Just got this from Bentley publishers.  I had ask them to notify
me when this "finally" became available.

Gary

----- Forwarded message from jennifer.schneider@bentleypublishers -----

From: jennifer.schneider@bentleypublishers
Subject: Volkswagen Jetta, Golf GTI 1993-1999, Cabrio 1995-2002
Date: Thu, 31 Jan 2002 15:27:39 -0500
X-Mailer: Internet Mail Service (5.5.2653.19)

Dear Sir or Madam:
Thank you for your interest in Bentley Publishers.  We are writing to inform
you that the Volkswagen Jetta, Golf, GTI, 1993-1999, Cabrio 1995-2002
Official Factory Repair Manual Electronic Edition (CD-ROM) is now available.
The price is $99.95, and if you would like to purchase it, please visit our
website, www.bentleypublishers.com (with secure ordering) or call us at
1-800-423-4595.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

Sincerely,

Jennifer Schneider
Customer Service

Bentley Publishers
1734 Massachusetts Avenue
Cambridge, MA  02138
(800) 423-4595
jennifer.schneider@bentleypublishers
www.bentleypublishers.com

----- End forwarded message -----

-- 
Gary Blackburn
blackbur@rap.ucar

 Does anyone know if the cd version of the Bentley for the A3s is more
detailed than the book version?  There is alot missing for the A3 book
compared to the book for the A2 version I have for my GLI. The A2 had an
exploded detailed  view of the transmission for one thing. The A3 manual
seems to be limited to general maintenance. Is the cd version the same?

   John bolts

I don't know if it is more detailed, but I wouldn't recommend it.  I got
the CD thinking about how great it would be to search for words and
print single pages to work on something rather than dealing with the
entire book.  Well, they only let you register the CD one time.  After
that, if you ever need to reinstall it (which I did) you have to call
them up and explain why you are reinstalling it.  And they will only let
you register the software 4 times - then apparently you are screwed for
good.  You get all this for twice the price.  

It's a shame - it's a really good product.  They could really do a much
better job of securing the software than making end users deal with this
hassle.

In my experience, the CD is MUCH more complete than the paper manual.  It
covers the procedures and repairs that the paper manual says you should take
to a authorized repair shop.  As people have already indicated, it also has
all the codes and procedures for troubleshooting using a scan tool.  That
being said, it is much more cumbersome to use.  Who really wants to fool
with a laptop or desktop when they're greasy from working on their car?

Later,

Luke
'97 GTI VR6

I have had BOTH the cd and the manual for almost 3 years now. I always
have the manual in the trunk.  I prefer the cd because it provides you
with the step by step procedures on how to diagnose/fix  a problem.  For
example, using the DTC obtained when you VAG'd your car, it will show
you how to determine exactly what the problem is.  I really wouldn't
want to get rid of either of them, but if I could only choose one, I'd
go with the cd.  It is also really slick if you can print to
PDF........then you can share the info with GTI-VR6 listers ;)


Sincerely, 
 
 Barry "Kooz" Kuiack
 1997 Jetta GLX 
 Administrator - www.GenerationDUB.com 

I agree 100%.  Both have their good and bad points, but the CD is far more
complete.  I would go with the CD as well if I had to choose only one.

Later,

Luke
'97 GTI VR6