Service Manuals (What's your preference?)

[89fiveo]

Didn't see anything when I searched for this. What's everyone's preferred service manual for use with these cars? Chiltons,Haynes, some BMW owned manual? Just trying to figure out what's worth purchasing. Thanks.

[3ZHP]

BMW E46 Bentley repair manual!


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[89fiveo]

Thanks for the info. $100 sheesh! Pricey, but I'm sure it'll pay for itself.

[zYx]

FYI there is "free" pdf version to be found online.

[cakM3]

Thanks for the info. $100 sheesh! Pricey, but I'm sure it'll pay for itself.

I just did a valve guide adjustment on my S54 ///M referencing my E46 Bentley Manual and what I saved in labor cost for this job more than paid for the price of a new E46 Bentley Manual, so if you have to spend the $100 it is money well spent in my opinion :thumbsup

[Sockethead]

Bentley manual is definitely worth the money but you can't take as the end all bible. There are a lot of unnecessary procedures in there that can be skipped, i.e. The procedure for removing the diff has you removing the axel shafts... Totally unnecessary. You don't even have to remove the tires.
Also, if I remember right, they have you removing the control arms to replace the LCAB.... So always check additional resources beforehand.

[ELCID86]

I have Bentley, but have only opened it 4-5 times. DIYs and other only sources help.


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[BMWCurves]

I have Bentley, but have only opened it 4-5 times. DIYs and other only sources help.


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

+1

I tend to evaluate the maximum amount of effort needed for a job by looking at what my Bentley manual says (PDF form) and then search through Google for DIYs and cross reference any differences.

[89fiveo]

Sounds about right, going to look at the lincomatic diy this weekend to evaluate issues with my wife's sunroof. Give me a solid roof any day.

[ELCID86]

Sounds about right, going to look at the lincomatic diy this weekend to evaluate issues with my wife's sunroof. Give me a solid roof any day.

Someone here just posted about that repair a few days/weeks back.


Thumbs, iPhone, TaT.

[az3579]

Bentley is the only one worth having, IMO.
Unless there's a factory BMW one out there somewhere.

[spatchel]

I purchased a Bentley manual used off of EBAY. I saves money for sure and I don't care if it looks a little used. I prefer a book to online. As is mentioned elsewhere, there are lots of videos and online info for E46 BMWs. That is one of the things I really like about these BMWs.

[zYx]

Bentley is the only one worth having, IMO.
Unless there's a factory BMW one out there somewhere.

Only "factory" AFAIK is TIS. (http://workshop-manuals.com/bmw/)

[az3579]

Only "factory" AFAIK is TIS. (http://workshop-manuals.com/bmw/)

Yeah but it's not a book. I think he's after a book, at least. :dunno

[89fiveo]

Appreciate the help guys. I'll end up snagging a Bentley book to go along with online how-to's.