When maintaining or repairing a Mercedes-Benz — do you find quick video tutorials more practical, or do you rely on detailed text-and-graphic manuals for accuracy?

Last weekend I tried to swap out the cabin air filter in my Mercedes, thinking it would be a simple job. I pulled up a short video that showed the process in under three minutes, but it left out a step with the clips, and I ended up struggling way longer than expected. I’m wondering if I should’ve gone straight for a manual instead. Do you guys usually go for quick video guides or the full text-and-diagram manuals when working on your cars?

I’ve had the same thing happen with a brake pad replacement — the video looked straightforward, but skipped over details like torque specs, which are important. That’s why I usually check both: a quick video to get a sense of the process, and then a detailed manual for the exact steps. The manuals often include wiring diagrams, specs, and troubleshooting tips that videos never cover. For Mercedes specifically, I’ve used resources like https://manuals.online/mercedes-benz to get the official documentation, and it’s saved me more than once. Videos are good for visuals, but I’d never rely on them alone.

When I worked on my cousin’s car, we had a mix of notes, screenshots, and a video open at the same time. It felt a bit overkill, but actually helped to not miss anything. Sometimes one resource leaves out small but important details, while another covers exactly what you need. Having both perspectives side by side gave us confidence that the job was done right.