New to the M3 and European car and I already know there are a decent number of torx bit bolts on this car. What else is must have? I will do all my own maintenance.
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11-20-2019LAST POST
//steve\\ wroteA good torque wrench...New to the M3 and European car and I already know there are a decent number of torx bit bolts on this car. What else is must have? I will do all my own maintenance.
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1330067
Perfect. Thanks!
Torx, e torx, allen sockets, wobble extensions, swivels, racheting wrenches
I guess I should add that I'm not completely new to working on cars so I have just about everything metric sized I'd need. Just most curious about BMW/M3 specific items (like torx).
The link above is very helpful.
The link above is very helpful.
//steve\\ wroteYeah, the guy is a superstar, you noticed Theodores replacement part thread too?I guess I should add that I'm not completely new to working on cars so I have just about everything metric sized I'd need. Just most curious about BMW/M3 specific items (like torx).
The link above is very helpful.
https://www.m3post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1343867
You might already have it but a power ratchet will save you lots of time over the life of the car. Tons of little bolts to undo on these things.
Speak of the devil...
Nice set of BMW jack pads. There is a few options out there, but the stock jacking points tend to chip and break over time.
If you've already got metric tools then you're probably set. I do my own maintenance as well and I find the fit tolerances on these cars to be pretty tight, especially on the engine and exhaust. You'll want to be using good quality sockets/bits to help prevent things from getting stripped.
Checkbook...
M eyedoc wroteTouchéCheckbook...
Spark plug coil pack puller.
E-torx was #1 for me. Large torque wrench, smaller torque wrench for some of the 10-20ft/lb settings. Transfer pump. A few odds and ends like the oversized hex for the diff and trans bolts.
Things like magnetic spark plug sockets and the oil filter socket can be had on amazon for <$10.
M eyedoc wroteharbor freight gang represent. For ~$150 you can buy almost everything the average non-mechanic would need. I have had more expensive tools like Dewalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, Porter Cable, etc. and for mechanics tools, Harbor Freight is fine.Checkbook...
Things like magnetic spark plug sockets and the oil filter socket can be had on amazon for <$10.
//steve\\ wroteUpholstery and trim toolsNew to the M3 and European car and I already know there are a decent number of torx bit bolts on this car. What else is must have? I will do all my own maintenance.
wheel cleaning brush that will get inside the barrels. the brake dust is the worst I've ever seen in any car I've personally owned.
LakeSurfer wroteMy brother gave me a trim tool set for Christmas a few years ago and it's already paid for itself 10x over.Upholstery and trim tools
wheel cleaning brush that will get inside the barrels. the brake dust is the worst I've ever seen in any car I've personally owned.
I'm a detail nut so I'm all set. At some point I'll dig into a full detail and update my thread and people can see just how crazy I am
I'm still not entirely sure how I'll clean inside the wheels yet. I'm on an 18" E88 setup with full Essex AP brakes. In the rear it looks like I can get around the rotor/calipers but up front it looks like no way.
Heres my contribution most people don't know about:
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Flip-Sockets/1-4%22-Drive-12-Point-Metric-8-and-10-mm-Semi-Deep-Flip-Socket/S6810
https://shop.snapon.com/product/Flip-Sockets/1-4%22-Drive-12-Point-Metric-8-and-10-mm-Semi-Deep-Flip-Socket/S6810
One of my fav tools for working on anything in a tight space GEARWRENCH 1/4" Drive 120XP Flex Head Teardrop Ratchet 6-3/4" - 81012P https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CDDJG4I/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_2aw1Db55TFX0R
//steve\\ wrotewhen you get the barrels all cleaned and polished, slap some ceramic coating on them. a pressure washer will remove the dust relatively easily. I had to take my wheels completely off to clean them the way I wanted to.My brother gave me a trim tool set for Christmas a few years ago and it's already paid for itself 10x over.
I'm a detail nut so I'm all set. At some point I'll dig into a full detail and update my thread and people can see just how crazy I am
LakeSurfer wroteYup! I've long been telling friends if you only coat one part of your car the wheels are the thing to do. The wheels will get the full detail treatment as well once I dig into that.when you get the barrels all cleaned and polished, slap some ceramic coating on them. a pressure washer will remove the dust relatively easily. I had to take my wheels completely off to clean them the way I wanted to.
A cheap set of exhaust hanger removal pliers is a must for me... $15 on amazon. They're life saving if you're using stock hangers with an aftermarket system where the hanger nip is oversized.
