R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006) Cooper (R50) and Cooper S (R53) hatchback discussion.

R50/53 Best Repair Manual for '06 MCS?

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Feb 22, 2007 | 09:21 AM
  #1  
RedSkunk's Avatar
RedSkunk
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: MINIapolis
Best Repair Manual for '06 MCS?

Hey, looking at screwing around in the engine bay some time, and wanted to know what the best repair manual for a 2006 MCS is. Amazon.com is showing both Bentley and Hanes, but nothing for an '06. From my experience, Bentley is far superior, but how much will be different from '04 - '06. Things other than the facelift or gearing changes?

I'm thinking wiring. I hate wiring and if it's quite a bit different.. :impatient
 
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2007 | 09:26 AM
  #2  
ImagoX's Avatar
ImagoX
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 2
Everyone I talk to recommends buying the service manual on CD - basically a copy of the same documents the dealership uses in their Service department.

Problem is, all the copies you can get online seem to be illegal copies burned in a Hong Kong sweat shop. But it seems to be the only way to get a true 2006 hardtop and cabrio manual, since as far as I know, nobody has yet published a paper volume covering the 2005-2006 design specs. Note that most things are similar but some things are very different, so haivng a set of true 2006 schematics and processes is recommended.

Someone please correct me if I'm wrong on the "no paper manual" thing...
 
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2007 | 09:30 AM
  #3  
Gromit801's Avatar
Gromit801
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 11,600
Likes: 1
From: West French Camp, CA
Get Bentley AND Haynes. Each manual will have something the other doesn't, or perhaps a way of explaining things that works better under different circumstances.
 
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2007 | 09:33 AM
  #4  
gnatster's Avatar
gnatster
6th Gear
iTrader: (6)
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 3,952
Likes: 1
From: Ohio
Bentley reports that the 05-06 Manual will be available on or after May 1 of this year.
 
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2007 | 09:56 AM
  #5  
RedSkunk's Avatar
RedSkunk
Thread Starter
|
6th Gear
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 1,111
Likes: 0
From: MINIapolis
Originally Posted by gnatster
Bentley reports that the 05-06 Manual will be available on or after May 1 of this year.
Oh. This sounds good.

I've owned both Bentley and Haynes and Bentley muuuuuuch better in my experience. $$ but heck, it's nice having the bounded book handy.
 
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2007 | 10:04 AM
  #6  
Gromit801's Avatar
Gromit801
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 11,600
Likes: 1
From: West French Camp, CA
Bentley is the better of the two if I only had to pick one. For my MGB, I have both Bentley books, the Haynes Book, and even the old Chilton book because it had a better trouble shooting guide.

The more information you have, the better off you will be.
 
Reply
Old Feb 22, 2007 | 10:38 AM
  #7  
ImagoX's Avatar
ImagoX
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 5,692
Likes: 2
Originally Posted by gnatster
Bentley reports that the 05-06 Manual will be available on or after May 1 of this year.
Does anyone know if it will cover the hardtop AND the cabrio? I keep finding things that are different on the convertable, usually after I have like 12 bolts out of the car.
 
Reply
Old Feb 23, 2007 | 09:49 PM
  #8  
Orca's Avatar
Orca
2nd Gear
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 141
Likes: 0
From: Eola Hills, Oregon
Sweet....added May 1 to my calendar of events. Thanks fellas for the info!
 
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2007 | 08:53 AM
  #9  
ashboomstick's Avatar
ashboomstick
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
It there really that much difference between the 05 and 06? Cause if not, like Gromit said, I'll go ahead and order the Haynes and get the extra info (not like I can run down to Autozone and pick one up... ). But still it'd be nice if the Bentley'd come out with enough spare time before MOTD to do some stuff.
 
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2007 | 09:49 AM
  #10  
Gromit801's Avatar
Gromit801
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 11,600
Likes: 1
From: West French Camp, CA
I was recommending getting all the manuals that are available for a given car. Experience has taught me that they will all have some value.
 
Reply
Old Feb 26, 2007 | 03:00 PM
  #11  
ashboomstick's Avatar
ashboomstick
5th Gear
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 801
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA
Oh, believe me I know! I've been in the nuclear industry since I was 19, both civvie and military, and I am all about having documentation! It's just I've been unable to determine if there's too much of a difference between the 05 (last M.Y. covered in the Haynes) and my 06 that the Haynes would be obsolete or outdated for me.
 
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2007 | 12:47 PM
  #12  
Mike4CCM's Avatar
Mike4CCM
Neutral
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
So to follow up on this topic - where is the best source for buying a bentley 05-06 MCS manual? Also, where is a website where I can order the soft copy on CD?

Regards,
Mike
 
Reply
Old Oct 16, 2007 | 01:02 PM
  #13  
BlimeyCabrio's Avatar
BlimeyCabrio
6th Gear
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 8,773
Likes: 9
From: Holly Springs, NC
Bought my new Bentley manual on Amazon for $75... I think the paper and ink in it cost that much - it's a monster.
 
Reply
Related Topics
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
Steeroidz
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
4
Aug 29, 2018 07:41 AM
brother i
Tires, Wheels, & Brakes
5
Aug 23, 2015 01:15 PM
mini-medic
Stock Problems/Issues
3
Aug 18, 2015 09:13 AM
minipopkart
R50/R53 :: Hatch Talk (2002-2006)
2
Aug 13, 2015 05:22 AM
massmini03
Stock Problems/Issues
3
Aug 12, 2015 11:19 AM




All times are GMT -7. The time now is 03:29 AM.