Hi All -

I see a lot of different manuals on Ebay and other websites and wonder what I really need to look for when purchasing one. I want a FACTORY Manual and am more interested in content than prices.

Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Mark

 

As far as I know, you can do Haynes or Bentley....

Matt

 

I just purchased a Bentley last month, and haven't been able to put it down since. I didn't expect it, but the manual is at least 3 inches thick! It is well illustrated and the procedures are fairly well described. Torque values for various fasteners are a real plus. A must have IMO.

 

I find the Bentley manual to be lacking in some aspects (for example, you would be hard pressed to change your brake pads using just the Bentley...the information here on NAM was much more accurate). But then again I haven't looked at others for comparison, and it is better than nothing.

 

Why not get the info straight from the horse's mouth, so to speak:

http://www.minitechinfo.com is available for $25 for 24 hours

The interface is a little different, especially the schmatic plug in (Adobe SVG) but great info, including service bulletin's, and other timely communications that you would never get in a printed manual

 

I've been doing my own maintenance on cars and bikes for close to 30 years. I used to think Haynes was the best, but now it's Bentley hands-down. IMHO.

 

unless you take the whole day to store everything they have in there.

Matt

one other thing. The Bentley is 02-04. Does the haynes cover any of the 05+ specific changes? I really don't know. I have an 02 and the Bentley.

 

The closest equivalent to an official shop manual is probably the BMW TIS manual on CD-ROM. Search eBay Motors for "BMW TIS". It has similar but slightly more coverage than the Bentley manual. It has been very useful to me although but has a very awkward user interface.

 

Thanks! That is actually what I was looking at buying. I would imagine that the interface is similar to that of other manuals of this type.

Mark

 

Be careful most of the BMW TIS on ebay are the 2004 version, Anything newer than 1-2005 is probably in German. I do have some info on this.

 

I own a 2006 MCSa (July build). Does that mean that both the existing Haynes and Bentley manuals are of no use? Did the MINI schematic change THAT MUCH between the 2004 and 2006 model years? Any one know for sure?

What would a good source be, then, for 2005 and 2006 MINI owners?

Thanks!

-boognish

 

I bought the Mini/Bmw TIS CD's on Ebay for peanuts...It is pretty good but as the others said...interface needs a major facelift...CLUNKY...but well worth $$ for my 04!

 

I have not seen anything newer than the 1-2005 version, which covers builds through the end of 2004. However it does include the convertible (i.e. early 2005 models) and has been very helpful to me for my 2006 MCC.

I am speculating that a newer version hasn't appeared on eBay because BMW probably implemented anti-piracy software. The many copies that have appeared on eBay are obviously bootleg copies.

 

because there is so much similar in the cars.. But depending on waht you own, the degree of coverage of the manual may be better or worse...

Matt

ps, I think the diagnostic systems are going to internet based connectivity to the mother ship, maybe access to manuals is going the same way... But really, I have no idea why they won't sell a factory manual. They'd made some more business...

Matt

 

They want you to bring it to the dealer and have it fixed, not fix it yourself. If they could the dealer would love if you never touched the car yourself and had them perform all service to the car.

 

Just curious....Where are you guys getting your badges and pictures for your signature? I want to add to mine.

TIA,

Mark