Indeed the VAS 5053 (I think they are up to now) needs to log onto Germany to initialise certain modules - for certain I know that these are the instrument cluster, & engine ECU. I think VCDS (with the correct information) can do ABS controllers & airbag controllers (+ the lessor modules).

On most of these new cars, the mileage is stored internally in all the above modules - makes it difficult to change the instruments & have a lower mileage if you know where to look!