Abrites AVDI annual subscription: what the AMS covers, what it costs, and what happens if it lapses

Let your AVDI annual subscription expire and your device stops working. Not partially, not slowly. It stops. The AMS (Annual Maintenance Subscription) is not optional software extra for the Abrites AVDI. It is the requirement for every special function, every software update, and every online service the device runs on. This guide covers exactly what is included in the base AMS, how the renewal pricing tiers work, which vehicle makes and functions are covered, and what the cost of waiting actually looks like.

What the AVDI annual subscription actually is

The AVDI is the Abrites Vehicle Diagnostics Interface, a diagnostic tool produced by Abrites Ltd. for cars, bikes, trucks, water scooters, ATVs, and heavy-duty vehicles. The interface connects to a Windows laptop and the vehicle, and the ABRITES software runs on top of it. The AMS is the subscription that keeps that software active and updated.

Every AVDI purchase includes the first year of the AMS at no additional cost. After that, renewal is annual. Without an active AMS, special functions cannot be purchased or used. Software updates stop. Online services go offline. The device itself does not disappear, but the capabilities it was bought for do.

According to Abrites, an active AMS provides access to all online services, the latest software releases, updates to existing functions, and promotional releases and updates. It applies to all AVDI users worldwide and is the gateway to the full capacity of Abrites products.

AVDI annual subscription cost and renewal tiers

AMS renewal pricing is based on a tiered structure that depends on how long it has been since the subscription expired. At Best Key Supply, the current renewal pricing is as follows.

Tier 1 covers renewal from 0 to 60 days after expiration and costs $395. Tier 2 covers renewal from 2 months to 12 months after expiration and costs $475. Tier 3 covers renewal more than 12 months after expiration and costs $710.

The gap between Tier 1 and Tier 3 is $315. A technician who lets the AMS lapse for over a year pays 80 percent more than one who renews on time. That cost increase does not come with any additional features. It is purely the penalty for not renewing. For a tool that sits at the center of a shop's programming and diagnostic work, the math strongly favors renewing before the 60-day window closes.

What the base AMS includes by vehicle brand

The AMS combined with the AVDI covers an extensive list of vehicle categories and functions without requiring additional paid licenses. The following is drawn directly from the Abrites capabilities guide for the AVDI software included in the annual subscription.

General diagnostics across all supported brands include a complete vehicle scan, reading and clearing diagnostic trouble codes (DTC), live data display from all modules, input and output actuator tests, and service interval reset. The J2534 PassThru driver is also included, which is SAE-standard compliant and emulates different interface units, giving shops access to OEM software products including VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda ODIS, Toyota Techstream, BMW E-Sys, INPA, Mercedes DAS/Xentry, and others through the AVDI without additional tools.

For Mercedes-Benz, the base AMS covers key programming for DAS3/FBS3 and DAS2/DAS2a/DAS2b vehicles via OBDII, module adaptation including making DAS/FBS modules virgin, SCN coding via OBDII, cluster recalibration up to 2014, airbag crash data clearing up to 2010, and several other procedures including ESL and 7G Tronic reset.

For Toyota, Lexus, and Scion, coverage includes all keys lost programming for vehicles up to 2018, smart system reset for US vehicles 2019 and newer with selective address "AA," emergency start via OBDII for smart systems up to 2018, ECU reading and writing for supported EDC units, and cluster recalibration for VDO/Continental dashboards with 70F35xx microcontrollers.

For VAG (Volkswagen, Audi, Seat, Skoda, Lamborghini, Bentley), the base AMS includes all keys lost and spare key programming across Immo 1 through Immo 5 platforms from 1996 through 2018, module adaptation for Immo 3 and 3+ vehicles, cluster recalibration across K-line and CAN instrument clusters, ECU functions including DPF off for EDC16/EDC17 and software updates using FRF/SGO files, and advanced diagnostic functions including long coding, short coding, steering angle calibration, and DSG clutch calibration.

Additional coverage in the base AMS includes Ford and Mazda for all keys lost and spare key programming up to 2022 plus cluster recalibration up to 2017, BMW and Mini for CAS1 through CAS3+ key programming (E-series), FCA vehicles (Fiat, Alfa Romeo, Jeep, Dodge, RAM, Ferrari) for key programming and cluster recalibration up to 2022, Honda for all keys lost and spare key programming up to 2022, Jaguar and Land Rover for all keys lost programming through 2020 via OBDII, Subaru for all keys lost and spare key programming up to 2020, Porsche for key programming on Panamera, Cayenne, Boxster, Cayman, 911, and Macan from 2010 onward, Mitsubishi from 2005 to 2016, Volvo with Hitag2 keys, Tesla Model S key programming plus airbag functions, Smart vehicles for key programming and module adaptation, Renault up to 2014, Hyundai and Kia for cluster recalibration and ECU functions, Opel/Vauxhall/GM for ECU flash and security code programming, Suzuki Grand Vitara and Swift from 2005 to 2008, bikes and snowmobiles including BMW, Harley Davidson, Aprilia, Piaggio, BRP, and Vespa, DAF trucks from 2002 to 2023, and J1939-compliant heavy-duty and maritime vehicles.

The AMS is available directly through Best Key Supply on the Abrites AMS product page. The full Abrites lineup, including the AVDI interface itself, is stocked in the Best Key Supply programming devices collection. For any questions about the right subscription tier, contact the BKS team directly.

Frequently asked questions

What happens to my AVDI if I do not renew the annual subscription?

Without an active AMS, Abrites special functions cannot be purchased or used. Software updates stop, and access to online services is cut off. The hardware itself remains functional for basic tasks, but the programming, coding, and advanced diagnostic capabilities that make the AVDI worth owning require an active subscription to operate.

How much does the AVDI annual subscription cost to renew?

At Best Key Supply, renewal within 60 days of expiration is $395. Renewal between 2 and 12 months after expiration is $475. Renewal more than 12 months after expiration is $710. The tier is determined by how long the subscription has been expired at the time of purchase, not at the time of use.

Does the AMS include support?

No. The Annual Maintenance Subscription covers software updates and online service access, but it does not include technical support coverage. Support is provided separately through the Abrites Support Plan (SPS), which is sold as a separate purchase.

Do I need an active AMS to buy additional AVDI software licenses?

Yes. An active AMS is required before any additional special function licenses can be purchased. If your AMS has expired, the first step is renewing it before adding any brand-specific or function-specific licenses to your AVDI.

What is the J2534 PassThru driver included with the AMS?

The J2534 PassThru driver is included in the base AVDI software and is compatible with the international SAE standards. It allows the AVDI to emulate different interface units so shops can access OEM software products directly through the device. Supported platforms include VW/Audi/Seat/Skoda ODIS, Toyota Techstream, Mercedes DAS/Xentry, and BMW E-Sys among others, without requiring a separate interface for each.

Can the AVDI program keys for all keys lost situations?

Yes, for many supported makes. All keys lost programming is included in the base AMS for VAG vehicles from Immo 1 through CAS3+ on BMW and Mini (E-series), Ford and Mazda up to 2022, Honda up to 2022, Subaru up to 2020, Mitsubishi from 2005 to 2016, and Toyota up to 2018 among others. Coverage varies by make, model year, and key type. Some all keys lost procedures require additional hardware such as the PROTAG programmer.

Keep your AVDI working at full capacity

Your AMS is either active or it is not, and there is no in-between. If renewal is coming up or already overdue, grab the AMS at Best Key Supply here. Renewing before 60 days past expiration keeps you at $395 instead of $710.