Which Repair Manual

[needleart]

I have a 1995 325i with 74,000 miles. After having to pay $672 for a new radiator, and fan clutch (part and labor), I am ready to get under my hood and do it all myself.

I just need to know which repair manual will give me the most detailed instructions for making my own repairs. :dunno: I had a good manual when I drove a 1969 MBZ 280 SEL. However, this is my first BMW.

So, what book do you recommend, and where should I buy it? Thanks for your advice.

[Dudesky_E36]

The Bentley Manual is by far the best one for BMW's, they should have it at Amazon and on eBay. But don't read it like it's gospel. There are inconsistencies and errors in it, so be prepared for that. Also, it'll sometimes take you through unnecessary procedures on some repairs; DIY'ers often find a simpler way to get the job done. So use it in combination with online DIY articles. Most BMW forums online will have a DIY section. There's also bimmerdiy.com, a collection of articles found on the net. Lastly a few retailers have very nice tech sections, like PelicanParts and Understeer.

Yea, you could have saved money on that repair, considering the parts are only $250.

[mysick3series]

Yea thats a good one. i think it goes for maybe $60 on Bavauto

[needleart]

Thank you for your suggestion. I ordered the BMW 3 series repair manual on Amazon.com.

[ddpeterson]

Can't find a Bently manual for 1992 E30. Is there one? I have a 318iC.

[bounzing_soulz]

http://www.amazon.com/BMW-E36-Service-Manual-1992-1998/dp/0837603269/ref=sr_1_1/105-6601176-8036409?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186268897&sr=8-1


here is a link for the e36 1992-1998. im pretty sure yours is actually a e36 not an e30.

[mrfraser89]

err...

http://hosting.data.bg/bmw/BMW/E-Books/E36/BentleyBMW-E36ServiceManual.pdf

Bentley Manual

[E36 Phantom]

http://www.amazon.com/BMW-E36-Service-Manual-1992-1998/dp/0837603269/ref=sr_1_1/105-6601176-8036409?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1186268897&sr=8-1


here is a link for the e36 1992-1998. im pretty sure yours is actually a e36 not an e30.

No, he has a 'vert. The convertibles were E30 until 93. 94 was the first E36 'vert.

DDPeterson, check out Bentley's website and see if it lists it. They only have books for select models, should have it on their site.

[bounzing_soulz]

No, he has a 'vert. The convertibles were E30 until 93. 94 was the first E36 'vert.


whoop.. that would do it. next time ill do that crazy thing called reading :rofl:

[E36 Phantom]

^Haha, not a problem. I made the first mistake when I first got here, I told guy who had a 99 'vert that he had an E46....oops.

[bounzing_soulz]

haha, well I should have known... my girlfriend's mom has a e46 2006 325ci, while the e90 came out in 2006 as well. I have first hand experiance in the delayed year changed with the convertables. doh. haha :p

[ddpeterson]

I checked the Bentley web site and they only list E36 for '92 models when I searched on 92 318iC.

[samsonite]

I got the Bentley but it doesn't cover my engine (M43), so got the Haynes manual too which does.

[jason_recliner]

Do any manuals cover the 320i?
Wiring diagrams are decidedly lacking in the Bentley. You're left to guess between the other models.

References to RHD would be a nicety too.

[1PokerLion]

I believe the Haynes group do one for the 320i. The Bentley one didnt mention the 320i as that model wasnt sold throughout the states I believe.

[Pirate_copy]

Wow, that is a REALLY old thread!!

[1PokerLion]

oops.. just being spontaneous :rofl: dont really look at the dates

Is there a way to view 'new posts' that are from the E36 section as oppose to the whole forum?

[mrfraser89]

Wow, that is a REALLY old thread!!

unfortunately i remember posting in it :P

i've come a long way too...

[Pirate_copy]

:thumbup: