Which Repair/Service Manual is the best?

Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:11 pm

I want to buy a service manual for my 1990 325i Touring but am not sure whether the R.Bentley book or a Haynes manual is better.
Does anyone have an opinion on this?

Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:15 pm

Bentley for sure... the Haynes makes a good door stop though.

Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:17 pm

what is the ISBN number of the Bentley manual, is there stuff in there that is only relavent to USA spec cars or is it very universal?

Thu Jan 20, 2005 10:20 pm

i agree with adam,the haynes manual is only good for putting ontop of your jack when using it !

Thu Jan 20, 2005 11:08 pm

yip bentley defo as the haynes doesnt even know the tourer exsist

Thu Jan 20, 2005 11:41 pm

isbn 0-8376-0325-0

bentley stock no. b390

Fri Jan 21, 2005 1:11 am

Came across a very good manual for E30s in France last year. Similar price to Haynes IIRC, but a lot,lot more detailed. Only downside was that the text is in French of course, but loads of photos, diagrams and specifications. Can't remember what it was called, and didn't buy it, because she who must be obeyed showed up.

Sat Jan 22, 2005 12:50 am

Definately the Bentley. But another useful manual I use for cross referencing and additional info is the 'Chilton BMW Coupes and Sedans 1970-88 Repair Manual'. It doesn't cover your car specifically but it is a useful book for extra info that the Bentley doesn't give. I have also got the Haynes, but only for info on the M40 engine, the other 2 manuals don't cover the M40 engine, but it's a fairly basic manual.

Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:14 pm

Anyone got a PDF of the Bentley manual I could have?

Wed Jan 26, 2005 10:09 pm

HI I have the factory manual on CD if that is any good, M20 engine not covered very well, it's USA spec' but OK.
regards MIKE