Which tools are must haves in a set for a BMW? doityourself

[Go Horns!]

Installing the performance air intake today made me realize I am in desperate need of a tool set that is not filled with random tools and very few metric tools. Right now Sears has their tool sets on sale for 30% off. I am looking to spend between $100 and $200. I want a set that I can keep in my trunk and use for routine maintenance. I don't plan on rebuilding any engines or doing major repairs myself.

What tools are absolute must haves for the set I buy? Are there any that, while it is not a must have, would be nice to have and make my life easier?

[danewilson77]

1/4 and 3/8 inch drive standards 5mm up to 18mm. Shallow and deep sockets.

3/8 inch drive breaker bar.

Good set of screwdrivers.

Couple of 1/4" drive 6" extensions, and 3" extensions.

Couple of 3/8" drive 6" extensions, and 3" extensions.

Box end open end wrenches....from 5mm up to 18mm.

One large, one small crescent wrench.

1 0-150ft-lb torque wrench.

1 0-50nm torque wrench.

OBD II scan tool.

2 low profile jacks.

2 jack stands.

1/4" flex drive kit.

Good exacto knife kit.

[mimalmo]

Dane's got a good list there.

I would also look at the interior trim toolkit from ECS tuning if you plan on doing tail lights, iPod adaptor, homelink, etc.

[danewilson77]

+1...great idea Eli...

Dane's got a good list there.

I would also look at the interior trim toolkit from ECS tuning if you plan on doing tail lights, iPod adaptor, homelink, etc.

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[Oli77]

Awesome idea for a thread. Pics would be even better, but Dane, whats a 1/4" flex drive kit?

Is it the screwdriver that flexes for removing the dreaded lower intake boot? - need one of those.

How do you remove the oil filter housing cap? Don't you need a 32 mm socket (or do you use a large adjustable range?).

[danewilson77]

I use the 32mm socket...which should be added. I have one....just didn't put it above.

Flex drive kit I have has a screwdriver handle....and it come with a 6-9 inch removeable, flexible extension. It also has some fittings.

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[kayger12]

Also the hex head socket for the diff and the torx socket for the manual trans.

I'll get the sizes when I get home.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

[danewilson77]

+1

Also the hex head socket for the diff and the torx socket for the manual trans.

I'll get the sizes when I get home.

Droid X. Tapatalk. Use it.

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[Marcus-SanDiego]

If you do get your tools at Sears, feel free to click this link right here for the tools. As you said, their tools are 30% off. ZHPMafia.com gets a commission if you purchase through that link.

[ryankokesh]

Awesome idea for a thread. Pics would be even better, but Dane, whats a 1/4" flex drive kit?

Is it the screwdriver that flexes for removing the dreaded lower intake boot? - need one of those.

How do you remove the oil filter housing cap? Don't you need a 32 mm socket (or do you use a large adjustable range?).

I need one of those flex things for the lower intake boot too...

I've used large adjustable pliers or whatever for the oil filter cap, but I just got the socket from amazon. I'll update with the link later...