Essential Tools for MINIs
 

If you want to work on your MINI yourself, here is a list of essentials beyond the basic hand tools. Remember, the more money you spend on tools, the more you can save by doing maintenance yourself!

General tools:
- The Bentley service manual
- A code reader that will read BMW/MINI codes
- A good metric socket set with 3/8" and 1/2" ratchet handles and extensions
- Metric end wrench set
- Torque wrench
- Metric hex key set
- Torx bits or drivers T20, T25, T27, T30 (many fasteners on the MINI, especially interior, require Torx bits)
- A good floor jack and a set of jack stands

Engine basics:
- 14mm thin wall spark plug socket (you won't get your spark plugs out without this!)
- 8mm hex bit for oil drain plug
- 27mm socket (for the oil filter cap on the N18 engine)
- Oil drain pan
- Funnel for filling oil

Brakes:
- Brake caliper piston retraction/windback tool (necessary when changing rear brake pads)
- Torx T47 bit (for brake rotor retention screw)
- A can of brake cleaner
- Brake pressure bleeder (not required, but makes DIY brake bleeding quick and easy)
- Lisle #29100 brake pad spreader (for the JCW or other 4 piston front calipers - not required, but makes it so easy)

Specialized:
- 24" breaker bar with 1/2" drive (not required, but useful for loosening wheel lug bolts and other high torque fasteners)
- External Torx sockets
- T handle hex drivers
- Serpentine belt tensioner tool (makes changing the serpentine belt super easy)
- Tesa 51026 Heat Proof Engine Compartment Wiring Tape (for keeping things tidy under the hood. Available on Amazon)

Any recommendation on an electric impact wrench for regular jobs. Not from breaking loose lug nuts/bolts, but to remove regular nuts and bolts faster when you work on cars, to save time.
I have seen people like Mod Mini using various air and electric impact wrenches. I always thought using an impact is just fine when removing , but a bad idea when fastening/installing something. But I see people using impacts for both cases. Is there a power adjustment on these electric impacts to prevent stripping the threads? Thanks for any insight. I am in the market to get some electric tools

I don't think you want an impact gun .... rather you are looking for a 'powered ratchet'

https://c.shld.net/rpx/i/s/pi/mp/103...0&op_sharpen=1

cordless ratchet features a 12-Volt Lithium-Ion battery that produces 230 RPM. The Ratchet can produce up to 30 ft./lbs.
https://www.sears.com/husky-cordless...1598?rrec=true

I'll go out on a limb here and add to say when you see videos with folks using something like this they are probably using an AIR version. Serious mechanics get a good air compressor which is an investment .... then AIR tools tend to cost less than their electric brothers.

How to select an air compressor is a fun discussion itself, but having one and investing in setting up some 'air stations' in your garage move you up a notch in tool world.

I have a impact wrench and driver, yes there is a difference, that I use when I work on my vehicles. Use them both for disassembly. Now, being a contractor for almost 18 years I have a really good feeling and trigger control on these tools. So I use them to assemble and then follow with a torque wrench to do the final torquing. I do not use them to tighten bolts or nuts completely. Sometimes, I might use the driver for lug nuts, seeing as that can't get to that high a torque, and then follow with torque wrench. For tight spots, I have an air ratchet like Capt mentioned
I use ridgid, like the life time warranty and free batteries for life.

Is there a preferred (inexpensive) code reader for a 2013 mcs?
I assume it will also be able to "turn off" or reset the cel after reading the codes.

Look for the Foxwell NT510 or NT520.

An OBD2 - Bluetooth adapter (under $20) plus the Torque app on an Android phone $5) will be able to read and reset most codes. For BMW/MINI specific stuff you need one of the Foxwell scanners mentioned above, or the Schwaben branded version from ECS Tuning. They go on sale every now and then.

Thanks for this!
Looks like ECS has two Schwaben options...
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...599sch01a~scf/

https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...020sch01a~scf/

Is the more expensive one (still cheaper than ONE visit to the dealer) the better option for long term maintenance? Does it give a more accurate diagnosis for example?

A bunch of info here for the schwaben MINI focused tool.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d-q-and-a.html