ok what tools and info do i need as am new but oh so eager

 

What are you trying to do? Convert the MINI to an eMINI or just doing preventative maintenance?

I'd start off with getting a good metric socket set, torx screwdriver bits and perhaps a repair manual. I just replaced the thermostat, thermostat gasket and thermostat housing on Saturday using nothing but a 10mm socket, pair of vice grips, a set of pliers and a screwdriver. Installed the OEM Auxiliary Audio Input using a drill, torx screwdriver bits and a screwdriver.

 

tools and info for?

 

vague thread is vague

 

Thanks all for replies-am getting "06MCS DS tomorrow and .....so want to have "the right stuff" to do what needs doing-intend to do some by self (ok am a rather tiny female but come equippped with two big sons) and have fun doing it -ok "fun" may be a strange word-try gotta learn something new!!!Manual aside have a list of to gets off this site-so want to tweek all I can and have fun(ok I know this may be in conflict with my nails but as they say.....somethings gotta give(sob)

 

Disposable nitrile or latex gloves. Too many nasty chemicals in a car that your skin shouldn't be exposed to. Plus it makes clean-up much quicker especially when handling something like lubricant for bushings.

 

Hi Sweettooth...Welcome and Congratulations on your MINI.
I'm still waiting for mine to get here, so I can't talk tools, but....after saying for years that I would never buy an Ipod...I now have an Ipod. I had to get one to transfer my music into the car. MINI audio seems to be configured for Apple products only (which in my opinion is dumb). Why not enable it for any company's mp3 players and phones? (I however, will NOT(probably) get an Iphone.
So, just as Bill Gates governs my computer, his ex-partner Steve Jobs will probably be governing my car.

 

I don't know just how far you want to take this MCS service and repair thing, but you could fill your garage with tools. At some point in tool accumulation, tool storage solutions become necessary. I'll add some to the above, and then turn it over to others, as I'm not much of a mechanic myself.

Two popular '01 to '06 Mini Cooper service and repair manuals: The heavy and more expensive Bentley manual, and the lighter and less expensive Haynes manual. I've got them both, but so far they've been overkill, thankfully.

For hand protection, I've tried the disposable gloves mentioned above (they protect from the really nasty fluids), but prefer to use Mechanix gloves (they come in many styles), or just getting my hands dirty and using a gritty hand cleaner afterward.

Most of my tools are Craftsman from Sears. They're not of professional quality (or price) but they're very good, and Sears will replace free what you manage to break.

All of our cars carry small tool kits in the trunk/boot. The kits have only emergency repair items such as an adjustable wrench, a screwdriver with multiple bits, standard and needle-nose pliers, duct tape, wire, etc.

For garage tools I suggest buying sets of: metric wrenches, screwdrivers, metric sockets with wrench (including a torque wrench), and pliers. You may eventually need a hammer or two, including a hard plastic/hard rubber combination hammer. A good floor jack and jack stands are needed to lift and hold the car up. If you just need to raise one end slightly and not remove a wheel, drive-on ramps would do.

Other items i've found handy in the garage are a height adjustable roller stool, portable work lights, a work bench with overhead light, measuring tapes, knee pads (strap-on type or place down type), and a first aid kit (busted knuckles happen). I also have a fire extinguisher, but it hasn't come in handy, yet. An electro-mechanical car lift would be handy, but i don't have one.

I'm done for now.

 

Lil Minx ('06 MCSa) came home yesterday the adoption is final!She's my "new" baby..for road trips with the puppies(my other"babies).

JohnW94 thanks for the glove idea-always use them for everything use powderfree nitrile has made cleaning up hands a breeze (gardening can be very dirty too)and Jim Michaels... good suggestion on mechanix gloves will pick up pair(or two) thanks.

Ah it's only day 2 and my list of "to gets" is really coming along and getting rather long-thank you all.

First mods on to do list -tweek for gas milage and more horsepower-let her breath better etc. so that's where I'm headed in asking for a well developed wish list-thanks for info on manuals -knew about the bentley on but not the other-love a good read!

Wonder about block heater and remote starter-anyone have any info-it gets really nasty cold here in Ottawa in winter.Again thanks -nice to have such a wealth of experience to tap into