[nick380]

Hey everyone I'm very beginner on Car Mechanical work and I'm in need of some tools and advice on working on my car. It's an 07 335i, she's a beauty and I love to drive the car, but I really want to work on her myself! I've taken the car into a shop once to have the oil changed, and I feel like I could've done that myself if I only had the right tools and knowledge base.

My Question is what's a good beginners tool set I could purchase online or in-store that would suffice for any non-complex work ie: Oil change, break pad replacement, spark plugs, coolant replacement, etc. I want to try to keep it below 100, but I know it'll be probably close to 200 if not more, so i'm prepared! I already purchased the special spark plugs piece required for the turbo model (335i).

Thanks again everyone, happy friday, and I hope you're enjoying your beamer as much or more than I am

-Nick

[AtlantaDude]

Oil Filter Tool
Tranny/Diff tool
There are two spark plug tools. The metal one for removing and torquing, there is also a black rubbery one that really helps with installing the new plugs
Two Torque Wrenches, inch/lbs and ft/lbs
Torx bits and Hex bits
A selection of wrenches and sockets in metric

That should give you a basic, fluid changing/Basic maintaining ability. Also.. A battery tender is a damn good idea.

[nick380]

Would you happen to know any good brands for these tools? Or maybe a kit that comes with all of them?

[AtlantaDude]

Originally Posted by nick380

Thanks again everyone, happy friday, and I hope you're enjoying your beamer as much or more than I am

-Nick

FYI: Beamer is a BMW motorcycle.. Bimmer is a BMW Car..

BTW: Congrats on the car!

[AtlantaDude]

Originally Posted by nick380

Would you happen to know any good brands for these tools? Or maybe a kit that comes with all of them?

Not any one kit. Schwaben (I'm sure I'm misspelling it) is a big tool supplier that ppl like, but they can be pricey. Personally, I've bought most of my tools from turnermotorsports.com or other BMW specialist as needed. Collect over time and it isn't that hard on the wallet.

[nick380]

Ah okay gotcha, so going to like homedepot or a local store is out of the question or do they offer a nice replacement for the tools you would get on your website.

Yea sorry I get those two (Beamer, bimmer) mixed up a lot! Haha and thanks just got her a few months ago and still learning the in and outs of the car!

[PINeely]

The main sizes that you are going to see are 8mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 16mm and 17mm. You'll need sockets in each of those sizes. Many basic socket/wrench sets are going to include all of those sizes. Getting into the suspension you'll start to run into 18mm, 21mm and 22mm. Buy your regular sockets in 3/8" and your bigger ones in 1/2".

Also buy some torx bits and allen bits as Bear From Jax mentioned. A breaker bar comes in handy in a whole lot of places. Philips and flathead screwdrivers of course.

Really I would say the major things are going to be the torque wrenches, oil filter wrench, an 8mm socket, a 10mm socket and a 17mm socket. That will let you change your oil and take your wheels on and off. Then when it comes time to do your brakes all you have to buy is a set of allen bits and a brake pad spreader, and then when you have to change coolant you only need to buy torx bits.

The specialty tools can often be had at autozone. I will take a picture of the specialty tools and describe what I use them for and where I got them once I get home.

[nick380]

Originally Posted by PINeely

The main sizes that you are going to see are 8mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 16mm and 17mm. You'll need sockets in each of those sizes. Many basic socket/wrench sets are going to include all of those sizes. Getting into the suspension you'll start to run into 18mm, 21mm and 22mm. Buy your regular sockets in 3/8" and your bigger ones in 1/2".

Also buy some torx bits and allen bits as Bear From Jax mentioned. A breaker bar comes in handy in a whole lot of places. Philips and flathead screwdrivers of course.

Really I would say the major things are going to be the torque wrenches, oil filter wrench, an 8mm socket, a 10mm socket and a 17mm socket. That will let you change your oil and take your wheels on and off. Then when it comes time to do your brakes all you have to buy is a set of allen bits and a brake pad spreader, and then when you have to change coolant you only need to buy torx bits.

The specialty tools can often be had at autozone. I will take a picture of the specialty tools and describe what I use them for and where I got them once I get home.

Yes please! That would be awesome. Thank you.

[BKV122]

Sears has some nice tool kits ranging in prices, then you just have to get some specialty tools for certain jobs.

http://www.sears.com/tools-tool-sets...sets/b-1021346

[Jklad]

I purchased a 200+ craftman mechanics toolset 12 years ago for $100 that has served me well - ratchets in all 3 sizes, metric and standard sockets tons of sizes both deep and shallow, some basic bits, a few wrenches, and more. Costco is actually selling a craftsman set you should check out.

You'll want some size adapters, extensions in various sizes and leangths, and swivel/bendable attachments for sure right off the bat, so your probobly looking at $150 at this point.

Also, a good torque wrench in ft lb to start.

I recently bought a full set mm and standard wrenches, long handle, regular, and stubby from harbor freight for super cheap (that's probobly the only kind of basic tool id buy from there though)

Next you can buy the specialty and more unique sizes/tools one at a time as you need them for your next upcoming job.

Then, and most important - make friends with a local mechanic or wrencher and observe how they work. Working on a new car is one thing -for older cars like yours (and my) 07, youll have to deal with crud, old/seized bolts, brittle part and plastic that breaks, etc. you can learn a lot of good, priceless tips and advice from good mechanic friend, especially when it comes to 'feeling things out'.

Good luck - I'm also looking forward to the previous posters tool list!

Almost forgot -- brake cleaner, carb cleaner, wd40, pb blaster (super helpful) and.....
SAftey GOGGLES!!!

[#Tee]

If youre only going to work on your car exclusively just buy sockets/ratches and specialty tool for your chasis/engine type. Dont get sucked into buying a huge tool kit which normally includes alot of standard sockets/wrenches that youll never use which ends up looking brand new after 12 years.

habor freight use them for floor jacks ( use the jack handle as a breaker bar) and jack stands, rags, gloves, oil/coolant tray, funnel, oil filter wrench if applicable, allen/torx bits and tire pressure gauge. Dont buy their torque wrenches!

craftsman/kobalt branded tools will suit you nicely for the home diyer. you can splurge on a cordless 3/8 impact from dewalt/milwaukee/Ingersoll rand/bosch/makita (brushless series) later on but try to stay on the same battery platform. you can spoil yourself later with a nice dvom im a toolnut !

[Efthreeoh]

^ I agree with this. Buy a metric mechanic's tool set; no need for SAE-sized tools. Sears still offers a good beginner's tool set IMO. Buy a Torx and E-Torx socket set, as they are a must for working on a BMW. Now, what you will really need is a good floor jack that has a low saddle and long reach and four (4) jackstands. A good floor jack and jackstands are essential to working on any car.

I also recommend buying the Bentley Service manual for the E90 and use the DIY's in E90 Post! Working on a car is a great skill that will serve you well throughout your life.

Applause from me for having the desire to DIY!

[Crusader]

Metric combo wrenches (I used to go with craftsman, I like kobalt better ... Big bucks? Snap on), 1/4 and 3/8 dive sockets, torx drive kit, a couple large hex drive for drain plugs, an oil filter wrench (it's unique), basic screwdrivers and a couple pics.

[nick380]

Thanks for all the help guys! I'll start out with a metric mechanics set to try and replace the ignition coils, I heard they can be a cause of misfires and I'm sure they're close to dead with 80k on the car...

[PINeely]

So here are the specialty tools, from top left clockwise,
-14mm 12-point spark plug socket- You said have ordered this
-Oxygen sensor socket- Available in any auto parts store but if you are only looking to do beginner stuff then you probably won't need it.
-36mm impact socket. I use this to remove the oil filter. Traditional filter wrenches grip the whole filter cap instead of just the hex on top. Bought at autozone.
-12mm Allen bit- used to remove the transmission and differential plugs. Bought at advance auto parts, comes in a 3-pack which also has a 14mm and 17mm hex bit.
-Brake pad spreader- used to push back the brake caliper piston when replacing pads. I got this one in a set a long time ago but autozone sells them individually for about 6 bucks.

That should cover most of the special stuff needed for DIY jobs.



I thought you might find this useful too. It's a kit that I cobbled together from duplicate tools and keep in my trunk. It's designed to be able to handle most small repairs in a pinch and probably represents a pretty good starter tool kit too, minus the specialty tools and torx wrenches or course

Top to bottom, left to right: 1/2" breaker bar, 1/2"F to 3/8"M adapter, 3/8" socket wrench, 1/4" socket wrench, small crescent wrench, 10mm wrench, 11mm wrench, 12mm wrench, 13mm wrench, 14mm wrench, 16mm wrench, 17mm wrench, med. flathead driver, med. phillips driver, needlenose pliers, hemostats, 3/8" medium extension, 3/8" short extension, 1/4" medium extension, 1/4" short extension, 8mm deep and regular sockets, 10mm d&r, 11mm d&r, 12mm d&r, 13mm d&r, 14mm d&r, 16mm d&r, 17mm d&r, 17mm 1/2" deep socket, torx bit set. The torx bits can be used as allen bits in a bind but I do not recommend it for regular maintenence as it is easy to strip either the bolt or the bit. Get yourself some allen bits.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by nick380

Thanks for all the help guys! I'll start out with a metric mechanics set to try and replace the ignition coils, I heard they can be a cause of misfires and I'm sure they're close to dead with 80k on the car...

I'd wait for a misfire code before replacing a coil. Which brings me to a point I should have made earlier... One of the first tools you should get is an OBDII scan tool (not just a code reader) and one of the available BMW code reader tools, both are indispensable for auto repair.

[minifridge1138]

Well here's my advice:

Personally, I'm a big fan of the Craftsman Mechanic Sets as a starting point. You'll get the 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 socket wrenches, 6 and 12 point sockets, hex keys, wrenches, etc.. and a case to keep it all in. As others have said, some kits will come with SAE size sockets that you won't need on your 335i. That just means you'll have to find other projects to take advantage of them There are also some Metric only sets.

It looks like there are some big sales going on right now (never pay fool price, there is always a sale):
http://www.sears.com/search=mechanic...s%20tool%20set

I bought one of the 250+ sets with 3 drawer chest years ago and it's been a trusty friend every since.

That's an extremely good start.

Then, you'll want a set of screw drivers (unless you get one of the bigger Mechanics sets that includes screwdrivers).
That should cover the basics.

Next you'll want specialty tools:
-Jack - ONLY use it to lift the car. Never to support the car.
-Jack Stands. Used to support the car after you've lifted it.
-Oil filter wrench. It's an 86mm 16 flute wrench (sort of an odd size). You can find them online, I found one on the shelf at Pep-Boys.
-Torx Bits - BMW loves torx headed screws.
-A box of Latex Gloves - There are a lot of nasty fluids in cars and this will save you a ton of time cleaning up after projects.
-Spark Plug Socket - Already mentioned.
-OBD II Code Reader +/- BMW code reader ( I still haven't bought one of these yet.... what am I waiting for)
-Automotive Stethoscope - Answers the question of "where is that noise coming from"
-Volt meter
-Torque wrench. Do not buy a cheap one.
-Tap & Die set - If you're to the point you're using this, you're not a beginner anymore

Big tools:
-Air Compressor
-Pneumatic Impact Wrench - 1/2 inch or larger

MOST IMPORTANT:
-A friend with more tools and experience than you.

Good luck!!!

[nick380]

Originally Posted by PINeely

So here are the specialty tools, from top left clockwise,
-14mm 12-point spark plug socket- You said have ordered this
-Oxygen sensor socket- Available in any auto parts store but if you are only looking to do beginner stuff then you probably won't need it.
-36mm impact socket. I use this to remove the oil filter. Traditional filter wrenches grip the whole filter cap instead of just the hex on top. Bought at autozone.
-12mm Allen bit- used to remove the transmission and differential plugs. Bought at advance auto parts, comes in a 3-pack which also has a 14mm and 17mm hex bit.
-Brake pad spreader- used to push back the brake caliper piston when replacing pads. I got this one in a set a long time ago but autozone sells them individually for about 6 bucks.

That should cover most of the special stuff needed for DIY jobs.



I thought you might find this useful too. It's a kit that I cobbled together from duplicate tools and keep in my trunk. It's designed to be able to handle most small repairs in a pinch and probably represents a pretty good starter tool kit too, minus the specialty tools and torx wrenches or course

Top to bottom, left to right: 1/2" breaker bar, 1/2"F to 3/8"M adapter, 3/8" socket wrench, 1/4" socket wrench, small crescent wrench, 10mm wrench, 11mm wrench, 12mm wrench, 13mm wrench, 14mm wrench, 16mm wrench, 17mm wrench, med. flathead driver, med. phillips driver, needlenose pliers, hemostats, 3/8" medium extension, 3/8" short extension, 1/4" medium extension, 1/4" short extension, 8mm deep and regular sockets, 10mm d&r, 11mm d&r, 12mm d&r, 13mm d&r, 14mm d&r, 16mm d&r, 17mm d&r, 17mm 1/2" deep socket, torx bit set. The torx bits can be used as allen bits in a bind but I do not recommend it for regular maintenence as it is easy to strip either the bolt or the bit. Get yourself some allen bits.

Oh wow beautiful! Thank you. I will use this as a reference for future projects I may need some of these!.

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

I'd wait for a misfire code before replacing a coil. Which brings me to a point I should have made earlier... One of the first tools you should get is an OBDII scan tool (not just a code reader) and one of the available BMW code reader tools, both are indispensable for auto repair.

Yea I've got one of those $20 Wireless OBD Scanners I've used before, works alright, but doesn't show BMW Specific Codes.


Also for the Floor Jack, and stands what is the capacity i'll need? would it be my car's curb weight in tons?



Edit* Just purchased the oil filter wrench, as well as the bentley publisher's manual, so I can start studying on how to do the basics. Up next is that mechanics tool kit come monday. I'll probably get the floorjack/stands once I have to do my next oil change come 86k miles.

[PINeely]

Most basic jack stands are 2-ton stands which will be more than enough for your car. The whole car weighs less than that but you definitely want multiples under there. Jack stands have saved my life on more than one occasion. You can get 2-packs of the two ton stands for about $25.

[Taruno]

I'd recommend a stanley toolset i got the 75pc one for about 110€ it has served me well and has everything that you need except female torx bits, 2 torque wrenches 1 for lower torque values and one for hirger range, oil wrench (you can make it yourself) and I drive a diesel so no spark plug tools here except for my yamaha fz6n

[mweisdorfer]

I would goto sears.

Get a good set of metric sockets in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive

Get a good set of wrenches in metric

You will need the special diff snub set

An oil filter cap wrench

Special spark plug socket

Torx, and Allen socket and screw drivers

A good set of metric ratchet wrenches

Swivel torx sockets are also a nice addition

Membership to AMSOIL so you can get 25% off on all oils etc.

ECS tuning has a nice list of tools on their site

[nick380]

Originally Posted by mweisdorfer

I would goto sears.

Get a good set of metric sockets in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive

Get a good set of wrenches in metric

You will need the special diff snub set

An oil filter cap wrench

Special spark plug socket

Torx, and Allen socket and screw drivers

A good set of metric ratchet wrenches

Swivel torx sockets are also a nice addition

Membership to AMSOIL so you can get 25% off on all oils etc.

ECS tuning has a nice list of tools on their site

I'm trying to do the spark plugs, what should I start out with...I also lookedinto a mechanics set how does this one look:http://www.sears.com/craftsman-220pc...5&blockType=G5