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Rating: 
Summary: Not good enough
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Yes, an E36 manual. Yes, it could be better.
Review: 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.
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty comprehensive, but missing some details...
Review: 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...
Rating: 
Summary: A Great Reference Source
Review: This book basically taught me one thing: that when it's time to do repairs or service on my E36, it's best to take it to a dealer or independent shop. The E36 is so complex, requiring the correct tools, that unless you REALLY know what you're doing, fixing your car might bring on more damage. Having said that, it is a wonderful resource for ANYONE who has an interest on what makes their E36 tick, and gives some great tips to keep it ticking like a Swiss watch.
Rating:
Summary: Comprehensive but. . .
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Not bad for the price, but not the best
Review: While this manual has definite value to a 3 series owner, there are some drawbacks. The schematics are good overall, but it did not cover later model cellular phone factory installed pre-wiring, for example. Also, the technique for removing the center console is vague (the Haynes book is better in this regard). I also noticed a photo of the dashboard was not even from a 3 series?? However, the book contains a lot of good information, which is not available elsewhere. I recommend, it, but don't expect a factory shop manual.
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