How to read a manual

[Deleted account 191119001]

Not sure if there is a shortage of stock, or BMW do not give them any more, or even hide them out of sight of the owner, however, are there any good tip,s out there to read the manual, it will surely be helpful to many a worrying owner...............

 

[fred_jb]

Not sure if there is a shortage of stock, or BMW do not give them any more, or even hide them out of sight of the owner, however, are there any good tip,s out there to read the manual, it will surely be helpful to many a worrying owner...............

I have to say that people should RTFM more, and I include myself in that. However, I have found the BMW manuals to be pretty dire, turgid and over techie, and hardly a model of clarity, so I don't blame people for resorting to asking questions on the forum. I recently found the information on idle speed expressed thus:

"Idle speed 1050 min-1, Engine at regular operating temperature"

OK, as it happens I have an engineering/science background and I understand the min-1 scientific notation as effectively meaning 1/min or per minute, but really this sort of thing has no place in a manual meant for the general population and just goes to show that it not written or edited with any real consideration towards the end user.

I mean - what sort of mechanical engineering nerd puts 1050 min-1 in a user manual instead of 1050 rpm! In fact it is technically incorrect as it doesn't say what engine speed is measured in - so 1050 of what - apples, oranges, or engine revolutions? Just pretentious!

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

I have to say that people should RTFM more, and I include myself in that. However, I have found the BMW manuals to be pretty dire, turgid and over techie, and hardly a model of clarity, so I don't blame people for resorting to asking questions on the forum. I recently found the information on idle speed expressed thus:

"Idle speed 1050 min-1, Engine at regular operating temperature"

OK, as it happens I have an engineering/science background and I understand the min-1 scientific notation as effectively meaning 1/min or per minute, but really this sort of thing has no place in a manual meant for the general population and just goes to show that it not written or edited with any real consideration towards the end user. I mean - what sort of mechanical engineering nerd puts 1050 min-1 in a user manual instead of 1050 rpm! In fact it is technically incorrect as it doesn't say 1050 of what - apples oranges, or engine revolutions, so just pretentious!

Manual obviously written by a BMW Engineer Fred, that is why us thickies who have no engineering background often get confused............

 

[fred_jb]

Manual obviously written by a BMW Engineer Fred, that is why us thickies who have no engineering background often get confused............

The last type of person who should be let loose on writing a user manual is an actual engineer!

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

The last type of person who should be let loose on writing a user manual is an actual engineer!

Think Engineer should be consulted..................

 

[Deleted account 211025002]

I sold my rt and bought a gs Mr Smogbog. i got a manual with my gs so I don't think there is a shortage of them maybe people lose them

 

[iandavid]

Ever read a Harley manual. Out of 100 pages probably 60% starts with "WARNING". Utter shite.

 

[Engineer]

Think Engineer should be consulted..................

Ha ha part of my new job starting on Wednesday will include some manual writing for reference designs that I create.

 

[Engineer]

Think Engineer should be consulted..................

Also to be fair the manual does say ‘speed’ and as engines spin the it is not unreasonable to state 1050 min-1

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

Ha ha part of my new job starting on Wednesday will include some manual writing for reference designs that I create.

you could not write the script, thread light hearted and this happens.........

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

Ever read a Harley manual. Out of 100 pages probably 60% starts with "WARNING". Utter shite.

Actually got one but it was in Portuguese, so not much use, except for the torque settings, and a few pictures..........

 

[ChazzyB]

Or if you're really desparate and in case of need:-

http://www.bmw-motorrad.com/com/en/...com/com/en/services/manuals/manuals_main.html

 

[LBJ GSA]

Ever read a Harley manual. Out of 100 pages probably 60% starts with "WARNING". Utter shite.

Or a web link to their t-shirts / bandannas!

 

[fred_jb]

Also to be fair the manual does say ‘speed’ and as engines spin the it is not unreasonable to state 1050 min-1

Well at the risk of being pedantic I would say that "Idle speed 1050 min-1" is rather an incomplete description with engine revolutions only inferred - would it hurt them to use the fully descriptive "revolutions per minute" or the universally understood abbreviation rpm? Idle speed - 1050 rpm I think would be a better description. It doesn't need to state engine idle speed as it is in the engine section.

 

[Engineer]

Well at the risk of being pedantic I would say that "Idle speed 1050 min-1" is rather an incomplete description with engine revolutions only inferred - would it hurt them to use the fully descriptive "revolutions per minute" or the universally understood abbreviation rpm? Idle speed - 1050 rpm I think would be a better description. It doesn't need to state engine idle speed as it is in the engine section.

It is pedantic, but even if they’d used ‘revolutions per minute’ they’d still be many that wouldn’t get it - my paramour for example would read it and she’d just go “dibble”, she doesn’t have a clue or any interest in how the IC engine works - I tried the suck, squeeze, bang, blow explanation but that didn’t work either

 

[fred_jb]

It is pedantic, but even if they’d used ‘revolutions per minute’ they’d still be many that wouldn’t get it - my paramour for example would read it and she’d just go “dibble”, she doesn’t have a clue or any interest in how the IC engine works - I tried the suck, squeeze, bang, blow explanation but that didn’t work either

Haha - well I suppose one has to assume some basic level of automotive knowledge, but then again maybe with GS owners that cannot be assumed!

 

[Deleted account 191119001]

Haha - well I suppose one has to assume some basic level of automotive knowledge, but then again maybe with GS owners that cannot be assumed!

Fred a GS is supposed to do everything alone, that is what the sales pitch is..............

 

[Wapping]

....as it happens I have an engineering/science background....

We walk in the shadow of giants....

I mean - what sort of mechanical engineering nerd puts 1050 min-1 in a user manual instead of 1050 rpm! In fact it is technically incorrect as it doesn't say what engine speed is measured in - so 1050 of what - apples, oranges, or engine revolutions? Just pretentious!

The same nerd who typed that lot out, if I had to guess.... and proceeded to correct the ‘technically incorrect’ statement, to confirm his pretentious nurdishness.

 

[Tractors are go]

The last type of person who should be let loose on writing a user manual is a qualified engineer!

Sorted

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[Tractors are go]

Also to be fair the manual does say ‘speed’ and as engines spin the it is not unreasonable to state 1050 min-1

Engines only spin, if they are a wankel, and even then it is just the internals, not the engine itself.

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