So I picked up a BMW...

[cdseven95]

I do all my own work so what tools do I need to pick up for it.. For general repairs on it. After the wallet Ive only had Japanese cars.....


PO had it looked over at BMW before the sale and so far it needs
A valve cover gasket
Diff seal
Has a "leaking Vanos line"

328ci

 

[blown94conv]

Torx bits and triple squares are a must with German cars. Good luck with it, they are great cars.

 

[Mavawreck]

I'm not too familiar with the cars, almost bought a '01 328ci that had the same diff leak. The vanos line is new to me, but from a quick read that sounds like a scary leak to me.

 

[jakeb]

There really isn't much you need other than a good metric tool set, most things a 10/13mm, 16mm-19mm, a 36mm socket is nice for the top of the oil filter housing.

torx and some external torx if you plan to do some more involved repairs (trans/clutch removal, rear axles.

 

[newcastleadam]

Replacing the VANOS line doesn't sound horrible if you're already familiar with mechanical work.

BMW VANOS Oil Line & Solenoid Replacement

Sounds like you can do the valve cover gasket at the same time, which is nice.

 

[allinon72]

Coming from a former 3 series owner...it will definitely keep you busy in the garage. They are fun cars but they require your constant attention and do not age particularly well.

You'll want to have a good set of torx and hex sockets on hand. Also be prepared to purchase specialty tools for certain jobs.

 

[ponchopower]

I will disagree with allinon72. Coming from a former 3 series (as well as others) owner, my experience including with high mileage cars is that they are fun cars that require very very little maintenance and age incredibly well.

The combined repairs on a 328, M3, Z3, and Z-Roadster include: Drum roll.............

One frayed electrical wire between the trunk and trunk lid of the M-Roadster. Took about 20 minutes to repair.

One dust plate on the brakes of the M-Roadster got a stone stuck in it, which slightly bent it. Took about 1 hr to repair.

That's it.

All cars were bought used. All were maintained the same as my other cars - just routine maintenance. All were kept until they had between 80k miles and 130k miles on them. All looked brand new when I sold them.

Have fun with your car, and don't worry about it. Most of the time you'll just need torx, allens, metric tools. Every once in a while you'll need something special, which is available via a bunch of different BMW sites. I would also pick up a set of wheel pins to make mounting wheels just very much easier.

 

[wafrederick]

You can use metric hex socket on the triple squares,I have done this and works.I know my father is looking for one,plans to drop in a small block Chevy in one.There are kits to do this.Was going to bid on one at a dealer only auction,did not due to having lots of electrical problems.

 

[Scuderia-F1]

I will disagree with allinon72. Coming from a former 3 series (as well as others) owner, my experience including with high mileage cars is that they are fun cars that require very very little maintenance and age incredibly well.

The combined repairs on a 328, M3, Z3, and Z-Roadster include: Drum roll.............

One frayed electrical wire between the trunk and trunk lid of the M-Roadster. Took about 20 minutes to repair.

One dust plate on the brakes of the M-Roadster got a stone stuck in it, which slightly bent it. Took about 1 hr to repair.

That's it.

All cars were bought used. All were maintained the same as my other cars - just routine maintenance. All were kept until they had between 80k miles and 130k miles on them. All looked brand new when I sold them.

Have fun with your car, and don't worry about it. Most of the time you'll just need torx, allens, metric tools. Every once in a while you'll need something special, which is available via a bunch of different BMW sites. I would also pick up a set of wheel pins to make mounting wheels just very much easier.

I don´t know what kind of "rotten egg" allinon72 got!
But as a former BMW tech & owner I must say that the E46 is a very well built car, and VERY easy to maintain.

 

[scott37300]

I will disagree with allinon72. Coming from a former 3 series (as well as others) owner, my experience including with high mileage cars is that they are fun cars that require very very little maintenance and age incredibly well.

All cars were bought used. All were maintained the same as my other cars - just routine maintenance. All were kept until they had between 80k miles and 130k miles on them. All looked brand new when I sold them.

I don't know much about these cars but I would not consider 80-130K miles "high mileage" cars.

 

[ponchopower]

I don't know much about these cars but I would not consider 80-130K miles "high mileage" cars.

I never said they were high mileage. But they're also not low mileage. They were well used. Including being tracked. More importantly note where I said that they looked "brand new" even at that mileage. And I mean paint, carpet, upholstery. When I compare the interior of the 328 for example at over 100k miles and 7 yrs old with the (at the time) 2000 Chevy Silverado LT Z71 Leather interior, every option available with 23k miles, the Chevy looked about 9 yrs older. Upholstery wrinkled and cracking, fading somewhat, carpet worn, etc.

Just a point of reference as to the comment about the BMWs "not aging well". I didn't sell any of them because of any issues. They were "fun" cars that I'd buy and sell.

 

[route246]

80K-130K miles is barely broken in to a lot of people, especially for a German marque. I had an '84 VW Rabbit GTI (no Golf in those days) that I bought new for about $8900. I put 360K miles on it with the original engine, clutch and rear brakes intact. I went through the usual two water pumps but not much else in about 18 years of ownership. The reason that I think this is impressive is because it shows my driving skills, knowing how to use a clutch while not relying on the brakes, either. It was about 50-50 highway/city miles, too.

The car was "assembled in Pennsylvania from mostly German-sourced parts." Production moved to Mexico a few years later. It was one of the finest vehicles I ever owned.

I had to put it to sleep because the transmission linkage sh!t broke and would have been a major repair cost to fix a car that was rusting and tired but still running stout and strong if I pushed her. If it wasn't for the rust I probably would have kept her (the car, not my wife) and fixed the transmission but my wife wanted it out of the driveway and the neighbors were thankful that she was finally removed, too.

I will disagree with allinon72. Coming from a former 3 series (as well as others) owner, my experience including with high mileage cars is that they are fun cars that require very very little maintenance and age incredibly well.

The combined repairs on a 328, M3, Z3, and Z-Roadster include: Drum roll.............

One frayed electrical wire between the trunk and trunk lid of the M-Roadster. Took about 20 minutes to repair.

One dust plate on the brakes of the M-Roadster got a stone stuck in it, which slightly bent it. Took about 1 hr to repair.

That's it.

All cars were bought used. All were maintained the same as my other cars - just routine maintenance. All were kept until they had between 80k miles and 130k miles on them. All looked brand new when I sold them.

Have fun with your car, and don't worry about it. Most of the time you'll just need torx, allens, metric tools. Every once in a while you'll need something special, which is available via a bunch of different BMW sites. I would also pick up a set of wheel pins to make mounting wheels just very much easier.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

You can use metric hex socket on the triple squares,I have done this and works.

No you can't, it ruins the head. BMW don't use triple squares anyway.

They're good cars, they do go through a lot of wishbone bushes and cam cover gaskets though. Not bad jobs to do at all. They're good solid reliable cars, good engines and all.

Depending on where they Vanos line's leaking from, you may need to remove the intake manifold. It's a bit of a *****, but not too bad. The live feed for the jump start terminal to the starter can be a pain how it passes between the runners. Other common problems are crank case breathers and variable-length intake adjusters failing, but they're also not actually that bad.

Enjoy your new car, i love 'em!

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

congratulations

 

[GDA]

I have an 01 E46 with 180k miles on it; completely dependable and very durable. For maintaining BMWs you will want sockets and wrenches from 6mm to 24mm.

Small stuff like engine hose clamps can use the 6mm or 7mm 1/4 drive stuff. Lots of the vehicle is comprised of 10 and 13mm; valve cover bolts, water pump, window regulators etc are usually in one of these sizes.

Some suspension stuff will require 15, 16, 17, 19, 22 and maybe a 24 if aftermarket parts have already been installed.

Torx, Allen, Ball Allen and for some stuff like driveshaft and cv axle bolts will require you to have ETorx.

You will want to build you own fan clutch tool from a set of 1/4 bar stock from HD. Drill out the proper sized holes and then grind out a relief for the fan clutch shaft.

You will also want a 32mm wrench for pulling the fan clutch. A Park bike wrench works if you want one on the cheap.

Oh, and for those who said BMWs never use triplesqure they need to work on some old school M cars. They were used on several parts on E34 M5s but that is not of interest to you.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Oh, and for those who said BMWs never use triplesqure they need to work on some old school M cars. They were used on several parts on E34 M5s but that is not of interest to you.

Never as in.. very f**cking rarely kinda never!

(I actually can't recall ever using one on a BMW, not saying you're wrong but i just never have.. yet..)

 

[David W]

I never owned a Bimmer but always thought they were great looking cars. What about basic maintenance? I hear about expensive tune-ups for instance. A BMW salesman told me that in the old days of German automotive culture it was common practice to tear down the engine periodically and do overhauls but they've lately come around to the American drive it till it drops maintenance philosophy. If these are really relatively reliable and maintenance free, I'm sure going to give them a closer look next time I buy a car.
Are any of them maintenance nightmares to avoid?

 

[GDA]

Never as in.. very f**cking rarely kinda never!

(I actually can't recall ever using one on a BMW, not saying you're wrong but i just never have.. yet..)

^ Haha

Actually, they used them on as the retainer bolts on the M System turbine/throwing star wheels and also on the drive axle/cv bolts on the E34 M5.

I have not run into them any other place on E30s, E36s, E46s and E34s and E32s.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

In my experience servicing/preventative maintenance hasn't cost much more than anything else out there. Parts are probably more expensive over there, but here in Europe they're very reasonable for a premium-market car. They're easy enough to work on (except the newer diesels' air filters!) and maintain. I deal with plenty of 'em and we do contract work for the local BMW dealer too. Of all the things i work on they give me very little hassle or grief. Good cars.

 

[snapmom]

Hubby use to be able to pick up a car, but he is a little bit old for it now.

 

[gf0012-aust]

I do all my own work so what tools do I need to pick up for it.. For general repairs on it. After the wallet Ive only had Japanese cars.....


PO had it looked over at BMW before the sale and so far it needs
A valve cover gasket
Diff seal
Has a "leaking Vanos line"

328ci

some of the beemers (like mercs and new vdubs) have some specially shaped wrenches as well as proprietary panel removal

the wrench below is for a VW but I bought it to use on the merc to get to some oddly placed bolts - its been a life saver as I've used it on my 4wd's as well



bmw clutch puller





have a look for "special tools"

 

[dwm]

You will want to build you own fan clutch tool from a set of 1/4 bar stock from HD. Drill out the proper sized holes and then grind out a relief for the fan clutch shaft.

Given that time is money, I'd just buy one. SIR Tools makes one (or used to), it works well and is not expensive. You can buy a fan clutch tool and a long 32mm wrench from ZDMAK for $37. I actually prefer the BMW 32mm tool for the nut since it's got a square welded on for the torque wrench and the torque value (already converted) etched on it.

 

[wafrederick]

I have not ruined a triple square fastner with a metric hex bit.Was working on a 2001 VW beetle which use triple square fasterners and used a metric hex bit.Watched one on the small claims court shows on tv,Judge Joe brown.A guy bought an used BMW that was a lemon for $1,500.00 and lost.The engine took a ****.The defendents won,$500.00 for the rest of the payment on the car.There was a bill of sale saying it was bought as is with no warranty.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I have not ruined a triple square fastner with a metric hex bit.

Then you're very lucky, because every one i've ever dealt with that someone used a hex bit in they either ruined the splines or stripped the head completely.

Watched one on the small claims court shows on tv,Judge Joe brown.A guy bought an used BMW that was a lemon for $1,500.00 and lost.The engine took a ****.The defendents won,$500.00 for the rest of the payment on the car.There was a bill of sale saying it was bought as is with no warranty.

So because you saw one thing on a **** tv program that involved a BMW that had issues that means they're all poor an unreliable? What's the point of that post?

 

[scott37300]

I have not ruined a triple square fastner with a metric hex bit.Was working on a 2001 VW beetle which use triple square fasterners and used a metric hex bit.Watched one on the small claims court shows on tv,Judge Joe brown.A guy bought an used BMW that was a lemon for $1,500.00 and lost.The engine took a ****.The defendents won,$500.00 for the rest of the payment on the car.There was a bill of sale saying it was bought as is with no warranty.

Judge Joe Brown? There's a reliable source. 1500 for a bmw, then it should be buyer beware since you don't get much for 1500 now a days. I don't get what you are trying to say about it?

As far as using hex on triple square if you ever look at the two they are totally different and you have very little contact points using a hex on a triple square. Might as well just use a vice grips on all nuts and bolts.

 

[GDA]

Then you're very lucky, because every one i've ever dealt with that someone used a hex bit in they either ruined the splines or stripped the head completely.

Truth... especially if rusted or was in a high torque spec'd area. You might get it out but that probably doesn't leave much for the next guy coming back to it.

And for the record, I'm amazed at the number of times people refer to using the wrong tool on a tool forum.

 

[eurokid]

I work on european cars for a living, mostly BMW's. If I were you I would get that Vanos line replaced ASAP. That line has a lot of oil pressure going to it and once they start leaking it's only a matter of time untill it comes apart completely. If your on the freeway and that line pops your going to be buying a new engine. The hose is cheap and easy to replace. Seriously don't put it off I've seen it happen. The valve cover gasket and diff seal aren't as critical unless they're leaking a lot. If you need any more info on the car feel free to PM me.

 

[bmwohio]

I work on european cars for a living, mostly BMW's. If I were you I would get that Vanos line replaced ASAP. That line has a lot of oil pressure going to it and once they start leaking it's only a matter of time untill it comes apart completely. If your on the freeway and that line pops your going to be buying a new engine. The hose is cheap and easy to replace. Seriously don't put it off I've seen it happen. The valve cover gasket and diff seal aren't as critical unless they're leaking a lot. If you need any more info on the car feel free to PM me.

OP, I agree ^^

I own an E36 and have worked on it for about 2 years now. I have done many jobs including Inspection I and II, and have yet to pay a mechanic to do any of the work. Alot of good suggestions here for metric sockets, wrenches, internal/external torx, and hex bits (mainly 4-10)

Here is a link to specialty tools, if you ever need one. They are pricey, but are a lifesaver sometimes --> http://www.samstagsales.com/bmwtools.htm

Enjoy your E46!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Here is a link to specialty tools, if you ever need one. They are pricey, but are a lifesaver sometimes --> http://www.samstagsales.com/bmwtools.htm

When it comes to Samstag "expensive" ain't the word! In this part of the world they're called "piss-takers". That said, i find their website great for finding tools and then going and buying them elsewhere at a fraction of the cost.

 

[bmwohio]

When it comes to Samstag "expensive" ain't the word! In this part of the world they're called "piss-takers". That said, i find their website great for finding tools and then going and buying them elsewhere at a fraction of the cost.

Good to know, thanks for the tip......

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Good to know, thanks for the tip......

It may be swings and roundabouts for you, most of what i buy that they list comes from Germany, cheap for me but expensive for anyone on your side of the pond.

Also worth noting that many things like wrenches and socket sets can be bought through main dealer tool programs. With a trade account and the right part numbers you can get stuff like Hazet socket sets from VW for a good price.

 

[johnnybentwrench]

Where do you go after Sam stags? I have been buying there because they ship quick.

Nice car.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Where do you go after Sam stags? I have been buying there because they ship quick.

I go to main dealers or German tool retailers.

 

[cdseven95]

If I were you I would get that Vanos line replaced ASAP.

I ordered the line... I am replacing it once I get it.... I think it is probably leaking from the crush washers but it is older and the line is sub $50 so while I have it apart I am just going to replace it..


So far I have bought a torx set... (to remove the bumper to replace the aux/condenser fan)

And a 3/8 drive Allen key set to replace the cam sensor (exhaust side)

The upper diff mount is shot so I ordered that also... You need to pull the diff to replace it so all the seals are getting done when I do that.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Just curious, Don't they also use Torx plus lately?

 

[franzdom]

Not in the e46 the OP bought, I have one of those it is a blast. Have done a ton of work on it too but it's almost all been preventive. Parts aren't too bad, it's labor that makes BMW so expensive to own. If you do your own work and stay on top of it they are quite reliable and very fun, and fast enough.

 

[cdseven95]

Not in the e46 the OP bought, I have one of those it is a blast. Have done a ton of work on it too but it's almost all been preventive. Parts aren't too bad, it's labor that makes BMW so expensive to own. If you do your own work and stay on top of it they are quite reliable and very fun, and fast enough.

I drive it real conservative... It runs real good at the moment but I do not trust it..... Main thing is it is an auto.... It is my second auto car... 10+ manuals before this and I am afraid of the trans dropping out of the car even though it works correctly... (The steptronic trans is a known pos)

I drive alot for work and its an amazing car on the highway... From 70mph on it goes smoothly and I get about 26mpg mixed hwy city

I had it up on the lift and saw the trans is stamped GM.... I think GM has made its way back into my life. After owning a junk Bravada I said never again.. But they may of snuck into my garage masked as a BMW

 

[franzdom]

Haha, perhaps you should consider a manual swap, it's always an option. I know what you mean about trust though, that is a difficult thing. Well the transmission will give you some warning at least, it is very unlikely to ever leave you stranded.