Haynes manual - any good?

Me-109 · Post by **Me-109** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 1:32 pm

I've got a BMW service manual on disc from a well known auction site

, which seems ok from the bits I've looked at so far and is very good quality images. Is there any point in getting a Haynes/Clymer as well? Are they any good, better, different and generally worth having, or would I just be throwing away twenty quid?

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 3:51 pm

The disc that I got (from that same site) appears to be the official BMW issue, so I can't see that a Haynes type manual is any benefit other than having some colour photos. (sometimes a picture helps though)

Al

BMWBob · Post by **BMWBob** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 4:50 pm

Having paid list price for a Haynes manual I don't think they are actually all that good. Never seems to quite cover the very thing you want to know about, and the poor photographic quality leaves a lot to be desired IMHO.

Depends on you level of mechnical knowledge I suppose.

If you feel the urge to purchase one they can always be got cheaper off "that well known auction site" anyway

Regards Bob.

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 5:07 pm

I always think Haynes manuals are handy for putting on a shelf in the garage to make me think fondly about bikes I've owned in the past when looking at them.

As to actually using one to do some work on the bike? Good God no.

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 6:11 pm

Gromit wrote:I always think Haynes manuals are handy for putting on a shelf in the garage to make me think fondly about bikes I've owned in the past when looking at them.

You're lucky - I just look at my scarred hands and missing digits to remind me

Bloody Haynes manuals should be accompanied by a first aid kit

Al

Gromit · Post by **Gromit** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 6:13 pm

Blackal wrote:
You're lucky - I just look at my scarred hands and missing digits to remind me

Bloody Haynes manuals should be accompanied by a first aid kit

Al

You're not wrong!

Boxadog 2000 · Post by **Boxadog 2000** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 6:54 pm

Haynes manual

Can be used for starting your BBQ or at a push toilet paper but you should remove the cover first

Me-109 · Post by **Me-109** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 9:23 pm

Ah, those classic lines such as "Remove the bolt." which really means 'half-dismantle the vehicle to allow access to the bolt which you want to get at but we forgot to tell you.'

I had to ask, though.

Although they do have wiring diagrams don't they, that could be useful....?

Ade B · Post by **Ade B** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 1:04 am

the Haynes is a worthy purchase just for the colour pics of the encrusted/burnt out spark plugs and the fantastic trouble shooting sections.

winger · Post by **winger** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 8:11 am

For some time there was a guy selling genuine workshop manual print outs on ebay,although only printed on copying paper,got a certain courier on this board to get the pages plastic coated,but i'm not sure if he's had a tap on the shoulder by BM,the seller not the courier!!! guess you can do the same by printing the CD rom out.

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 10:02 am

Ade B wrote:the Haynes is a worthy purchase just for the colour pics of the encrusted/burnt out spark plugs and the fantastic trouble shooting sections.

I'd forgotten about those - they used the same pic in all the manuals. I don't think they came from actual engines - I think they came from the bottom of the harbour

Al

Blackal · Post by **Blackal** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 10:53 am

winger wrote:For some time there was a guy selling genuine workshop manual print outs on ebay,although only printed on copying paper,got a certain courier on this board to get the pages plastic coated,but i'm not sure if he's had a tap on the shoulder by BM,the seller not the courier!!! guess you can do the same by printing the CD rom out.

I don't know what the debate is about - it's really simple:

1) Buy the CD
2) Install on PC
3) Print out only the pages you need for the work you are doing on the bike (hopefully one page only)
4) Dismantle bike using tools to hand (suitable tools are a bonus)
5) Use print-out page to stem the blood while you call the emergency services.

Al

Ade B · Post by **Ade B** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 1:18 pm

5) Use print-out page to stem the blood while you call the emergency services.

I've found the print outs make excellent coffee mug coasters and/or wind speed indicators.....