BMW specific tools

[dimensionseven]

I have been accepted to the BMW STEP training program. When you graduate they want you to have your own tools and such. I have most things you would want but I wasn't sure of anything that would apply to bmws that I am unaware of. Any recommendations?

 

[metaleltr]

E- Torx sockets and wrenches
Torx bits regular and torx plus
The special bits for the head bolts
32mm fan wrench
cable hose clamp pliers
17mm lug nut socket
100 ft lb torque stick
metric hex bits for brakes
Twist lock Oil Funnel
6" locking extension and a 5/8 magnetic spark plug socket
BMW hub cleaner, not sure who makes this, but it goes in a drill and cleans the entire hub

any thing from here http://asttool.com/search_results.php?total=72&offset=0&stype=bymanf&manf=BMW

 

[devoncoolman]

Torx and e-torx sockets. Fan wrenches (pneumatic air hammer style is great). Mirrors and magnets are very helpfull.

 

[bimmerTEK]

You are on luck I'm BMW dealer for 14 years and recently gone on my own. I have many BMW specific tools and universal tools(smoke machine, wheel bearing tool) even when I was in the dealer. The reason is most dealers is one tool for 30+ techs and I tend to get frustrated easy. You are a newbie so limit yourself to SNAP ON hand tools only(discount tool only purchase) and medium size tool box with a side locker invest like 5-7 k total with SA student purchase should be set for a while. If you decide you don't like the trade(I seen many step kids just don't like flat rate) and you can get all your investment back with ebay and CL. Also you don't want big box because you probably won't like your new town that the dealer that will sponsor you. Hand tools remember 10,13, 18,16,22,21 mm is the most common size so try to buy these as much as possible you don't need the whole set(special wrenches, sockets etc), buy a meter from electronic specialties that has the load pro leads($200) don't go high end or scope(unless you get dirt cheap like a used vantage pro), cordless 3/8 impact(SA) and cordless 1/4 ratchet, SA 350 model air, hammer,big pry bar, 3/8 torque angle wrench (1/2 buy it used from craigslist),brake fluid evacuator, screw type ball joint separator(big one),32 mm wrench air hammer adapter(lisle) and 32mm cheapest wrench in northern tool. Just look trough the SA catalog analyse all hand tools don't buy sets big mistake by most step kids and repeat my self again only SA and IR student discount tools. Let me know

 

[metaleltr]

Oops I knew i would forget something, when i was working on BMWs semi-frequently, usually brakes, i always wanted a set of wheel hangers that thread into the hub. I usually got by holding the wheel in one hand and starting the bolt with a socket/torque stick int he other. I have also found that mig welding pliers, welpers, work well for removing the damn clips on the brake calipers.

 

[GTA Matt]

Yup, 12 and 14mm wheel stud pins, definitely invest in the OTC BMW/Mercedes specific fan clutch tool and keep an eye out for a good deal on the Vanos tool kits. The shop will most likely have their own, but sometimes tracking down a tool that is shared by others can be a PITA.

 

[jmm]

Here's a pretty comprehensive list you can pick and choose from. Prices here are pretty good for German imports. Sometimes Snap-On (etc) will be a little cheaper, or a little more expensive. Use your head and be a smart shopper.

http://www.samstagsales.com/bmwtools.htm

 

[ken w.]

It's nice to have your own oil light reset tool.

 

[dimensionseven]

for the oil light reset tool i should be able to use a scanner such as solus ultra right? I picked up one of them a few months back on special.

Thanks everyone for the help, seems like there is alot of stuff i'm missing. I have Torx and E torx, just picked up a deal on the stubby torx and stubby hex so i'm thinking the 7 mm hex will be in there for the brake calipers. I don't have any E torx wrenches.

are the torx plus very common? I remember buying one for my old car for gas tank straps, i'll have to track down a set of them.

I think ebay and craigslist will be my new best friends for the next few months. plus the student discount that i recieve.

Anymore input would be awesome thanks guys.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

for the oil light reset tool i should be able to use a scanner such as solus ultra right? I picked up one of them a few months back on special.

Thanks everyone for the help, seems like there is alot of stuff i'm missing. I have Torx and E torx, just picked up a deal on the stubby torx and stubby hex so i'm thinking the 7 mm hex will be in there for the brake calipers. I don't have any E torx wrenches.

are the torx plus very common? I remember buying one for my old car for gas tank straps, i'll have to track down a set of them.

I think ebay and craigslist will be my new best friends for the next few months. plus the student discount that i recieve.

Anymore input would be awesome thanks guys.

For E-Torx wrenches... I've heard bad things about the Snap On set.

Just a heads up.

And as far as resetting the lights... You might be out of luck with the Solus. I'm sure someone here has that scanner and can chime in. Snap On scanners on European cars don't go very far in overwriting things. I've heard good things on Autel's MaxiDAS... Check that out.

 

[MLB0611]

For E-Torx wrenches... I've heard bad things about the Snap On set.

Just a heads up.

And as far as resetting the lights... You might be out of luck with the Solus. I'm sure someone here has that scanner and can chime in. Snap On scanners on European cars don't go very far in overwriting things. I've heard good things on Autel's MaxiDAS... Check that out.

For maintenance lights Snap on will do ok, I have done tons of VW BMWs and even an AMG, for Diag work, it will let him down a good bit, but if he is working at a dealer he will have the OE tool to back him up

 

[BJ42LX]

dimensionseven,

Isn't this information something STEP will will provide you during your training?

 

[DieselSaves]

Assenmacher makes some pretty good specialty tools for BMW, Mercedes, VW, etc. Mostly USA made too, at least from what I've seen.

 

[dimensionseven]

dimensionseven,

Isn't this information something STEP will will provide you during your training?

yes. but i am a few months away. i will not be working while i am going to school there so i can focus on the program completely. I want to get a head start collecting what i need to make sure i am prepared for working right away. plus if i come across a good deal on something i'd rather pick it up then wait a while and pay full price.

 

[dimensionseven]

For E-Torx wrenches... I've heard bad things about the Snap On set.

Just a heads up.

And as far as resetting the lights... You might be out of luck with the Solus. I'm sure someone here has that scanner and can chime in. Snap On scanners on European cars don't go very far in overwriting things. I've heard good things on Autel's MaxiDAS... Check that out.

thank you. i looked at the e torx wrenches on snap ons student pricing and it wasnt a terrible price, but if i can get a better set for cheaper i definitely would go that direction.

i purchased the e torx sockets used for i think about 30 for the set, snap on.

 

[devoncoolman]

I have mac's and snap-on e-torx wrenches. I like both. They are nice for doing starters on x5 bmw's.

 

[Fedwrench]

here you go:

if that doesn't work go to ebay motor, automotive tools, enter BMW and see what pops up. There's a company called JTC Auto Tools from california that seems to make a living knocking off every BMW, VW, and Benz specilaty tool. They always have a good sized booth at AAPEX each year.

Good luck, stick with it, and remember that somes less is more when starting out buying tools.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

thank you. i looked at the e torx wrenches on snap ons student pricing and it wasnt a terrible price, but if i can get a better set for cheaper i definitely would go that direction.

i purchased the e torx sockets used for i think about 30 for the set, snap on.

That's not bad...

Here is the thread regarding the Snap On External Torx wrenches breaking...

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=51783&page=2

 

[jeremy v]

I didn't see it mentioned yet, but if you work on a little bit older BMWs you will want one of those plastic center hub wrenches for removing the center cap of the BBS style wheels to gain access to the lug nuts. The center cap has a large plastic hex that requires either an 80mm or 82mm (I can't remember which) to remove it without marring anything up.

 

[Skyline]

Aside from the basic hand tools, air tools and such, here are some special items you will need as you progress from basic jobs to more advanced:

Get the BMW special tool (from BMW) that measures brake pad thickness, (it's kind of a pen like thing)

AST specialty 36mm socket for taking off the oil filters.

Plastic coated impact sockets for taking off wheels. Your finicky customers will not appreciate scratches on their wheels

36mm 12pt socket.

Get an impact - fan clutch wrench set to use with an air-hammer

Stubby metric hex key sockets

Trim pad removal tools, (you'll be doing a lot of window regulators)

Get one of those Chinese made coolant system adapter/pressure tester/fill sets...the ones that have 15 or so adapters and air-lift type device. Allows you to pull a vacuum and **** in fluid without air pockets. At about $300, these blow away anything Snap-on makes.

You will need very good 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" Torque wrenches. For the 3/8" at least you might consider a TechAngle; BMWs use a lot of torque-to-yield bolts. NEVER use an impact gun to tighten a wheel lug...torque wrench every time.

BMW water pump pulley holder BMW tool 11 5 030 (or a copy...try Koch Tools) and 32mm fan clutch wrench, (for when the impact tool mentioned above won't budge the fan clutch and just rotates the engine).

Fender covers...(again..finicky customers)

When you get more advanced, you will need cam-lock kits for doing timing chains guides, Vanos seals, etc, for any engine you are going to work on. These are extremely common repairs, on especially the V8 motors.

BMW specific bushing removal set.

BTW, ANY Snap-on scan tool is more or less useless on a BMW; don't waste your money. You will eventually want an Autologic...but if you're lucky, your employer will provide this, (VERY costly). Keep an eye out for a used one; but the updates alone are very expensive. But the Autologic is SO much easier to use than the laptop based factory computer systems; many dealers use them instead of the factory scan tools.

 

[superautobacs]

thank you. i looked at the e torx wrenches on snap ons student pricing and it wasnt a terrible price, but if i can get a better set for cheaper i definitely would go that direction.

i purchased the e torx sockets used for i think about 30 for the set, snap on.

It's not about the price...
A coworker has a set of high-performance set of SO E-torx wrenches. The broaching on it isn't ideal as the wrench doesn't sit deep enough on the fastener head, and as a result stripping the fastener under load.


Speaking of E-torx...make sure to get a few of the common sizes in 1/4" drive, like E-10/12. In some situation, you need the low profile offered by the 1/4" drive. I'd also suggest getting a 1/4" drive E-10 U-joint socket.

For T-20/25 internal torx, I'd suggest getting long 1/4" hex shank bits to use with your cordless impact/driver. If they have holding capabilities, even better (Wera's hold-function bits or magnetic tipped)

For in-hex, make sure to get a super stubby 7mm in a 3/8" drive.

For specialty out-hex sockets, concentrate on these sizes: 10/11/13/16/17/18mm sockets.

Don't forget to have a 9/11mm combination and offset wrench for brake bleeding.

For Re&Re of under-body panels, get yourself some long 1/4" hex shank bits in 8 and 10mm. Also for your impact driver, I'd suggest a long flex-shaft so that you can use your 8mm nutrunner or any 1/4" drive hex bit on the end of it.


a good bit driver

hook/pick set in long and short sizes

a hefty, soft-face deadblow mallet for removing wheels stuck onto the hub

trim clip removal tools, both short and long is very handy, not just of it's intended purpose.

I realize now that these aren't BMW specific tools...nonetheless, they are all needed to make your job go easier.

 

[Steevo]

I have a wrench that is made just to tighten/loosen the exhaust header finned nuts on a BMW airhead engine . . .

Oh, wrong kind of BMW's . . .

 

[NedNorton]

All good suggestions. I would add a few basics... 36mm for the older oil filter housings, strap wrench for the newer ones.

This one is on the most highly recommended list...Snap-On 1/4 drive ratchet with swapped internals to make it a 3/8 drive. I have the standard and long versions and they are great for getting into small spaces. (most places under the hood) Plus, you can use your regular Snap-On hex bit sockets in some of sizes that come in 3/8 drive not 1/4 inch drive in the standard set. DISA and Throttle body bolts are the first to come to mind. Your dealer should have the kits to swap the internals.

Last thing... Good O2 sensor socket. I use a Hazet.

Good luck and learn a lot.

Cheers-

 

[NedNorton]

I have a wrench that is made just to tighten/loosen the exhaust header finned nuts on a BMW airhead engine . . .

Oh, wrong kind of BMW's . . .

Should have also added the turned down 27mm for the swing arm!

 

[mailpup]

If you will be working on BMW front wheel bearings, some require a 46mm socket for the retaining hub nut. It's not a size that commonly comes in most sets. Most available 46mm chrome sockets seem to be 3/4" drive while 46mm impact sockets are available in 1/2" drive and 3/4" drive. I really don't have much need for 3/4" drive so I use a 1/2" to 3/4" drive adapter for the chrome socket for now.

 

[tjmonsen5]

I use a snapon solus ultra on my 87 325is as well as my 03 330xi. I can reset lights with it, diagnose airbag faults, abs, tire pressure sensors, whatever. It works for me. And it goes very in depth with the optional European kit. I've done rear electronic calipers on vw Audi with pad thickness learning. The solus ultra is awesome and makes everything really easy.

 

[dimensionseven]

So I purchased a set of flank drive plus wrenches for a great deal. 7 to 22. I wasn't sure if I should go any bigger with add on wrenches. Will these cover anything bmw throws on their cars? I'm saving for a good set of e torx wrenches still . Just got these for a 1/ 3rd of their here he price new

 

[Skyline]

So I purchased a set of flank drive plus wrenches for a great deal. 7 to 22. I wasn't sure if I should go any bigger with add on wrenches. Will these cover anything bmw throws on their cars? I'm saving for a good set of e torx wrenches still . Just got these for a 1/ 3rd of their here he price new

That will definitely cover the bulk of your needs.

Well you will definitely need 32mm for the fan bolt, but you're better off getting a flat dedicated wrench for that, along with the flat pulley holding tool, (Koch tools, about $50 shipped for the pair). You will use these ALL the time.

Offhand, the only thing I can think of that's bigger is the cap bolt where the driveshaft splits at the splines on some BMWs. I can't tell you the size offhand but it's very large. But you need to split the driveshaft to replace the rubber housed intermediate driveshaft bearing, and that's a fairly common failure point. A big adjustable wrench can do the job as well.

 

[turdferguson13]

I would get a 24 mm wrench also.

Somebody mentioned getting a wobble e10 torx socket. I would recommend getting a wobble 8 mm socket. It fits the e10 perfectly and can also be used on an 8 mm. I use it on the newer n52 motors to get to the bolt for the oil filter housing that sits just behind the intake manifold. Saves you from having to loosen the intake, and you still get paid the same time!

Oh and for fan clutch removal I would recommend this tool, much easier to use than the others. There is a bmw specific one out there but this one works for lots of vehicles.

 

[humber2]

I have been accepted to the BMW STEP training program. When you graduate they want you to have your own tools and such. I have most things you would want but I wasn't sure of anything that would apply to bmws that I am unaware of. Any recommendations?

I've been told that BMW stands for "Buy More Wrenches"

 

[shockwave]

Autologic scan tool works better than the oe scan tool but expensive

 

[shockwave]

Also look at ast tool they make a lot for bmw only tools them and sir tools aswell