Customer Reviews

BMW 3 & 5 Series '82'92 (Haynes Manuals)

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The writers assumed that the reader wouldn't be able to handle anything more difficult then an oil-change or brake-shoe adjustment. Doesn't include meaningful schematics and recommends that you take your car to the shop if having air-conditioning problems. When confronted with taking out the car stereo from the dash it recommends that you buy the "special tool" needed to do the job (you need a metric allen wrench, but you won't find that out by reading this book).

This is a thick book with most of the information you need. However there are no good drawings and the photos don't help too much. They try to cover too much and are not organized enough. I don't think telling you how to take apart and put together stuff is enough. Diagnostic tips, like the Bentley manual is what you need. However, this is alot cheaper.

Where can I start - I bought the Haynes manual to do some work on my E30. The book has two main problems - it doesn't contain the information you need, and some of what little information they bother to include is just plain wrong. It's the sort of book to put on the table in your reception area, if you're a dentist, where people will be so angry after reading a little of it that they'll forget their fear.

If you're thinking of buying the book, here's what to do: Decide on the jobs you need to do, try and figure out from the book whether it tells you how to do them or not (it won't); then buy something else. I'm tempted to go into detail, but really, everything in the book is tackled in such a superficial and unhelpful way that there's no one area I can spotlight. But I'll just note one of the deliberate errors.

If you need to change the water-temperature sensor which tells the engine management system how hot the engine is, just follow the instructions, using the picture provided. They're very specific about which is which... but you'll end up removing the sender for the water temperature gauge. How the guys in the parts department will laugh when they spend hours scratching their heads, trying to find a match for it.

Good luck

Haynes repair manuals used to be essential to any car enthusiast. Back when cars were simpler, such as when MG's and Triumph's were still being made, you could count on a Haynes manual to give you step by step instructions on most any repair you needed to make. Now, cars are much more complicated, yet Haynes still tries to keep their manuals the same size. A one inch thick manual for an MGB is rather comprehensive. A one inch thick manual for a BMW is too vague to be useful. And in this case, they are trying to combine two very different models (the 3 series and the 5 series) into that one inch space. Many of the instructions given are simply generic advice that aren't the slightest bit specific to BMW.

I can't see much value in Haynes manuals anymore. Bentley manuals are much more expensive but it's money well spent. At least you'll get advice beyond, "to install new part, perform the reverse operation".

waste of money.. never used it and it offers nothing you can't figure out yourself

This manual is a mixed bag. Yes it is better than nothing, but the book tries to detail procedures on a wide range of models and years, all jumbled together and without a lot of pictures or detail. Very easy to get thrown off, as there are instructions specific to differently equipped model years and cars that don't show the part referenced. There are 3 series pics next to 5 series pics, all very confusing and not so comprehensive. Second point: this seems to be the condensed version of most everything - pictures and text. I looked at something as simple as door panel removal and access to replace the door check/limiter. The most detailed instruction in the list is to disconnect the negative battery terminal (same instruction appears to precede most repair sequences). Completely generic instructions, "Remove all door trim panel retaining screws and door pull armrest assemblies." Duh. I googled the procedure and quickly found out how things were clipped, tabbed and screwed together, and whether they were pulled straight out, upward, toward the front or rear (all apply) so as not to break any tabs or fasteners. A simple parts schematic would have been helpful - nothing. Looking at the electrical section (not an unusual repair in cars this age) inspires no confidence whatsoever.

If you can pick this manual up inexpensively, it will provide some useful information, and will certainly guide you through regular care and maintenance. However, as the covered BMW's are 20-30 year old cars that will likely require more than regular maintenance, the specific Bentley manual is MUCH, MUCH more detailed and helpful.