what's the better buy??
 

Should I get the mercedes Bible for my 300e.
or
The haynes repair manual.

( I need to replace the ac/heater blower motor)

Many of the people on this board provide better insight than the manuals. They know the repair procedure and the nuances of the procedure.

If I were you I'd go for the FSM (Factory service manual) for the most technically correct information. So buy this if you think you'll be doing many more complicated jobs.

Otherwise Haynes tends to be OK for most uncomplicated jobs - although I've not seen the version for your car - but I guess it is better than the W123 diesel book they wrote which is pretty dire... Anyway, make sure it has what you want before you buy it though.

If in doubt - check here though!

bible is a very good book.

Except it is more or less outdated is related to late 1990x-earlier 2000x. Porblems are different today and a lot of advices has very expensive man-hours bill.

Hayness is useless for not - DYI.
For better results - stick with this board.

Waiting for new edition - I already have a name for it - W124 Kama Sutra.

I have all three....
Four if you count paper and electronic FSM versions...

The "Bible" by Stu Ritter is a great primer if you are not much of a DIY type. More of a chatty coffee table book rather than a book you take out to the garage.

Haynes/Chilton books are a nice addition to a factory manual because if a service was covered in a concurrent manual, it's left out of the factory service manual. The factory assumes you have other series manuals as well as the W124.

Electronic tends to plug some of these holes, but still....

Jim

I think the factory service manuals paper are first choice. The cd's I feel are frustrating at times, because they are blurry in print in places and the photos are very blurry and vague, but it's a cheap way to go. You can get them for under 20 dollar. Especially, trying to trace the electrical circuitry. My second choice would be Bentley, if they make one for your particular car. In the third choice it would be probably be Mitchell and then Chilton. My last choice would be the Haynes. I think, maybe that Haynes has merged with Chilton now, but I am not for sure on that? It's kind of personal preference, but I like to have a book with me by the project. It's nice to be able to work back and forth right there if a reference or a torque is needed etc.

Sorry, I'm looking for the best book for a 1986 300E Gasser...

the best resource is right here.
 

The books are ok for looking up certain things (torque values etc)

Ive rebuilt my entire engine, ac system, brakes, suspension, and plenty more with the help of this forum.

The search function is difficult at times, because of the MASSIVE amounts of results, but there is a step by step procedure for every bit of your car.

How you got '86. There are some valid reasons:


1. car from family/friends with known history
2. 5 speed - Green Envy
3. Otherwise , reading any of those books and this forum, I would go with 90-92 or 95 with wiring harness done.

PS > got it cheap / free is not a valid one

Between the Haynes and the "bible", the Haynes by a kilometer!

The Bently "bible" I have found to have lots of incorrect and missing information, I keep it around because I hate throwing anything away.

The Haynes book has most all of the information that you need if you are already somewhat handy with cars, right down to torque specs for bolts, and easier to find information than in the FSM.

I also have the FSM on paper and on CD, consider the CD to be very helpful to consult before major jobs, the paper one seldom gets opened but is great if you can find and afford one.

Picked up the 86 for 3k with 100k original miles from original owners. she was blinded and the car was sitting in her car port for a like 5 years.

86 300E, congratulations on your purchase.

Recommend changing the oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid and differential fluid immediately. Also, check the condition of the distributor cap & rotor, spark plugs and ignition wires ... they likely need replacing. Apply a high quality leather conditioner/rejuvenator to the seats and polish/wax the exterior.

I keep the 'bible' in the bathroom. I replaced the blower motor regulator on my 88 300ce, and I think I may have used a diy link from this website, or procedure #83-556 from the manual at w124-zone.com.

Haynes manuals for ANY car are useful for toilet paper and fire kindling, only.

Haynes is more than adequate... I have successfully removed and reinstalled a 603 cylinder head with that manual and this forum alone. :)