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Volkswagen Rabbit, GTI: 2006 and later (A5G) VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions

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Last Post: Feb 28, 2010 3:11 AM Last Post By: FKH161
EKC_12/11/2009

Posts: 3
Registered: 11/12/09
VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions
Posted: Nov 12, 2009 3:22 PM
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Bentley Publisher,

I'm not sure if my question will be replied in this forum, but I hope so. I've decided to purchase a repair manual for my 2008 VW Rabbit and came across a hardcopy or CD-ROM version of it. My question is, what are the differences (other than the fact that one is printed and the other is a digital copy)?

I've noticed in another thread that it is recommended that the two versions be purchased for optimum use. I do not intend to do so, however.

Any VW MKV users out there with any suggestions? or anyone from the Bentley Publisher with any suggestions?

Thanks!

Kind Regards,

EC
EKC_12/11/2009

Posts: 3
Registered: 11/12/09
Re: VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions
Posted: Nov 12, 2009 3:35 PM   in response to: EKC_12/11/2009 in response to: EKC_12/11/2009
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I think I've overlooked something. The CD-ROM is a 'repair' manual, while the hardcopy is a 'service' manual. If so, what would be the major differences (i.e., do both cover brake service instructions)?

Thanks!
MartinS

Posts: 54
Registered: 01/06/04
Re: VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions
Posted: Nov 12, 2009 4:37 PM   in response to: EKC_12/11/2009 in response to: EKC_12/11/2009
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Here's a link to an FAQ page on this topic:
Difference between Repair Manual and a Service Manual? https://wiki.bentleypublishers.com/x/HIAL
Does it help at all?
vladmates

Posts: 2
Registered: 02/27/07
Re: VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions
Posted: Dec 5, 2009 4:57 PM   in response to: EKC_12/11/2009 in response to: EKC_12/11/2009
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Basically... IF this isn't too late, DON'T BUY THE CD!! I did, and regret it hugely.

This are my points for each:

Book:
Pros:
  • you actually own something, and can easilly browse through the pages, which is easier than the cd believe it or not.
  • it will never ask you for a password and you obviously won't have compatabillity issues
Cons:
  • you need to know how to read;

CD
Pros:
  • I can't really think of any, possibly small package for shipping, and you can own it longer and not get it dirty
Cons:
  • Everything
  • you only get 2 seriel numbers, so that means you can only install it on 2 computers max
  • if you lose your hard drive due to a crash... you're done, the cd is useless cause you've already used one of your serial numbers
  • if you have windows 7 it won't work
  • if you reinstall windows for whatever reason, it won't work again, or you'll need a new serial number
  • everytime you need a serial number you have to contact bentley
  • basically you buy something that in the end isn't really yours, so even though you have the cd, if you installed it on more than 2 computers, it's useless

I really hope this isn't too late and that you didn't purchase the cd, stick with the book!
FKH161

Posts: 6,346
Registered: 12/29/05
Re: VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions
Posted: Dec 5, 2009 8:45 PM   in response to: vladmates in response to: vladmates
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Two serial numbers per CD are enough for the everyday DIYer... one activation on the main Desktop PC and another activation on a laptop for work in the garage.

The need for serial numbers protects the customer & Bentley from fraudulent copies being used!

I'm sure that you as a customer would not want to give someone else a free copy after having paid for it, would you... or find it on a website for free after having paid for it?

Bentley pays VW for the rights to produce & sell CD's, how can they protect themselves from fraudulent use if the programs are open source? They couldn't make any money if all the cd's were out on the web for free.

By the way, Bentley allows for 5 deactivations & reactivations per year, to allow for change of computer or HDD failures.

Yes, having to deal with Bentley Tech Support is an extra time consuming step that you have to deal with when problems arise... but for peace of mind that you (as a customer) are in their system with a legitimate purchase of their product, ensures that you will have support & service years down the road.

Windows 7 compatibility is in the works... not Bentleys fault that Microsoft keeps changing OS every few years.
EKC_12/11/2009

Posts: 3
Registered: 11/12/09
Re: VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions
Posted: Dec 13, 2009 6:27 PM   in response to: vladmates in response to: vladmates
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Vladmates,

Thanks for your reply/input but your reply isn't too late. Reason is, I've just received the service manual in the mail but I'm a little disappointed though.

I understand your comparison between the hardcopy & cd-rom versions. However, do you own both the service & repair manuals? After taking a careful look through the chapters for the service manual (hardcopy), I realize that it has such basic instructions that it's nearly useless (for an amateur & semi-advanced diy-er). I was hoping to find some valuable information in the brakes section, but it only has instructions for front & rear brake pads replacement. Any advance work on the calipers or rotors are absent. Would the repair manual (cd-rom) include this?

Now I have this giant book in my garage that I really dont need (purchased for $70.00CDN). Hopefully more input from people that has the repair manual (cd-rom) can provide some personal experiences or advice. That would be much appreciated.
vladmates

Posts: 2
Registered: 02/27/07
Re: VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions
Posted: Dec 13, 2009 7:45 PM   in response to: EKC_12/11/2009 in response to: EKC_12/11/2009
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Hey,

So what exactly do you want me to check in the brakes section? Let me know exactly and we can compare.

I got another activation key so I reintalled it on my older computer (non-windows7) so I can check and make some sort of comparison between hardcopy vs. cd.

I can tell you that the information on the CD imo isn't really that "hardcore", it is very basic indeed. Although not having done anything more to the vehicle than intake, complete exhaust, resonator pipe delete and suspension, I have to say that I only use the electronic book for finding out where components are located and what torques to use when putting everything back. Otherwise, I find the information to not really help me since they always refer to specific VW tools which would make sense since they would have them.

If you want something in particular I'll more than gladly look at the CD and let you know exactly what is provided, it could be exactly as the book. If it is, then you can't really blame me since you'd say the same about the CD, right?

Thanks
FKH161

Posts: 6,346
Registered: 12/29/05
Re: VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions
Posted: Dec 13, 2009 8:11 PM   in response to: EKC_12/11/2009 in response to: EKC_12/11/2009
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EKC_12/11/2009, the CD/DVD is composed of information provided by VW, that Bentley packages in an easy to use application... eBahn.

You can get an idea of the type of info that is in eBahn, by going to the VW Erwin site and downloading & viewing some of their Factory Manuals... you will need to pay for a 24hr subscription ($35), with which you can download & print as much as you want.

https://www.erwin.vw.com/erwin/showHome.do

Erwin documents as well as the eBahn software (because it is the same info as Erwin) may not contain step-by-step info that you may need to do something, because the assumption is there, that you are a VW Tech who is already familiar with the vehicle.

Having both the Paper & the Electronic Manual should be enough to get you through most repairs... provided you have all the necessary VW tools that are required for the job.

If all else fails, Google has been my friend for years! :-)
andrew-GTI

Posts: 1
Registered: 02/28/10
Re: VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions
Posted: Feb 28, 2010 2:04 AM   in response to: FKH161 in response to: FKH161
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re: Windows 7 compatability -- when programs are incompatible between windows versions, its because the developer of the program usually didnt follow good coding practices. there are thousands of programs that work between windows versions without issue.

not to nit pick, but please dont answer with fact unless you're 100% sure.
FKH161

Posts: 6,346
Registered: 12/29/05
Re: VW MKV Repair Manual: Hardcopy vs. CD-ROM versions
Posted: Feb 28, 2010 3:11 AM   in response to: andrew-GTI in response to: andrew-GTI
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LOL... and there are thousands that don't.

If MS did such a great job of making things compatible, why do they then force service packs down the pipeline... correcting their own mistakes?

Sure, I don't know enough about computers, but I do know that coding evolves... so you can't expect all coding from the past to match current coding.
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