Its for my 06 Convertible.. so I want one that cover the convertible model the best.

Which is a better choice?

 

Haynes

 

Bentley is more thorough, but it was published before the converts were manufactured. Get both and judge for yourself.

 

I bought the Bentley, and to cover the convertible I got a BMW TIS service manual CD-ROM off Ebay (about $10 -- no doubt they are pirated copies). The CD-ROM has a very clumsy interface and it is awkward to find what you want, but it has been very helpful during my rear view camera installation to get instructions for removing parts and trim on the convertible.

 

Do you recall the ebay sellers name?

 

I personally don't like the Bentley manual. Every once in a while the book leaves out important information. Such as rod bolt torque specs and a few steps on removing the transmission.

I have not used the Haynes manual so I have no experience there.

 

Haynes is better.The Ebay site has 2 guys selling a pirate version of Bmw parts list.Another sells a CD with all service procedures as well but havnt seen for a while.You are right it is very clumsy to load and instructions are vague but they guaranty it.

 

The pictures in the Haynes are barely usable. They are badly shot, badly labeled, and worse than a newspaper. You can at least see what they are illustrating in the Bentley.

 

There are zillions. I just looked and some go for as little as $6. Search in the Ebay Motors section for "BMW TIS". I think they all cover every model of BMW including MINI, but check the detailed descriptions to be sure. Mine is actually a bit old, dated 1/2005 and covering through 2004 builds (but including model year 2005, i.e. convertibles).

By the way, many of the Bentley pictures (and I think the information also) seem to be taken from the BMW CD. The Bentley is a bit easier to use and find topics, but not as complete as the CD.