The CD-ROMs
 

I am considering buying these factory CD-ROMs for my cars... I've read some mixed feelings about them, but figure they can be of some use. However I wonder if it is possible to look up partnumbers in them and find out what the part is for etc?

You can't look up ANYTHING in them in terms of part numbers. NOTHING searches. It's just a collection of scanned images....

The 126 CD-Rom is not user-friendly. MB could have done a better job, but then again, it's all in understanding how MB assigns task numbers to the various repair/maintenance processes. Once you get the hang of that, it's really no big deal. My biggest gripe is the quality of the images - very poor in some cases, but acceptable in most.

From a value perspective, the CD-Rom ain't bad. $125 - $150. Try buying all of the individual paper manuals that are covered in the CD-Rom for that price - IF you can find them.

If you're looking for paper, try these sites. I have dealt successfully with only the first one listed. The other 2 have been mentioned here by mercedesshop.com members.

http://www.tmcpubl.com

http://www.books4cars.com

http://www.schiffeuropean.com

If Mercedes made cars like they made the cd-rom, we'd all be driving Kia's.

On the otherhand, it's about the only game in town--better than nothing.

No parts in the cd-rom manuals. Parts are from the EPC (Electronic Parts Catalog). Hard to find those for sale (legally).

Grudgingly agreed - without the CD ROMS, you are flying blind. With them, you are flying murky/confused. It's better than blind.

You might want to look at this site:

alldatadiy.com

Costs you $15 a year per car, it has all the CD rom material legally, and has a TON more information that is not on the CD ROM. And is SEARCHEABLE!

But the CD ROM pages in the PDF files give you the original page layout, which is easier to use and understand.

I use both the alldatadiy.com site and the CDROM.

Don't expect KIA quality from those CD ROMS, though. Expect YUGO quality! :rolleyes:

(I know, that was harsh...)

I'm with Mike; it was almost like an ephany when I figured out the numbering scheme of the manual.

But I do long for searchable text and better images.

I got a bit lucky cause I got what I think is a bootleg copy from EBAY cause I paid about 25 buck for it. So my level of dis-satifaction was much lower.

They are a big help though, fuzzy images and all. After all, I would not have been able to disect the tangle of vacuum elements and hoses that makes up my Climate Control system without that manual.

Way better than Haynes or Chiltons

For part numbers look on e-bay. I bought a book
that lists part#, labor and dealer prices. They
are listed by group #. This is a part of the dealer book and starts at 14-1 to 14-134 and is
great for estimates. Most of these books sold are
4 or more years off for prices, but the neat thing
is that with labor hours listed you can figure out how long a job it takes for you to do the job.
unless you are a tech you can figure 2x the time.

The book that I bought for $15 covers all models
to 1995.

Hope this helps,
Gary

epc
 

in europe there are "EPC compact" for sale with all the part numbers for one model, eg. 124. they are under 100 $, use the same software your dealer uses, have the datacards included (which options a car has built in), and are available for almost every model. perhaps ask your dealer if he heard about them. if not, ask a european friend ;-)

You CAN make these searchable but it takes some doing. Here's how. Start with the Windows explorer and search your E drive. Open every file (which is numbered) and then transfer the information to a Word file. Set up the Word file so it is divided into each individual CD and subdivided further by folder. When you are done opening every file you will end up with a Word file that you can search and it will tell you exactly what CD rom file to open. The key to this is using the Windows explorer to find files. Hope this makes sense.

philmartin

Further clarification
 

When I said transfer the information in the file, it is not the whole file but merely the number and title, such as "Removal of gas tank". When you are done you will have a file of titles to search.

philmartin

CON FUZ ED
 

I am confused now. I called MB and the tech there told me the MB never made any CD-ROMS. He went on to say they are 3rd party manuals. Um, like I'd like to get one too but is it likely this was some new guy who didn't know what he was talking about?

"However I wonder if it is possible to look up partnumbers in them and find out what the part is for etc?"

When I am helping someone with a new car 80's + up :p I plug the part number in on Fast lane and it will usually tell me what it is.

W124 EPC
 

Hi,

I have a W124 EPC compact, genuine MB item.

Single CD, complete with sleeve and license key, I bought it from a German guy on Ebay.

So useful, it stops the dealership treating me like something they found on the soles of their shoes. Nothing quite like asking for exactly what you want.

Cost me approx $120 USD

Richard
1989 W124 300E:D

wanna share this cd with me moadesr ?

LOL:D :D The W124 CD sucks!! Not only do you have to stumble through slow loading files but the terminology is often confusing. Such as "disconnect the interruption to the EZL connector", what the hell does that mean??:p