Haynes Manual vs Bentley Manual

[m.dystynkt.m]

When I had my e36 I had a Haynes manual and loved it. Now I have an e46 so need a new one. Between the Haynes and the Bentley manuals, which is better? Obviously there is a big price difference between the two which is why I was leaning towards the Haynes. I do all maintenance work on my car so that is the main reason for needing it.

[tsweers89]

I havent had any problems with the Bentley. Between that and this forum youll always get the job done

[rcM3]

Bentley is a quality tool.

Its inadequacies can be made up for by the internets.

[hecuter]

I got the haynes for my e36 because it's cheaper and it covers most of the material well enough to get the job done. I downloaded the Bentley manual, and it definitely covers more with better illustrations, but sometimes they give unnecessary details. I'd say get the Haynes if you aren't planning on doing anything major (tranny swaps, rebuilding head, etc..), and if you actually have to do that stuff sometime down the road, buy the Bentley then.

[naustin]

A good manual is a valuable tool. I have a haynes for my e36 and its nothing near as good as the bentley. Haynes gets teh job done but the pictures are pretty bad. I was looking up how to fix something and they switch between right hand drive, left hand drive, and even to an e30 all in the same how to. I'd get the Bentley.

[Daved]

As far as I've read in the forums, the Bentley is better but if you can get the TIS, ETK and ETM for your car they will also be very useful.

[Larrylava]

Bentley all the way!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[TopasBlau46]

The E36 one is on the internet now, legally too. So I'd imagine the e46 one would be soon as well?

Bentley FTW!

[absent]

I'd go for the bentley manual. I have a haynes for my e30, and while it's nice to have most of the time... it tends to be relatively inadequate in a number of ways. ex//troubleshooting my windshield washer electrical system. The diagram was wholly inappropriate for my specific vehicle. That was seriously annoying until i managed to track down a better wiring diagram online (through this forum of course).

[bimmerzone]

Bentley....Bentley....Bentley....

:)

[Righteous]

I have a Chilton. Surprised no one has said anything about it.

[bigdog68]

Bentley, as far as manual go they wrote the book, literally. I have had four BMWs and always bought the Bentley book for them. Its an amazing tool and what it lacks you can usually find here on the forums.

[Theodore]

Bentley. Its an actual manual, not a tear down and reassemble guide like the Haynes.

[MR E30]

Bentley is the way to go.