BBB for 1969 280 SL

[AndrewB]

Hello All,

I would like to buy a BBB for a 1969 280 SL.

Please let me know if you might have a suitable one available

Thanks
Andrew

[MikeSimon]

Don't pay too much for one. I have a 1971 280SL and find the BBB quite useless. Very little in there about the engine and very little else specific about the W113. You may be better off with a Haynes or any other W113-specific manual.

[scoot]

Don't pay too much for one. I have a 1971 280SL and find the BBB quite useless. Very little in there about the engine and very little else specific about the W113. You may be better off with a Haynes or any other W113-specific manual.

And I couldn't disagree more!  The BBB has helped me a LOT on many projects.

[ja17]

Yes, the BBB is helpful, but difficult to use since includes so much information on other models also. It just takes some time to sort it all out. You really need the early BBB and the late BBB along with the "Technical Data Booklet" and numerous Service Bulletins for complete factory documentation. In addition the BBBs should be the last printing so it will be complete and have all the supplementary updates. Some aftermarketr manuals are helpful also, since the information is already sorted out and includes some general automotive repair information added.

[MikeSimon]

And I couldn't disagree more!  The BBB has helped me a LOT on many projects.

Sure. On "many projects". Probably involving all kinds of different models. I am talking W113 only. Like Joe says, "it takes some time to sort it all out". And then you still don't find it.
My pet peeve is the cylinder head. Basically no useful information about the M130 head in there.

[Cees Klumper]

I must admit I bought a BBB early on in my ownership, maybe around 2002, and I don't think I have ever actually used it. I do remember consulting it for some things, but I think I came to the conclusion that this site and, to a lesser degree, the Haynes and one or two more obscure manuals, were much better and accurate resources as I did my repairs and maintenance. I guess what I am hearing myself saying is that you'd be welcome to my BBB, were it not for the fact that I am in California, and the BBB is in France, and I just don't know when I will travel there under the current conditions.

[MikeSimon]

One thing you need to consider with all factory-issued service/shop manuals: They are written and compiled to support a trained service dealer mechanic. They are not for the "hobby-wrencher" who may need a tad more detailed info about the procedure of a certain repair which may be part of the trained mechanic's repertoire, which he/she has acquired during his factory training.