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5.0 out of 5 stars
I soooo needed this service manual, Dec 30 2010
This review is from: BMW 3 Series (E36): Service Manual; M3, 318i, 323i, 325i, 328i Sedan, Coupe and Convertible; 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 (Paperback)
This manual was impossible to find where I live. It is pretty good as a reference, it is no Chilton automotive repair manual but it is fine for the everyday owner who needs info that is either no detailed enough or completely missing from their glove box service manual.
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1 of 3 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Not good enough, Jun 12 2003
This review is from: BMW 3 Series (E36): Service Manual; M3, 318i, 323i, 325i, 328i Sedan, Coupe and Convertible; 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 (Paperback)
Hard to find the parts because it has lots of drawings, not pictures.Not for the beginner.It doesn't explain in detail.It always says to bring the car to service center, instead of showing you how to do it yourself.
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69 of 71 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Yes, an E36 manual. Yes, it could be better., May 16 2000
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: BMW 3 Series (E36): Service Manual; M3, 318i, 323i, 325i, 328i Sedan, Coupe and Convertible; 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 (Paperback)
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.
34 of 35 people found the following review helpful
4.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty comprehensive, but missing some details..., Dec 20 2000
By "bmwracer@bigfoot.com" - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: BMW 3 Series (E36): Service Manual; M3, 318i, 323i, 325i, 328i Sedan, Coupe and Convertible; 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 (Paperback)
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...
25 of 27 people found the following review helpful
3.0 out of 5 stars
Comprehensive but. . ., Feb 12 2001
By A Customer - Published on Amazon.com
This review is from: BMW 3 Series (E36): Service Manual; M3, 318i, 323i, 325i, 328i Sedan, Coupe and Convertible; 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998 (Paperback)
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.
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