Must have tools for working on BMWs

[signcrafter]

The front center jacking point is hard to reach without a low profile jack, and even then its not possible on some models without a long reach low profile. So ramps help or driving the car on some 2x10 pieces to make jacking it up easier.

I just picked up a low profile jack from HF. I have a few other jacks but have been meaning to get a low profile for a while now after working on some VWs.

wheel hangers.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WV5SF3G/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not exactly a "must have" but a difference maker for sure.

I've been meaning to pick some of these up also. Any reason I can't just cut the head off some bolts and use them?

E-Torx
Torx
Metric Allen

3/8 drive ratchet guts in ¼ frame. Snap-On sells this and others may also. It allows you to access things in the engine compartment that you couldn’t using a 3/8 -> ¼ adapter. If you buy nothing else from the tool trucks get one of these. It allows you to use your 3/8 bit sockets in tight places and there are a lot of tight places.

Torque wrench- 3/8 & ¼ Please get good ones. BMW’s do not do well with over torqued bolts. Nm scale is a plus but converting from Nm to Ft lbs is just a mouse click away.

BMW scan tool software and an old ThinkPad. These cars have lots of manufacture codes that go well beyond OBDII.

Hope this helps.

Cheers,
Chris

I have the standard torx, etorx, and allen sockets. Any particular "special" ones I should get besides the low profile hex for brake calipers?

I believe I have a 3/8" in a 1/4" body but will have to check.

Torque wrenches I'm good on.

I don't have a BMW scan tool but do have an autel 708 which from the little I've played around with it on the BMW it can do a lot of things. Can register the battery which is what I need it to do now. Then after the alt and battery is fixed I will see what codes I'm left with.

Second the ramps, the first time I lifted my e39, I got the floor jack, couldn't reach, used the tire changer jack, up a few inches, in with the floor jack, up with the car, on the stands, done, lift, drop, can't get the jack out, lift with the changer.

Another project that is on the list of things to do. Think I even started a thread on wood ramps last year when I was working on a jetta. I'll have to see how the HF low profile jack works and build some of these if needed.

 

[K-Dog]

I've been meaning to pick some of these up also. Any reason I can't just cut the head off some bolts and use them?

No, no reason whatsoever.

You loose the "Oooh Ahhh " factor, but that seems to be more important to some people and not so much for others.

 

[marlinspike]

BMW includes a wheel hanging dowel in the trunklid toolkit of the cars that benefit from having one.

 

[offshorebear]

BMWhat app or whatever it is called these days (iCarly?). You also need an ODB connector that will work with your phone.

It does all the whizbang BMW diagnostics for you.

 

[NedNorton]

Sound like you have most of the basics covered. Stubby torx will come in handy also in addition to the other tools listed above. If your scan tool can code batteries it may be all you need out of the gate.

Good luck! I hope you get to drive the car after working on it.

Cheers,
Chris

 

[NYBODYMAN]

I still have a bunch of "specialized" one time use tools I had to buy to fix some BMW's back in the day. What a waste lol.