Newbie, and a Haynes question

[ChrisD]

Hello Folks

I've just acquired a 2009 Berlingo 1.6 diesel which mostly works, but I'll be doing some work on it, probably starting with the brake pads.

In the past I've found the good old Haynes manuals to be very helpful, but I see that they now do an online version.  It's the same price, and has colour pictures and a few videos, but apparently it isn't downloadable as such, so using it requires that their server keeps operating.

Do people have opinions on the relative merits of the printed or online Haynes manuals?

Cheers,

Chris

[geoff]

Free here ......... https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtPE0EMZvUk0nwm3r8mVZYMCMAyw

[bikerbaker]

I would have thought their server should be secure and they've made enough money out of me over the years to ensure financial survival.

I favour the paper copy though as it's easier to manage with greasy hands than a phone/tablet/laptop. The M59 and earlier manual has been digitised by someone and is useful to have as well as the book, maybe the later version will get done sometime (don't tell Haynes).

I have a penchant for motorcycle manuals too and have spent many happy hours printing them out.

[ChrisD]

Free here .........  https://1drv.ms/b/s!AtPE0EMZvUk0nwm3r8mVZYMCMAyw

Thanks, I'll have a look at that.

[geoff]

Above link originally provided by " Pdamo " a member here ..... cheers dude !!

[Gryffindor]

Quite possibly the best manual of all is online - this forum!

Start off the New year by giving us more details of your B's model, condition, age, miles, service history etc, maybe a photo or two, and ask for tips on what you could/should do and in which order.

[Argos69]

I have a "soft spot" for Haynes manuals, but they've not always kept up like I thought they would and I think the internet has hurt them over the years. It's Forced them to bring out the silly titles and gimmicks. I finally found the Berlingo manual which covered my previous 2012 van and whilst it was worth having, there's far better information elsewhere - such as here!

My very first Haynes manual was for a 1973 Mk1 Escort and it was like a mechanic's bible. Every torque setting, all the valve gaps, timing figures, alternative spark plugs and a wiring diagram you could follow. Now, I fully understand that the days of tuning by listening to twin carbs and checking if you had antifreeze by tasting it are over, but I have been fairly disappointed with more recent offerings from Haynes. I have even had access to the Haynes Professional software at one point, but it's full of gaps and certainly not worth buying IMHO.

I still prefer a physical printed manual. You can use it anywhere and you're not dependant on internet access, data, electricity etc etc. Also most of the online access these days is usually "for the life of the product". This means that when they choose to update or even "retire" something, it will disappear or you'll be forced to pay again for the "upgrade". I'm only saying this because it's the industry I used to work in. Remember when you could buy Microsoft Office and use it forever? Well you have to rent it now, so you keep paying forever. Nice little earner, which most companies are spotting these days. If you can download it, get it and keep it. If you find a printed one, even better!

[Pedronicus]

A thing to bear in mind with the online manual is that the cost, although the same as the hard copy, is an annual subscription so can get expensive over a long period.

[ChrisD]

A thing to bear in mind with the online manual is that the cost, although the same as the hard copy, is an annual subscription so can get expensive over a long period.

Oh!  I hadn't spotted that.  That makes the choice easy.

[Pedronicus]

A thing to bear in mind with the online manual is that the cost, although the same as the hard copy, is an annual subscription so can get expensive over a long period.

I  think now these are no longer yearly subscriptions. I've just ordered one myself and I'm sure it said the e manuals are now forever.

You are right.  I have just read the FAQs and they have dropped the subscription method and are offering those who were on subscription a special deal.