Jetzt Helfe Ich Mir Selbst (Vol. 200+) : Modern Car Owner’s Guides
The repair manuals from the German series "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" describe in a very clear and understandable way how your car is constructed and how it can be maintained in the best possible way. These Motorbuch Verlag manuals provide much more information than the owner's handbook, supplied by the manufacturer with a new car.
Previous editions of the series "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" were complete workshop manuals, but because of the complex technology of modern passenger cars, the publisher has changed the formula from number 200.
These books still provide a lot of information about the construction and operation of the car, but only works that can be carried out easily by the owner (i.e. without special tools or electronic measuring equipment) are included.
For example, a complete engine overhaul is not described, but you will find instructions for easier jobs like the replacement of brake pads or components of the cooling system.
The owner's books from the series "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" provide a wealth of information. They are intended for the handy DIY-mechanic as well as for those who simply want to know how a particular car works. Over 15 million books from this series have already been sold.
Publisher: Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart (D)
Size: 26.5 x 20 cm (10.4 x 7.9 in), paperback
Language: These books are only available in German.
Automatic transmissions and modern gearboxes: Because special tools and adjustment equipment are required, the overhaul of automatic transmissions and modern gearboxes (specialist work!) is not covered in these books, but they usually provide instructions for replacing the ATF fluid and adjusting the controls. Click here for specific books about automatic transmissions.
Wiring diagrams: From volume 200, no wiring diagrams are included in these books.
Click here for information about the older volumes in this series (volumes 1-199).
What information do these manuals provide?
A typical book from this series (in this example volume 245 for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class petrol and diesel models) contains the following chapters:
THE MODEL
- Identification
- Chassis number, data card, body id-plate
MAINTENANCE
Interior and exterior cleaning
- Upholstery, leather and plastics
- Washing area, maintenance products, appliances
- Proper maintainance of rims
Engine cleaning and lubrication
- Protective paint and engine cleaning
- Oil and grease for locks and hinges
Windscreen and windows
- Topping up the windscreen washer fluid and antifreeze
- Replacing the wiper rubbers
Paint maintenance
- Polishes, cleaning agents and preserving agents
- Minor paint damage repair
REPAIR OF THE VEHICLE
Workshop and parts
- Rental workshop and purchase of parts
- Exchange engines
Tools
- Basic equipment and special tools
Safety first
- Helpful hints
- Jacking up, bump starting and towing
Tips for work and for garage visits
- Loosening bolts and nuts
- Reaming and threading
- Repair order, inspection and warranty
- Invoice, complaint, mediation
THE ENGINES
Engine identification
Work on the engine
- Removing the air filter and V-belts
- Cylinder head front cover
- Compression pressure and cylinder tightness
THE LUBRICATION SYSTEM
Oil circuit, engine oil and filter
- Oil sump, oil pump, oil filter
- Oil specification, oil consumption and oil level
Work on the lubrication system
- Spots with oil leakage, oil and filter replacement, oil pressure
- Replacing the oil sump and oil pump
THE COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling circuit
- Structure of the system
- Coolant and additives
Working on the cooling system
- Tightness, coolant change, radiator, hoses
THE FUEL SYSTEM
The system for petrol and diesel
- Tank, pump, fuel gauge sender unit, filter, active carbon holder
- Tips and rules for working on the system
- Fuel, biodiesel, economical driving
Work on the fuel system
- Emptying the fuel tank
- Fuel filler pipe, removing and fitting the active carbon holder
- Changing the fuel filter
- Removing and fitting the fuel pump and tank
INJECTION AND IGNITION
The system for petrol and diesel
- Control unit and other system components
- Petrol and diesel injection technology
- Ignition system and ignition
Work on injection and ignition systems
- Safety and purity precautions
- Replacing the control unit
- Suction tube, fuel distributor, injection valves
- CDI components, rail and injectors
- Checking and replacing ignition and glow plugs
THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
- Components of the exhaust system
- Catalytic converter and exhaust gas cleaning
- Diesel particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation
- The turbocharged supercharging system
Work on the exhaust system
- Safety and purity precautions
- Checking the exhaust system condition
- Removing and fitting the exhaust and catalytic converter
THE DRIVELINE
- The mechanical manual gearbox
- The automated gearbox
- The automatic transmission
- The drive train
Working on the system
- Removing and fitting the clutch pedal
- Checking the gearbox oil level
- Adjusting the clutch cable
THE CHASSIS
Axles, steering and wheels
- Axles, ESP, rack and pinion steering
- Steering geometry terms
Work on the chassis
- Checking wheel alignment and the shock absorbers
- Removing and fitting the front and rear components
- Tyres and rims
THE BRAKING SYSTEM
Mechanics and hydraulics
- Hydraulics and electronics
- The brake fluid
Work on the braking system
- Checking the brakes, brake servo and linings
- Replacing the brake fluid, discs and linings
THE VEHICLE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Circuits, power sources
- Current, voltage, resistance
- Battery, starter motor and alternator
- Wiper and wash System
- Lighting, lamps and switches, exterior and interior
- Adjusting the headlamps
- Signal systems, instrument cluster
- Cables, clamps, plugs, fuses
THE INTERIOR
Safety and comfort
Tips for interior repairs
Work in the interior
- Checking the seat belts
- Removing and fitting components
THE BODY
Bodywork
- Radiator grille and hood
- Bumpers and inner wings
- Rear doors and tailgate
TECHNICAL DATA
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The most important maintenance intervals
KEYWORD REGISTER
The most important professional terms
WHAT TO DO IN THE EVENT OF BREAKDOWN AND FAULTS
- Cylinder head gasket
- Lubrication system
- Cooling system
- Coolant thermostat
- Petrol injection
- Diesel injection
- Engine and ignition system
- Brakes
- Battery and alternator
- Starter motor
- Windscreen wipers
- Wiper blades
- Hazard lights and turn signals
- Horn
- Brake light
- Electric window mechanisms
- Central locking
Works that can be easily carried out yourself are described in detail.
From volume 253, some books in this series are in full colour.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do the newer "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" books (from Vol. 200) differ from the older ones?
Modern vehicles have become significantly more complex, often requiring specialized electronic diagnostic equipment for major repairs. In response, volumes from number 200 onwards have shifted focus. While they still explain the car's technology in depth, the repair instructions are limited to tasks that a handy owner can realistically perform with standard tools, such as changing filters, spark plugs, or brake pads.
Do these modern volumes include wiring diagrams?
No. Due to the high complexity of modern multiplexed electrical systems, wiring diagrams are no longer included in the series starting from Volume 200. Instead, the books provide detailed information on fuse layouts, bulb replacements, and battery maintenance.
Can I use this book if my car breaks down on the road?
Every volume includes a dedicated "What to do in the event of breakdown" section. This chapter provides immediate troubleshooting steps for common issues like a dead battery, starter motor failure, or cooling system overheating, helping you identify if the problem can be fixed on the spot or requires a professional.