Beartrax

So, I have this new-to-me 1998 A4 Avant Quattro (5 speed of course!). Luckily it came with the owner's manual, but that does not tell you much. Should I spend the big bucks and buy the Bentley manual or can I get by with a Haynes?

If the answer is Bentley, then paper or CD?

I was able to do the timing belt, brakes, master cylinder, etc on my Acura with a Haynes.

Thanks in advance. I love this forum!

Barry

BSK auf Arbeit

haynes has some basic informations compared to bentley which is specific on everything

RKA

I've owned many Haynes manuals along the line, and invariably, they let me down at one point or another...either with inaccurate information because they cover so many model years, or not quite enough detail/pictures. The one nice thing about Haynes is they do provide pictures from a wider perspective, so if you have NO idea what you're doing, you can get your bearings before you start.

Bentley is much more detailed, even though it covers multiple model years. Tons of diagrams without the grease and grime illustrated in Bentley. Available on your choice...CD or paper. And if you ever intend to do anything involved with the car, you'll need this manual anyway.

Each serves a purpose, but if I had to choose one, it would be Bentley, hands down.

ModifiedA4

having the CD is great, but its cumbersome...and you have to print the information out anyway.

quattrokiwi

2nd

tobin

3nd

RKA

to dry off your tongue, it's nice to be able to re-print the page! :-P

ModifiedA4

i dont want to know what you do with your tongue and your car's hoses :P

quattrokiwi

Your not going to grab book my mistake, and thats why you have shop rags

RKA

When you remove the thermostat thinking you've already drained the last of the coolant...and soak your printouts in 4 year old G12, you can just print up pages 64-83 again, no sweat. It's a lot faster than throwing the manual in the dryer!

I like manuals too, but you can't deny that there is some benefit to disposable instructions.