Paper manual vs. CD ROM manual? (w123)

I just received the w123 manuals on CD ROM and am pretty disappointed in the quality of the photos. Also, the schematics are not even readable. Are CD ROM manuals and exact copy of the paper manuals that are out-of-print? I'm sure they are more legible, just curious if it's the same thing.

[Mike Michalek]

I also brought the CD. I am also very disappointed in the quality. A friend of mine was looking at it and said he was very surprise that MB put something of this low quality out.

I too have a CD rom of the MB manual for the 190 models. It is of very poor design and quality. Very difficult to use and does not seem to have much information either. Are these really Mercedes Benz products?

[Mike Murrell]

I have both the original paper 103 engine manual and the 126 CD-Rom. The job descriptions in the paper 103 engine manual are identical to what's on the CD. I've found that the info on the CD is a little clearer if you happen to have access to a VERY good printer. I've also noticed there's a difference in CD photo quality depending on the monitor connected to your PC. I'm not sure what other options exist, but I do agree, overall, the MB photo quality is poor compared to what other MFGs produce.

I have found that the MB manuals+haynes manual+mercedesshop+common sense=might get you by. However I agree that the MB manual was a big let down.

The CD's look like they where out-sourced to a bunch of multimedia beginners. 12 year olds would have done a much better job at a great price.
They don't even have a index??????????????

I would hate to think of a world without MercedesShop.

More evidence of price-point manufacturing?

I ordered a Helms manual for my Integra, it costs about $55 but it is worth every penny, It is a big book (8.5 x 11 x about 1.75" thick. Very clear, nice construction plenty of info, well indexed, etc. MB would do well to copy Helms quality. I wonder if Helms produces MB manuals?

['79 Super Turtle]

I rarely use my CD Rom, but I like it only because it has information that I don't have in my books. I only have the Mercedes Chassis 2 Book set, the 617.95 engine manual, and the Maintenance manual. I had some trouble seeing stuff also, but I think I experimented with different resolutions, and page size and was amazed at how much I could change the photos. It is nice to print out pages, and take them outside to get dirty, instead of my nice books.

BUT, I have noticed many important pages are missing on my CD, especially the key for the electrical section. I can't believe the pages are sideways in that section. I hate the electrical section frankly. I find it very confusing.

I am still searching for that often mentioned but never seen "Troubleshooting Section" that my paper manuals refer to. If anyone has come across it please tell me where it is.

My CD was given to me by the Parts manager at the local dealer so I can't really complain.

I've tried several printers/resolutions and most of the wiring diagrams just are not there. What a waste. In the market for the real thing.

[TN-W124 Diesel]

I have them all, Hayes, MB-CD, Chilton, and MB Manual for my 300D, what I have found is that each one offers a little more information than the other. None offer 100% complete rebuild for all components for your vehicle, you have to be a old shade tree mechanic to know what they are talking about..