I got the Bentley 5 series Manual.... - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Lscman · 9th November 2003, 23:30

IMO, this two book E39 1997-2002 Service Manual well worth the money for any M5 owner. The engine service details are kinda marginal anyway, so the fact that they do not cover the 5L is immaterial. How many folks are going to change M5 piston rings?? The book does not cover 2003 E39, but I am not sure what differences there would be. The detailed motor repair sections are better for non-Vanos 4.4L. It is apparent that they tore down a 1997 or 1998 car in order to write many technical sections. Vanos is discussed with pics, but in less detail.

The electrical circuitry diagrams cover about 2/3 of book #2. About 99% of them should be applicable to M5. Lots of good ODBCII troubleshooting and code interpretation. Also, the various computers and data busses are described with nice block diagrams and genuine pics.

The book #1 has tons of chassis, body, dash, interior, drivetrain and suspension R&R detail that applies to M5. The beginning 1/4th of the book describes routine inspection and preventive maintenance procedures & tools with good detail.

This two book set is being sold for $110 and it blows TIS out of the water. Tons of pics, although some are a bit small. It augments TIS. It does not appear to be a clever rewrite of TIS, so the two complement each other.

Money well spent. I can not imagine how they are making money on this book, but thank god they wrote it. It was obviously time-consuming to write.

Hope this helps

Chuckc · 9th November 2003, 23:53

Rick,

It is nice to know that there is actual wiring diagrams available for the M5. Specifically the databus network scheme. Bus networks are used in control systems used for some automated systems used in pharmaceutical manufacturing plants etc. I would like to see the scheme used in the E39s.

The new generation BMWs like the new 6 series are going to a fiber optic network that should reduce some of the current issues we see with the e39 electronics. Fiber optic networks are not affected by RFI, EMI and other sources of "noise".

I have not seen the E39 TIS or bently manual. Where did you find the best source for the Bently manual? Is there anywhere I can see a preview of the level of detail?

Thanks for the review.

V-10 4 Me · 9th November 2003, 23:55

Thats great news! Looking forward to posing you questions in the future

Are there stereo wire schematics?

Lscman · 10th November 2003, 15:08

I was unable to find a clear description of the manual before purchase. Overviews I've seen that describe the scope of the book don't help much because some sections are very detailed and other's are one short paragraph. The two books are each about 2-1/2" thick. This set of manuals is "just as substantial as" and "actually cheaper than" similar Ford or GM factory service manuals for a Lincoln LS, Cadillac or Corvette. They sell for $130 and up.

Yes - it contains stereo schematic details.

Yes - the bus data networking scheme is clearly described.

No - for spoonfeeding technical data to folks who buy $75K cars & decide to forego the purchase of this $110 manual. I will not be scanning pics or looking up stuff for folks. This manual's model & year coverage is wide enough that it'll probably sell on ebay (in the future) for almost what you paid for it. I would not be surprised if the pricing for this manual set rises closer to the $170 suggested list price, after this Bentley first printing & introductory sale.

Bimmerzone, best price & in stock.

V-10 4 Me · 10th November 2003, 22:53

Sharing has always been appreciated... Remember he who give will always receive...

I'm in Real Estate and would of course return the favor. There are many different types of professional people here who in fact could buy the manuals and maybe the businesses that they were printed in...

However, this is an act of friendship and working together to accomplish a task. The free flowing of information between members and a respectable envirornment, has always been one of the factors why I am a member here and not somewhere else.

I don't want to be spoonfed, but I would like to know either way if I can confer with you on certian subjects in the future

Lscman · 11th November 2003, 01:57

50/50 sharing sounds good, but let me clarify, Ocean. I enjoy posting and giving technical info in an unselfish fashion & I think I've given more than I've received here and elsewhere. I was active on several forums for many years & during that time, I was constantly hounded by folks that refused to purchase service literature for themselves. Some were poor folks (mostly kids) with $500 cars who could not afford a manual & I always offered help to this group. IMO, M5 owners do not fit this profile. At the other end of the spectrum were folks that bragged that they did not need a manual with so many people willing to provide free help. They reminded me of the jerky neighbor who stops over only to borrow stuff or ask for help. For several years, I was a nieve & charitable whore busy faxing and copying and posting free wiring diagrams, repair procedures, computer info etc, etc. I was expected to do homework to research their problems & dish out info because I was one of the few with a factory manual & some experience. This ongoing effort took a ton of manhours (not to mention the cost of my manual) and I got nothing in return...aside "hey buddy, just one more thing". After a few years, I wised up....I'm done. This is a bit of the baggage I carry at the age of 45. Perhaps you understand?

I will always answer questions posed, if I can answer the without doing significant homework or research....including Bentley info. I'll gladly answer your more involved questions, if your manual is on backorder or there's special circumstances like you're selling your M5 this winter or a section of the manual is unclear and you need a second opinion. In cases where information is not obtainable thru manuals or other literature, I will do time-consuming investigation & research to share info.

I did not post about the Bentley hoping folks would contact me for free advice or pdf or jpg files. Please read my post again. I was trying to advise folks about the quality & value of the manual and where to buy one at a low price.

V-10 4 Me · 11th November 2003, 02:43

LSCman You're a Trouble maker!! -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------> Just kidding

:p :p I couldn't resist. i can invision you jumping off your chair ready to tell me off!

I too am like you in that I like to go out of my way to help those when I can. It has been one-sided on occasion but I figure it wil be returned some other way in the future...

I volunteer with disabled students from a local college and it gives me a nice feeling. I think you might be better versed in matters of Cars, suspensions, and things surrounding vehicles.

I am just learning and didn't mean to infer that you have an obligation to give out info. I have learned a great deal from you already about Jounce, Scrub Radius, Offset, Spring rates, Lb/in...

i figure I already owe you, and appreciate the fact your with us then someone else

By the way does it cover specific issues surrounding the M5 or is it just an e 39 manual?