functionality for newer cars.