Jetzt Helfe Ich Mir Selbst (Vol. 1-199) : Classic German Repair Manuals
The German repair manuals (vol. 1 - 199) from the 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.
Each chapter contains theory, maintenance, troubleshooting and repair sections for each component. The interventions are described step by step. The degree of difficulty is indicated per operation, together with the approximate time that a certain intervention will take.
A complete maintenance schedule, as advised by the manufacturer, is also included at the back of each book. In addition there are checklists to keep the car in optimal condition, for winterizing and for preparation of the yealy technical check.
The repair manuals from the series "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" (Now I help myself) provide a wealth of information. They are mainly intended for the handy DIY-mechanic. Over 15 million books from this series have already been sold.
Click here for information about the newer volumes in this series (starting at issue 200).
Publisher: Motorbuch Verlag, Stuttgart (D)
Size: 22 x 15.5 cm (8.65 x 6.1 in, volume 1-99) / 26.5 x 20 cm (10.4 x 7.9 in, from nr. 100), 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: Books in this series contain some wiring diagrams. For older car models, these show the whole electrical system, but on modern cars with their complicated electronics, only the most important circuits are shown (fuses, engine, lighting, etc.).
What information do these manuals provide?
These book describe the maintenance and repair of the engine, lubrication system, cooling system, fuel system, filters, exhaust, clutch and transmission, suspension, steering system, brake master cylinder and brakes, the electrical system (including windscreen wipers and lights), interior and body. Complete with adjustment data and a maintenance schedule.
A typical "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" manual (in this example for the Mercedes-Benz C-Class W202 petrol and diesel models) contains the following chapters:
THE MODEL
- Model presentation
- Development stages
- Identification
MAINTENANCE
Indoor and outdoor cleaning
- Upholstery, leather and plastics
- Washing area, maintenance products, appliances
- Proper maintainance of the rims
Engine cleaning and lubrication
- 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
VEHICLE REPAIR
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 and fitting the engine cover and cladding
- Removing and replacing the air filter housing
- Removing and fitting the engine
- Removing and replacing the V-belt
- Removing and fitting the cylinder head and valve cover
- Removing and fitting the front cylinder head cover
- Removing and fitting the timing chain guide and tensioning device
- Removing and fitting the timing gear housing cover
- Replacing the timing chain
- Checking the the tightness of the cylinders
- Checking the compression
- Removing and fitting the camshaft
- Checking, removing and fitting balance weights
- Checking the engine for increased oil consumption
- Exchanging the engine
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
- Checking for oil leaks
- Checking the engine oil level and topping up oil
- Changing the oil and filter
- Checking the oil pressure
- Removing and fitting the oil pan
- Removing and fitting the oil pump
- Removing and fitting the oil dipstick guide tube
THE COOLING SYSTEM
The cooling circuit
- Layout of the system
- Coolant and additives
Work on the cooling system
- Checking the cooling system for leaks
- Topping up and replacing the coolant
- Removing and fitting the electric fan and radiator
- Replacing the coolant hoses
THE FUEL SYSTEM
The system for petrol and diesel
- Tank, pump, fuel gauge sender unit, filter
- Instructions and rules for work on the system
- Fuel, biodiesel, economical driving
Work on the fuel system
- Emptying the fuel tank
- Bleeding the low-pressure fuel circuit
- Removing and fitting the fuel filler pipe
- Removing and fitting the active carbon holder
- Changing the fuel filter
- Removing and fitting the fuel pump
- Removing and fitting the fuel 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 Precautions
- Removing and fitting the injection control unit
- Removing and fitting the suction pipe
- Removing and fitting the fuel distributor with injectors
- Removing and fitting the fuel injectors
- Removing and fitting the injection lines
- Removing and fitting the CDI common rail
- Removing and fitting the CDI injectors
- Removing and fitting the ignition coils
- Checking the and replacing spark plugs and glow plugs
THE EXHAUST SYSTEM
- Components of the exhaust gases
- Catalyc converter and exhaust gas cleaning
- Particulate filter and exhaust gas recirculation
- The turbocharged supercharging system
Work on the exhaust system
- Safety and cleanliness precautions
- Checking the exhaust system condition
- Removing and fitting the exhaust system
- Removing and fitting the catalyc converter
- Removing and fitting the heat shield
- After-damper renewal
- Removing and fitting the front intercooler air duct
- Checking the condition of the intercooler
- Removing and fitting the turbo
- Renewing a turbo / exhaust collector seal
THE DRIVELINE
- The mechanical manual gearbox
- The automated gearbox
- The automatic transmission
- The drivetrain
Working on the system
- Removing and fitting the clutch pedal
- Removing and fitting the clutch pressure plate
- Removing and fitting the sender cylinder
- Bleeding the clutch control
- Removing and fitting the transmission
- Checking the transmission oil level and topping up the oil
- Checking the the automatic transmission fluid level and correcting if necessary
- Removing and fitting the clutch
- Removing and fitting the selector rod + adjustment
- Removing and fitting the automatic transmission
THE CHASSIS
Axles, steering and wheels
- Axles, ESP, rack and pinion steering
- Steering geometry terms
Work on the chassis
- Checking the wheel alignment
- Checking the shock absorber condition
- Checking the steering play
- Checking the wheel bearing play
- Checking the bellows, rubber sleeves and tie rod joints
- Removing and fitting bellows
- Removing and replacing the tie rod
- Removing and fitting the front suspension strut
- Disassembling and assembling the spring strut
- Removing and fitting the front shock absorbers and springs
- Removing and fitting the rear shock absorbers
- Removing and fitting the rear springs
- Tyres and rims
- Removing and fitting the rack and pinion steering
THE BRAKING SYSTEM
Mechanics and hydraulics
- Hydraulics and electronics
- The brake fluid
Work on the braking system
- Checking the the condition of the braking system
- Checking the brakes, brake servo, brake discs and linings
- Checking the brake fluid level
- Changing the brake fluid
- Bleeding the braking system
- Removing and fitting brake discs
- Removing and fitting front brake calipers
- Removing and fitting rear brake calipers
- Removing and fitting front brake pads
- Removing and fitting rear brake pads
- Replacing a wear contact sensor
- Handbrake adjustment
- Checking the parking brake
THE ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Circuits, current sources, current flow
- Current, voltage, resistance
- Battery, starter motor and alternator
- Removing and fitting the alternator
- Checking the voltage regulator
- Removing and fitting the voltage regulator
- Removing and fitting the starter motor
Wiper and washing system
- Checking the nozzle adjustment
- Removing and fitting the windscreen washer reservoir
- Removing and fitting the windscreen washer
- Removing and fitting the washer pumps
- Removing and fitting a wiper arm
- Removing and fitting the windscreen wiper system (rods and front motor)
- Removing and fitting the front wiper motor
- Removing and fitting the rear wiper motor
Lamps, exterior and interior switches
- Removing and fitting the front light units
- Replacing the light unit bulbs
- Adjusting the headlamps and fog lights (temporarily)
- Removing and fitting the fog lamps in the bumper
- Removing and fitting the tail lights
- Removing and fitting the third brake light
- Removing and fitting the licence plate light
- Removing and fitting interior lights
- Removing and fitting the light switch module
- Removing and fitting combination switches
- Removing and fitting the brake light switch
- Cables, terminals, plugs
- Removing and fitting the interior fuse box
- Changing the fuses
- Correct use of wiring diagrams
THE INTERIOR
Safety and comfort
Tips for interior repairs
Work in the interior
- Checking the seat belts
- Removing and fitting the radio
- Removing and replacing the interior mirror
- Removing and fitting the center and side air vents
- Changing the dust filter
- Removing and fitting the center console parts
- Removing and replacing the center console
- Disassembling and assembling the center console
- Removing and fitting the front and rear carpets
- Removing and fitting the panels on the A, B and C columns
- Removing and replacing a front seat
- Removing and fitting the front and rear door trim
- Removing and fitting the speakers
- Removing and fitting the rear seat cushion
- Removing and fitting the side trims and rear seat backrest
- Removing and replacing the panels
THE BODY
Bodywork
- Removing and fitting the radiator cover
- Removing and fitting the Mercedes star
- Removing and fitting + adjustment of the bonnet
- Removing and fitting the bonnet hinge
- Removing and fitting the front wings
- Removing and fitting the inner wings
- Removing and fitting the bumper
- Work on the exterior mirror
- Removing and fitting + adjustment of a front door
- Removing and fitting + adjustment of the the tailgate
TECHNICAL DATA
- Models
- Engines
- Weights and dimensions
- Chassis
- Braking system
- Driveline
- Emissions, contents, fuel standards
MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE
The most important maintenance intervals
GLOSSARY
"Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" repair manuals describe maintenance and repair in detail.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the "Jetzt helfe ich mir selbst" manuals intended for?
These books are primarily written for the handy DIY mechanic. With over 15 million copies sold, they are famous for explaining complex automotive technology in a clear, understandable way, making them ideal for owners who want to maintain or repair their own vehicles.
Are there specialized checklists for seasonal maintenance?
Every manual includes a complete maintenance schedule as recommended by the manufacturer. Additionally, there are specific checklists for winterizing the vehicle and for preparing the car to pass the mandatory yearly technical inspection (HU/TÜV).
What is the difference between the older and newer volumes in this series?
Volumes 1 through 99 are typically a more compact size (22 x 15.5 cm), while volume 100 onwards moved to a larger format (26.5 x 20 cm) to accommodate more detailed illustrations and modern vehicle complexities. This entry specifically covers the first 199 volumes; for cars released later, see the "New Generation" volumes starting at issue 200.