I guess it's a personal call.
Just trying to think logically - why do you think you can trust some third party manual over BMW original factory one even if it seems to be more "comprehensive"?
I would not, too much risk. Even BMW trained technicians make plenty of errors, what can you expect from some guys who just run for-profit shop?
They bear no liability if something bad happens to you or your car.

 

Well seeing as though Bentley has a reputation to either build (rebuild, apparently, according to you) or uphold, there are a lot of reasons why one would be comfortable trusting them. Secondly, given that they, as you indicate, START with the TIS, it would seem that most of the basics are going to be right. Many times what they will include are practical tips from guys actually out in the field working on cars with a few miles on them, not engineers writing about how to disassemble a just-built vehicle in a cleanroom environment, which is how the TIS comes off to me in many cases.

But really, if something is overly technical or high-risk to get into, I'm not doing it anyway. If I were to be trying to figure out torque specs on head bolts or rebuild the valvetronic system, I'd second-source it all, and then just bring it to the dealer!

What I use it for is not having to pay jacked up labor rates on relatively simple stuff that I can do myself with a little help from a source that doesn't assume a whole lot of knowledge. I also use it to troubleshoot and pre-identify likely repairs when I do take it in. I've found that speaking knowledgeably to a dealer about what can be some fairly technical things saves a lot of money - they're less likely to BS you, AND many times you can save a lot of money by having already troubleshot the problem, or at least save them some time and myself some money.

I don't know who you think you're suing if your hijacked TIS leads you down the wrong path, but thinking that you are going to be able to sue anybody because of a mistake in a TIS manual or a book like this is just silly.

 

"Lot of reasons"?? So which are those?
Looks like you can turn all I say upside down rather professionally. Are you re-selling that Bentley staff youself?

 

Never mind dude. My comments stand on their own. Have a good one.

 

I have to agree somewhat. Having used WIS and TIS... The 'wiring' section of the Bentley is a DIRECT copy of WIS. The only places that have been useful have been the theory of operation. Everything I've read so far has been minimal and common for all vehicles. (The Haynes manual I have for Bavaria and 2002 has _WAY_ more information in comparison)

 

Yep, Bentley Manual (the latest, for the E60 2004-2010) is well worth the money!


Even though I have no clue how to read the wiring diagrams at the end... but then again, I don't intend to ever mess around with wiring anyway. If you have to know, it will tell you the exact wire colors and voltages... which came in handy for minor things with my previous Beamer. I had the non-hardcover version for my E46 (323iT), and it was extremely easy to read & very, very useful.

The E60 Bentley appears to be a bit more difficult to read, due to the fact that they had to consider pre-LCI and LCI, and even in-between there seem to be some differences. I used it already to look up some information, as I intend to mod front and tail lights, and also add Angel Eyes (LED replacement) and HID Fogs. Together with the videos available on YouTube, I got a very good picture of what I will be up against... and that's a good (=stress-relieving) thing!

As already mentioned by someone before, the pictures are spot-on and extremely helpful, especially for all those of us that are not BMW mechanics (like me). I got my Bentley from BavAuto for $130.00.... not 150.00 It's a real heavy hard-cover, with - so I would guess, as there is no consecutive page numbering - 1200+ pages.

Did I already mention that it's extremely helpful to get a better idea of what you're messing with, before you actually get your hands dirty?
Well, I like that... as it helps me to understand how easy/difficult a mod or replacement may be, and whether or not I can attempt it myself. The Bentley manual has definitely already paid for itself - considering what the Stealership would have billed me if they had done some of my previous replacement or modding jobs... and no, I don't work for Bentley Publishers (just in case you're wondering).


EDIT: Just read the posts before again, and I second everything that "jm545i" states in his post. Those exactly are the reasons why having the manual makes a whole lot of sense.... even if it's a $100-130 Dollar setback at first. It pays over time...

 

Right? For me it does the job. I just got mine from Bimmerzone for $95 + shipping or thereabouts. Big heavy-ass thing. Pictures helpful, troubleshooting seemingly helpful. I might actually be brave enough to replace my whiny HVAC fan with this at my side.