List of "must haves" in Bimmer tool box

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Locksmythe

That precision instruments piece is pricey for something I won't use much. Brands like Mountain and Gorilla not worth considering?

I can't comment on those specific brands, but a high degree of accuracy is frankly seldom critical for the average home mechanic. Many commodity level tools would probably be adequate. Sears Craftsman is an old standby for this level of tool, and others.

My personal philosophy is to buy the very best tools because I know they will last a lifetime and give pleasure every time you use them. I still have Snap-On wrenches I bought about 40 years ago in college that have never failed me and still look good.

[bigjae1976]

I've always thought that Snap on made total sense for a professional where a truck frequently vists. Otherwise you have to run down a snap on truck like its an ice cream truck.

For most weekend mechanics...Craftsman is more than adequate. It is more than worth it if you can spend the money on Snap on wrenches (the best IMO) and ratchet/socket sets.

Best part about Snap on...they don't depreciate that much.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by bigjae1976

I've always thought that Snap on made total sense for a professional where a truck frequently vists. Otherwise you have to run down a snap on truck like its an ice cream truck.

You can order online now - much more convenient. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/catalog.asp

Best part about Snap on...they don't depreciate that much.

Except most people would never sell these tools. Maybe worth more for your heirs?

[Locksmythe]

So, interesting thing on northern tool they have the esco, and another stand that appears to be identical. It looks like it is just turned 90 degrees.

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...8558_200358558

http://www.northerntool.com/shop/too...6470_200456470

going to search for an explanation

[Locksmythe]

Went ahead with the AME International ones, since they are probably imported from the same manufacturer and relabeled

I saw a review of the Precision Instruments wrench that said it is also relabeled and sold as a Snap On, so that is a good find. The problem is it is not sensitive enough to torque things like the oil seals and filter. I guess I will need a smaller wrench too.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Locksmythe

So, interesting thing on northern tool they have the esco, and another stand that appears to be identical. It looks like it is just turned 90 degrees.

Same design but different capacities. 6T is way overkill. The AME is more expensive in the links you sent, so why did you pick it?

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Locksmythe

Went ahead with the AME International ones, since they are probably imported from the same manufacturer and relabeled

I saw a review of the Precision Instruments wrench that said it is also relabeled and sold as a Snap On, so that is a good find. The problem is it is not sensitive enough to torque things like the oil seals and filter. I guess I will need a smaller wrench too.

Yes, one range is not a do-all. A 1/2" 40-250 ft lb model combined with a 3/8" 20-100 ft lb one covers most of the spectrum you need.

[Fsarc]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Same design but different capacities. 6T is way overkill. The AME is more expensive in the links you sent, so why did you pick it?

AME- looks like it $139.99 for the pair versus $89.99 each for the ESCO. If it is for the pair he found a great deal.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by Fsarc

AME- looks like it $139.99 for the pair versus $89.99 each for the ESCO. If it is for the pair he found a great deal.

You're right - it's not clearly described. 6T capacity is for a pair.

[Locksmythe]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

You're right - it's not clearly described. 6T capacity is for a pair.

Yes, one range is not a do-all. A 1/2" 40-250 ft lb model combined with a 3/8" 20-100 ft lb one covers most of the spectrum you need.

Yes, you are both correct. Seems to be the same, just sold as a pair from a different distributor. I will update the thread when they arrive.

I have a set of heavy duty rhino ramps for the other end, depending which I am working on. Sucks that I can't drive on to them though.

Seems I need to go down to around 5 ft lbs for the oil plugs, so that is even more sensitive yet. I think I will try to borrow one in the short term.

[bigjae1976]

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

You can order online now - much more convenient. http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/catalog.asp

True...but its nice to have instant access to replacements when you drop a socket in the dark recesses of your engine bay with no hope of finding it or you break something. Let's say my snap on set has a couple of craftsman sockets mixed in.

I'm fine with it but some anal-retentives here might find this intolerable.

Originally Posted by GregW / Oregon

Except most people would never sell these tools. Maybe worth more for your heirs?

Yeah, probably not an important aspect but rvery shade-tree must retire eventually

[Richbot]

[e92_m3]

^^^Out of all places, you keep a checkbook in your tool box?^^^

Baller status??

[Richbot]

I actually do keep a checkbook in my toolbox, vendors at club racing events don't always have a credit card machine set up.

But a cell phone and a checkbook are definitely my two favorite tools. Unfortunately, the list of people who are worth calling is very, very short.

[mainstray]

Very informative. Thanks!

[Locksmythe]

The Ame International stands came today, and as expected, are exactly the same as the Esco. Just a different reseller. Cheaper in pairs. I ordered mine through Discover Card for an extra cash back from Northern Tool.

[tlp]

This tool has come in handy dozens of times over the years.

It called the Lisle 35260 Plastic Fastener Remover. It has a nice plastic/rubber bumper to prevent the marring of surfaces.

[GregW / Oregon]

Originally Posted by RATED ///M3

This tool has come in handy dozens of times over the years.

Ah, yes, the trim panel remover. I've used mine a lot, too.

[curious_t]

Do people use floor jack or trolley jack? And why? Thanks

[Kurohouou]

Floor jack would be best, not much ground clearance for some trolley type jacks. Especially if you use the adapter to fit inside the BMW Jack points.

[STORM3]

Originally Posted by MTROIS

Hello all,

I have started my "Bimmer" tool box with the following essentials:

• hydraulic jack
• jack stand
• breaker bar
• torque wrench for lug nuts
• set of metric hex keys
• 15-piece set of metric wrenches
• power bleeder
• screwdrivers

but was wondering what else you guys would recommend I should add at this point, especially if someone could recommend a set of ratchet/sockets that would cover most of the basic needs.

As I understand that the tools needed are a function of the use intended, let me just describe that: I am only planning on doing basic work such as: break pads, wheel swap, break fluid, oil changes, etc...

Thanks in advance for your recommendations.

Get a good torx set, they come in handy, like the airbox cover. #T20

Rubber mallet or deadblow
Good set of picks, straight

[Factoy Pilot]

Snap-On, MATCO, Craftsmen- it's all about the quality and the warranty.