Do you use the Technical Manual?

[Peter van Es]

I've recently been putting in a lot of effort behind the scenes on the Technical Manual. I wonder however how often people actually make use of the Technical Manual, and if they'd like a paper copy of it.

Currently the document is not structured enough and has too much historic information from Yahoo in it to make it cost effective to publish it (it would be over 400 pages at A4 size, and each copy of the book would cost $80 or thereabouts). I'd like to get the cost down, and then to be able to offer it to Full Members at 50% discount, and all others at cost. I'm then aiming for a non-discounted price of around $50, excluding shipping. I'd use a third party such as Lulu or another publisher on demand to handle all that.

I need to get lots of volunteers to help me finish this (see this post for full members)  and put in a lot of effort myself... so first I'd like to know how you use, and if you use the Technical Manual, and if there'd be demand for a printed copy... Note, this is just a poll, not a commitment to buy!

Peter

[saygold]

I use the Technical Manual and the search the files when I am working on my car.  I print the selected portions so they are readily available, and keep them in a folder.  I think a "pre-printed" book is great.

Ken Deter
'66 230SL (euro, 4-speed)

[Kemal]

Peter, you started this ......
I think you do have many commitments to buy! 

Looks like I will need to make room for another coffee table book 

Kemal
280SL
Manual LHD69

[Peter van Es]

I'm actually disappointed by the number of buyers (21) compared to the number of viewers of the topic (120), and compared to the effort I would personally have to put into it. At this rate I doubt that I'll do it.

Peter

[Jim Donati]

Personally, I would prefer an online / digital version of the technical manual versus a printed version.  I would much prefer a digital version that I can search our specific information or print as much as I need.  

Additionally, a printed version is not as easily updated as an online version.  

I think you have done a wonderful job of collecting and documenting very good information for us to use as we see fit.  Keep up the good work.   I commend you, and everyone else who might have contributed to the information supplied or the time to coalate into such a useful form.

thanks again  
Jim

[jameshoward]

I voted for option 2 because I am inherently messy and would only trash a paper copy. I like the idea of being able to print off pages and not worry about them becoming soild/lost.

I've managed to trash my BBB and a Haynes manual through my inability to look after things.

But since the question in the title is different to the question in the poll, the answer to the first question is: YES.

[menesesjesse]

I personally like the digital version that is availiable now.  A hard copy is nice but for the cost and the fact that it would be hard to update does not make this very cost effective.  You have done a great job and i often go in the Tech manual for information.  I often print and then use it for a specific task.  As far as a hard copy goes i would buy a enlarged version of a wiring diagram if sold.
Jesse

[hill]

I like the digital manual, but would buy the book to support this organization. Most often I use the book to grade complexity and physical labor. Case in point, installing a original style radio I decided to let a professional do it or at least a competent amateur (James?). 

[ah53]

Peter

   I, for one, greatly appreciate the technical manual and thank you for the work and effort you have put into it.  Digital may work for some but not for me.  Being an old guy I would prefer a paper book type manual which I could bring out to the car and leaf through when needed. 

Joe

[jeffc280sl]

Peter,

I do use the tech manual.  Thank you for putting all of your efforts into making it the best.

[jacovdw]

Peter,

I do use the Tech Manual in conjunction with searching the forum, usually after consulting the BBB.

My personal preference would be for an online version however as it is easier to update and I would be less likely to soil a hard copy in the garage.

I would also like to extend a big thank you to you for your efforts with the Tech Manual and the forum...

[thelews]

Did you know that Mercedes Benz does not use a printed technical manual for dealers anymore?  Everything is online for ease of updates and accessibility.

[Peter van Es]

Out of some 340 people who viewed this topic, only 32 would buy a paper copy, i.e. less than 10%. The comments also indicate that whilst many people use the Technical Manual, most of you prefer it to be an on-line, living document, rather than a book.

I've recently made some changes so that when you print a Technical Manual section, the menus and so on disappear from the printed page, and all of it is devoted to the text at hand.

Given the lack of additional support in editing the manual, I'm going to let my "printing"  plans slide for now. It does however still mean that help completing essential sections by collating info from the forums is still useful. So please grab a topic, search the forums and pull stuff across to the Technical Manual.

Peter

[Kemal]

That's a shame, I was looking forward to keeping the book handy for the car in the boot or glove compartment. 

Kemal
280SL
Manual LHD69

[Flyair]

Peter,
I would love to have a printed copy, but the reality is much richer than just the great feeling of owning something useful and unique. I am in full agreement that an on-line version with references and crosslinks would be much more useful, for the very reason of offering the flexibility of being updated as needed.

I would assume that once the Manual is ready, its updating should not be freely accessible in order to avoid some unnecessary damages to the work already done.

On the other side, as the management of the Manual on-line would(should) be under control of one person or a restreined number of people, I would suggest FullMembers  should receive an access to the final version, but would have to contribute a small fee in addition to annual fee in order to have access to the updated version.
This may be an unpopular idea, but I believe that this may be the right way to have achieved something outstanding.... like our Pagodas    

[Peter van Es]

The idea is that the Wiki continues to develop on and on. The printed manual would be an accurate "snapshot" of the manual at that time... and would be updated say 4x a year... so if changes are made they are reflected in a printed copy within 3 months.

However, to get to the first printed version is what takes the effort -- mostly my effort, unless I get serious help. Since most people already prefer the on-line version, I'm unlikely to invest my personal time for a relatively small level of interest.

Peter

[Jordan]

I am new to the site and a new pagoda owner and as such have not had a lot of opportunity to use or review the technical manual.  Is the technical manual very much different from the service manual?  The service manual seems to be pretty comprehensive.   
Marcus

[forrestjordan]

I prob'ly am old school in that I like hard copy books, however I have really learned to use the digital version here and print off what I need.  I usually staple together what I print on a subject and keep it in a folder except while working on the car.  I am not much of a mechanic and this site is a great help!!!  I hope you all who know how to work on these cars continue to contribute to the information here because it is invaluable to the rest of us who only know how to bust our knuckles!!!
Forrest

[johnshenry]

I am hopefully about to buy my first 113 in a couple weeks, and the TM has been a fantastic resource for me, and I would expect it to continue to be after I get my 280.  I have been a vintage VW nut for 29 years now, have my own technical resource website (thebugshop.org) and know what it takes to develop and maintain a site.  I applaud your efforts....

[pablo_o2]

I have the BBB also but it doesn't contain all issues nescessary for us; let's say if you want to adjust the side window pressure to the softtop seal there's nothing to find about it in the BBB. This sort of articles would make the tech. pages more practicle in use. I think it's a good complement (supplement) to the BBB or Haynes etc. for those jobs not mentioned in those.