Does the Bentley manual cover ALL engines equally?

[Awntchi]

Hi Guys,

I'm in the process of ordering a Bentley manual but noticed in the reviews that the manual mainly focuses on the M62 engines. Does anyone here have the manual, if so can you confirm? I have the N62 4.8iS, how much is in the manual about them?

much appreciated

[blktoptrvl]

No. It barely mentions the N62. For me (2006 4.4i) the bentley is largely a waste. Borrow one from a friend or library before plunking down your cash.

[Awntchi]

Originally Posted by blktoptrvl

No. It barely mentions the N62. For me (2006 4.4i) the bentley is largely a waste. Borrow one from a friend or library before plunking down your cash.

What a shame, thanks for the confirmation. I guess this forum is the best manual anyway

BMW X5 4.8iS 2005

[StephenVA]

The manual is great for every other repair you will need a manual for. The engine repairs on a 4.8is are not shown, however nothing will show you every detail like this forum does.

I would recommend it just for the other 6 sections.

[Awntchi]

Stephen, I had the E36 manual many moons ago and even though that car (320i) was in no way as complex as my 4.8iS it was surprisingly basic in its explanations with heavy emphasis on the electrical stuff only. I've read similar comments on amazon when it comes to the E53 manual. Bentley is by far the best manual in my opinion but is it worth the money for my car you think?

I've read a couple of DIYs on here today that (together with comments) put Bentley to shame so this forum will always be my first reference nonetheless

BMW X5 4.8iS 2005

[StephenVA]

All good questions
I own the manuals as it is another fact based reference point to use. The Bentley manual is just an manual in book form. Locked in time when printed. It will never get better over time like this forum which has many years of real DIY efforts and postings, most are greater than the BMW service manuals as we post the REAL TIPS and TRICKS on any given project. Plus many posters are really interesting in helping others gain and share a knowledge base that can help over come the dreaded "WTF!!!" when problem A appears not to have a simple solution. A good example is the loose positive wiring at an alternator/starter that shorts, fits and engine no starts and or dies at speed issues. No manual will show that info. It can only be found in real world problem solving.

The problems with forums is that it is open sourced, very little structure, and lots of misinformation gets posted by those with little auto knowledge. In this forum thank God, there are many who share their combined knowledge and can be counted on to offer a tip or two.
Bottom line: Print off what you know to be true (Specs, torque settings, etc) and save a few bucks. Or buy the manual and write in the updates!

[oldskewel]

Originally Posted by Awntchi

Stephen, I had the E36 manual many moons ago and even though that car (320i) was in no way as complex as my 4.8iS it was surprisingly basic in its explanations with heavy emphasis on the electrical stuff only. I've read similar comments on amazon when it comes to the E53 manual. Bentley is by far the best manual in my opinion but is it worth the money for my car you think?

I've read a couple of DIYs on here today that (together with comments) put Bentley to shame so this forum will always be my first reference nonetheless

BMW X5 4.8iS 2005

Agreed with the others here that the Bentley covers M54 and M62 engines, but hardly anything on the N62.

But regarding "is it worth the money," I have found in working on my own cars for 30+ years that it only takes one page in each manual to pay for itself. The intertubes will give you videos, color photos, advice from people like yourself, etc., which is all great, but knowing that the manual (Bentley or factory or equivalent) is hardly ever wrong is useful as well (procedures without skipping any steps, torque values, diagrams, etc.).

[Awntchi]

Much obliged for all your comments gents, I'll keep an eye out for a used one where I live instead of buying one online....fair compromise

[admranger]

You need to buy the 5-series manual for the E60? iirc (not the E39) to get the N62 coverage we want.