Customer Reviews

BMW 3 Series (E36) Service Manual: 1992-1998

5 star:		(23)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(5)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

I've been using Bentley Manuals to fix my cars for over 20 years. I couldn't wait until this BMW E36 Bentley book finally arrived. Well, it's a big thick book with lots of pictures, but it falls short of other efforts from Bentley. Before criticizing the publisher, BMW has made service information more difficult to obtain in recent years and this may explain the lack of depth in some areas. For whatever reason, I found lots of topics where the information is just plain non-existant. There are, however, good points about this maunual. For example, the routine service required for BMW's INSPECTION 1 & 2 maintenance is well described, clear, and straightforward. This information alone justifies owning this book. Also, as with other Bentley books, the wiring diagrams are excellent and (as far as I can tell) accurate. But, where is the information about electronic engine diagnostics? How does the ventilaltion system work? Where's the engine rebuild information? How about the fuel system?

After owning the wonderful Bentley Manuals for mid 80's VW's and Audi's, this E36 book just doesn't contain the same depth of information. Many times I found local Audi dealer mechanics using the Audi Bentley manual in their shop. I doubt if you'll ever see this book used at a BMW dealer. For the E36 enthusiast, there is only one choice; you have to buy this book as there is no other that compares. But as a comparison to other works from Bentley, this one just doesn't live up to the standards set from other works.

This big, expansive book just about covers everything for an E36 BMW this side of a factory service manual... However, there are some details that are missing (or that I can't find): like adjusting the throttle/accelerator linkage, and replacing the trim at the base of the windshield/engine compartment... Also, like the other service manuals, the indices aren't very detailed... I have the Chilton's and Haynes service manuals as well, but the Bentley's is definitely the best... But I would recommend owning all three service manuals to compare procedures (a "second opinion") and just in case a procedure is not covered by one of the other manuals...

This manual covers everything and gives excellent attention to routine service. Unlike some manuals, it is focussed on the BMW 3 series and gives very little 'general' advice. It also gives useful tips about obtaining speciality tools. The general explanations at the front of the manual are indispensible. On the down side, the drawings and photographs leave something to be desired. There are too few of them and they are quite confusing. There are no comprehensive pictures pointing out the key features and the text does not fill in the gaps. Compared directly with Haynes, this manual covers far more, has better electrical schematics and the entire book is devoted to one car. On the other hand, the explanations are not as clear and the diagrams and photographs are terrible. Overall, it is good value and coupled with a more basic and more graphic manual it is very helpful.

While this manual has definite value to a 3 series owner, there are some drawbacks.

The schematics are good overall, but it did not cover later model cellular phone factory installed pre-wiring, for example. Also, the technique for removing the center console is vague (the Haynes book is better in this regard). I also noticed a photo of the dashboard was not even from a 3 series??

However, the book contains a lot of good information, which is not available elsewhere.

I recommend, it, but don't expect a factory shop manual.

This manual is by far the best manual for the e36. That being said it is by no way the definitive bible on these cars. While you won't find another manual that covers as many topics in so much detail, there are some omissions and admittedly so by the publisher - apparently some of the procedures left out (like work to the bottom end of the engine) are too expensive to cover, considering the small number of people who request them. All in all however, even a complete novice grease monkey (like myself) can perform most if not all of the tasks outlined. A veteran enthusiast therefore will find this manual even more helpful.

One gripe I do have is that some of the diagrams and photos could be a bit clearer but no one should be scared away by this little point. The tasks outlined are definitely achievable with the instructions provided. just read over everything before you begin - like the manual states!

Manual has saved me hours of valuable time.
I have learned many procedures and shortcuts that helped me in diagnosis and repairs.
When I don't have time to do the repair myself, I loan the manual to my mechanic.
I recommend it to any owner, whether they do any repairs themselves or want a extremly detailed manual.

Forget any other car service manual, because you'll just have to buy The Bentley Manual anyway when the other's don't give you enough information! I went the long and expensive way - I bought the "C" and "H"(two popular manuals) and finally found what I was looking for when I picked up the Bentley...

I recently purchased the BMW 3-series repair manual from Amazon and am pleased with it. I have done a couple of repair jobs on my son`s 318is and have saved a ton of money doing the work myself. It doesn`t spell out everything that you could want from a manual but the couple of small details I couldn`t find in the book I found on the internet. I also wanted to plug Amazon a little. I have ordered a lot of merchandise online with mixed results, but Amazon represents how online purchasing should be. I had a tracking number for my purchase a couple of hours after ordering.

Having purchased Haynes and Chiltons manuals over the years, as well as original factory service manuals, I'll say unequivocably that the Bentley series is hands-down the best for the money! I was able to trace out several complex problems using the electrical diagrams and text descriptions (Engine Control Unit brain not communicating through the engine connector (DLC) to the OBD-II connection, airbag malfunction light caused by frayed wires under the passenger seat, etc.). I only wish I could get one for every car I own!

I'm a decent "shade tree mechanic" with no special training. Just had junk all my life and had to learn how to fix things or go without. When I bought a neglected 92, 325i a few years ago that started developing water in the oil, I knew I had problems. Big problems. Had a leakdown test done which indicated a blown head gasket. Repair estimate was more than I paid for the car so I purchased this book to attempt myself. Instead of paying $3,800 for the repair, I did it myself for about $1,500. That included having the injectors re-worked, head gasket kit with head bolts and the special BMW headbolt TORX socket. I did have a cracked head upon further repair so I spent $800 of that on a scrap head I had re-machined. This book will pay for itself after one, large repair. Those Haynes and Chilton's books are good for how to change a tire, oil changes and tune ups and nothing more. Spend the extra money and get this one. You will be glad you did... Also, if you feel confident you can do a head gasket repair, there's a great link with color pics at: http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/techarticles/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket/101-Projects-17-Head-Gasket.htm Lastly--DO NOT use their "rope and crescent wrench method" to remove the cams! I had a friend try it and all he did was break a cam and his knuckles trying to get it off. Let the machine shop do it for you. They didn't even charge me anything extra and said it was part of the cost already...