DIY'er needs Service Manual for his E46

[TRuckee]

I'm a new owner of a used 323 and am interested in doing some of the service that this car is probably going to need. I'm a fairly competent mechanic; I've done all the service on my motorcycles and have maintained my own (racing) go kart. I can change the brake pads on the front end of my F150 p/u in about an hour. AND... I know when I'd be getting in over my head. Does anyone have any recommendations about what I might find useful as an E46 service manual? I see that Amazon sells the Bentley publishing manual for about $80. Is this book any good? Any help/suggestions will be appreciated.

[97alpineM3]

Yes... that book is the best... and only book I'd use to work on your car... Bentley is the best...

Les

[Hootie]

Don't forget the OBDII code-fault reader!!! Amazon doesn't carry that, try bavauto.com or turner motorsport.

[Satori325XI]

This is the cheapest I've found the OBD2 tool at.

http://www.bimmerzone.com/OBD2_Scan_Tool.htm

[TRuckee]

Thanks to all for the advice on the Bentley manual and the OBD2 tool. I'm going to do some reading to familiarize myself with the function of this device. I suppose that I'll need a "reset" tool also. I'm hoping that when I get the Bentley book I'll be able to figure out a lot of these things on my own.

[crackhead944s]

I believe that you can reset your oil service light, by pushing the trip meter and having the key in the right position. I did it on my '01 325xi. I'll look for the steps and post the link.

[Hootie]

OBD2 tool does oil and SES resets too.