When my CM-S finally gets here I plan on doing thing like changing oil, brakes, and general maintenance myself. I'm pretty handy and have maintained my cars in the past but most of which have been American cars.

What's a basic tool kit for the CM? Are there any basic tools that are specific to the Mini that wouldn't be in a "regular" tool chest?

Drain plug wrench? Filter wrench? Tools for changing brakes? And so on?

I figured I'd get my tool kit together while I "patiently" wait for my CM-S to get here.

 

A set of allen and torx sockets should cover most of the odd bolts.

Also a brake caliper reset tool if you don't have one. The rear calipers are threaded and need a special tool to turn them as you push them back in. I picked up a cheap set at Harbor Freight a few years ago and it's been great.

p.s. I think it's funny that not only does the thread title say "took" instead of "tool", but you typed it two more times in your post.

 

Thanks for the reply. Looks like I'm gonna need a special "took" kit that will work with all these thumbs I'm typing with Too bad I can't edit the post title.

 

Impact guns are useful for quick removal of bolts. First time you take your tires off you may need an extended length breaker bar to remove the lug nuts. Make sure your tools are metric. For wrenches, get the ones with the open one side and closed ring on the other (can't remember what they're called). Get a low profile jack (standard jacks won't fit under these).

 

You need a 27mm socket for the oil filter cap. I picked one up at Pep Boys reasonably priced.

You can edit the title under "Go Advanced"

 

Thanks for the info about editing my post, and the info on the socket...I have added it to the list :-)

 

If you're as handy as you say you are then you'll be able to fab your own "BMW special tools". All of them can be fabricaticated. Let me know if you have any problems.

 

Well, I guess we all have different levels of handy. To me brakes consist of pulling the wheel, pull wheel bearings, pull caliper, remove brakes, turn or replace rotors, "C-clamp the calipers (which is remove the cover from the fluid reservoir and press the calipers out with a c-clamp) ", and put it all back together. To me it's not much to it but from the prices I have see folks here paying it must have some magical steps on the Mini's. I guess I'll find out when I get mine.

 

No, you're right, the brakes are really easy. I think anyone is capable of doing it, but some people seem to be scared of turning a wrench. You won't be able to push the rear calipers in with a c-clamp, though, which is why I said to get to get a caliper reset tool.

Here's a set at Harbor Freight. The set I have has fewer pieces and was cheaper, so there's probably a cheaper set out there somewhere. http://www.harborfreight.com/18-piec...kit-97143.html

 

That's the exact kit I have and it works perfectly. I've replaced my brakes on my R53 and my girlfriends R56 with no problems at all.