Bentley CD versus print

I bought the print version of the Bentley Manual shortly after I bought my GTI new back in 1987 (of course, a CD-ROM version was not available back then). Over the years, the manual has become pretty ratty, even though I have tried my best to keep it away from greasy hands, tools, etc.

After about 10 years of regular use (I've done all my own maintenance), the spine finally came apart and I had to put the individual pages in a three-ring binder. This works fairly well, but I've had to regularly reinforce the holes on pages as they tear through.

To make a long story short, I recently decided to spring for the CD-ROM version of my manual as a more "permanent" archive, since I don't ever plan on selling the car. I figure that I can print hardcopies of the pages that I'm working with for a particular job, and I can keep them near the work area since it doesn't matter if they get greasy or torn. That's my justification for paying the hefty premium for the CD-ROM.

I ordered mine through Adirondack

There are those who will advise you of extra-legal ways of obtaining the electronic version, but I don't recommend this route. Not only are there copyright infringement issues, but I think Bentley produces a good product and should be compensated (even though the premium is a bit steep). I can't tell you how well I like the CD-ROM version, as it hasn't yet been delivered. I assume that it contains at least as much useful information as the print version.

I hope this helps you come to a decision.

Thanks for the input!

Hear, hear! As someone who used to earn his living writing software, and as an (amateur) musician, I have high regard for the copyright laws and correspondingly low regard for piracy. In my opinion, not being able to afford to buy something does not justify stealing it. I know others feel differently about it, but that's how I feel.

I can't really compare apples to apples, as I have never looked at a CD and print version for the same vehicle...but...I have several print versions dating back to 70's rabbit books. I also have a CD version for my Eurovan (it was the only choice) and would trade the CD for a book in a heartbeat.

Yes the books are dirty and have gotten worn, but I find it much easier to thumb thru and find what I want in a book. It is also easier to flip pages when working than to go back to the computer to check something or to print pages out as needed. I work with computers, so it is not that I am computer phobic...I just like the book. I also find the fact that Bentley has to take such care to protect its work, that the security issues are rather intrusive and make the CD cumbersome to use. You can only use it on one computer, and if you want to switch, you have to uninstalkl it from the first computer, which gives you a registration code, and then you have to call BEntley, give them the code, and they give you a new code to allow it to be used and installed on a different computer. This is a pain in the butt.

Bottom line, is if you ask me, get the book...sometimes low tech is just what you need!

I have the CD-ROM for my 2000 1.8t Beetle, and it is more low tech than the book for my '87 GTi. especially horrific: the wiring diagrams. Get the book.

I also have a CD for my NB. It is good, and I like being able to print out what I need and bring it into the garage, but finding things has been a pain and trying to figure out systems, especially wiring diagrams has been poor. Unless I find they have improved, next time I will try to get a printed version. Frankly I tried this time but when I bought it the print version was not out yet.

I believe the potential is there and maybe they will do better in the future. The media has the ability to be better than print, but it is not there yet. Sort of like computers. DOS worked, but the GUIs are the way to interface with people. Bentley needs to do the same.

I was also one of those guys with the Bentley manuals for his cars back in the 80's. With my wife's car (2000 Passat) I went for the CD-Rom version and I'm pretty happy with it. I can look up what ever I need fairly quickly and print out pages to take outside to the garage.

Jim B.