1 comments about BMW: The Classic Cars of the 1960s and '70s (Crowood autoclassic).

1. Any young BMW enthusiast will be forgiven for thinking that BMW have always manufactured the 3-series, the 5-series and the 7-series.
   
   Here, howewer, is the history of the models that preceded the above-mentioned model ranges. The book starts with the 1500, which was designed by Giovanni Michelotti and was introduced in 1961. This is the model that is generally seen as the one that set BMW onto the road to its current success. Next comes the '02 range, which included the 2002, and even the rare 2002 Turbo gets a mention.
   
   A lot of attention is rightly given to the six-cylinder models that preceded the 7-series, which included probably the best-looking volume-produced BMW ever, the 2800/3,0 CS range. The CSL version became a legend, especially in European motorsport, and this model is extensively covered.
   
   The only criticism to be levelled at this book is that the text and the pictures are not always cohesive. Some pictures are not on the same page as the text that discusses the relevant models. A more minor point of criticism is that a few pictures of models that are outside the scope of this book, are included. All three current model ranges have been written about in detail, and the pictures belong in those volumes.
   
   Notwithstanding these comments, this book reminds you of a time when BMW still built real cars, not automotive computers, and therefoe it is worthwhile for anybody who has even a remote interest in BMW's.

2 comments about BMW (Classic Motorcycles).

1. A little pocket size encyclopedia on BMW motorcycles with pictures and descriptions of the significant models. It is written in the same format as Wilson's The Encyclopedia of the Motorcycle.



2. This little book covers 15 notorcycles including two racing models. Nice quality paper, great pictures but very little info and many,(most), models are not included. Might make a good gift for someone that is only mildly interested in BMW bikes. If your looking for a reference book, look elsewhere.

1 comments about BMW 3 and 5 Series Service and Repair Manual (Haynes Service and Repair Manuals).

1. I have purchased this book from Amazon. It is very good referance manual for BMW 3-5 series.Worth for money.

No comments about Chilton's repair and tune-up guide for the BMW.

5 comments about BMW 5 Series (Car & Motorcycle Marque/Model).

1. I recently purchased a "classic" 5 series BMW. I love the older style of the E-12 and the E-28 models to the all-too-common look of recent 5 series, which look way too much like Toyota Camry's. "Not that there is anything wrong with that"! (an homage to the millions of Camry owners). So, I had great interest in this book as a recent convert to the marquee.

   Sadly, there was no mention of my particular model, the US 1987 535is. Despite this disappointment, the book is excellent and the photos of rare and European models not often seen here in the States are wonderful. The text is also quite interesting as were the unexpected photos of US cars like the Camero and the Pacer, shown as examples of what was "also" being produced in those years.

   My only complaint about the book is that it is not laid out quite right. While loosely chronological, the book does skip around a bit, and would be improved greatly by back-to-back photos of all 5 series models to show the change and development of the series over the last 30 years. Also rarely mentioned was the precursor to the 5 series model - the Bavaria. Like all things BMW, the book is more expensive than it needs to be. Nonetheless, a good book for the enthusiast.




2. ...good book for overall history on the 5-series...so so pictures...

   ...if you like bmw 'm' cars, bmw itself published a lavish 30-year anniversary book detailing all aspects of its 'm' cars...

   ...cranswick's book, combined with bmw's 'm' book, should complete an enthusiast's library, imho...




3. I have been a long time 3 series fan, right back to the days of the e21, but after buying a 2002 530i I have started taking more interest in 5 series models. It was this move that caused me to buy this title. Echoing the views of the person from Denver the book would be better if it adhered to model chronology more closely. However, I found the coverage of my 530i, and the various 5 series versions in general to be good.
   The book doesn't favor one model generation over another. In some books they tend to be pro younger models, but this title seems to give each its fair due. In addition there are some very nice e39 color pictures, including exotic Alpina e39s.
   In conclusion a nice book which confirmed my belief that these cars are indeed the ultimate driving machines.



4. Has the best coverage of the eta 528e, an e28 I happen to own. Unlike the James Taylor book which is mostly b/w, this one is almost full color. There's an X5 shown with Stars & Stripes paint scheme, nice work.



5. Whilst this book is a must have for any BMW fünf-er enthusiast, I cannot recommended it for anyone else. The author seems very knowledgeable about the mechanics of these cars, but he drones on endlessly about pollution control and the oil crisis. Granted, important topics to understand the history of these cars, but it would have been a better use of print to cover the high performace versions instead.
   
   Also as others mention, the photography is aweful. Not only are the often grainy and out of focus but the subject car is often dirty, under poor lighting, or are heavily customized (the author says 'tastefully', I disagree.) Not the type of thing you should see in a fine book. Also, do we need really need to see a full color spread of the Pontiac Firebird (pg 29) or the AMC Pacer (pg 20)?
   
   I summary, knowledgeable author, decent writing, but horrible packaging.

No comments about BMW R1200 Twins: Service and Repair Manual (Haynes Service and Repair Manuals).

1 comments about BMW 3-Series, 1991-1999 (Bmw 3-Series).

1. This was my second purchase for my 318is, the first being the "BMW 3 Series Service Manual 1992-1998" by Bentley. Excited about my first European car and wanting to know everything about it, I read the book nearly end to end.
   
   There are several cutaway drawings that show how the suspension and engines work. I would guess nearly 70% of the pictures are of right hand drive models. The names "boot" and "bonnet" are used to describe the trunk and hood throughout. All of the technologies are explained, from the 1.6L engine, to VANOS and the M3 models.
   
   Production numbers, assembly locations, engine specs are all covered in good detail. Even dimensions are covered for all models. Other models covered are the convertibles, wagons, hatchback, and the Z3 are touched upon. One item of interest is even the warning about the low fog lights and that they can be easily damaged. There is little in the way of racing and a chapter each on the M3 and hatchback or TI models. If you are an M3 enthusiast look for another book.
   
   I wouldn't say this is the best read for the E46, the last twenty pages cover the new model and how it came about from the E36. For a book published in 2000, it is well written and covers the models very well. Perhaps the most comprehensive book for someone who is new to BMW and logically explains the cars. I recommend this book for anyone new to BMW and is looking to join a club or be knowledgeable when people ask about your car or when you are at the repair shop.

No comments about BMW M Series: Gold Portfolio 1976-1997 (Gold Portfolio).

4 comments about Bmw K100 (2-valve) '83 to '92 & K75 '85 to '96 Service and Repair Mainual.

1. CLAIM CODE XQXS-Z97GNW-PLWB ORDER #002-0520751-7569066/0001-0001



2. Like every other BMW manual I've seen, this one falls short. There isn't a single one out there that tells you how to take apart the control grips! I wish the manual writers would spend less time talking about repairs that no sane person would attempt (right, I'm gonna disassemble the drive shaft) and more time talking about simple repairs. This manual does describe the disassembly and reassembly of the front fairing (which is a real Chinese puzzle!). On the whole, though, I was not impressed.
   It's also written for the Brits, which means that most of the terminology is British. Remember what George Bernard Shaw said!



3. Don't bother to buy a BMW manual. Here's all you need to know:
   1. Fill the fluids regularly
   2. Keep the tires inflated
   3. The clunk on shifting is normal; BMWs use a dry clutch
   4. The buzzing at 4800 rpm is normal. My friend reminds me
   that you can buy one part to fix this: it's called a 2001
   K1200RS!



4. I've used it to perform all my routine maintenance and I am just now looking at engine internals. I have the Clymers manual as well, but I like this one better. It seems more concise and it doesn't have the annoying errors I have found in the Clymer book

1 comments about BMW 3 Series: The Complete Story (Bmw 3 Series).

1. Must have for 3 series enthusiasts. Great detail content. Only caveat: Was written by a british author for the GB market and therefore is referencing RHD models and models that were never sold in the US. All in all a complete story though!