With Stella being our first Mini and my son and I wanting to do most of the work our self, what specialized tools to we need?

We have your basic tools now, full racket and wrench set, torx screwdriver set and a 36 mm socket for the oil filter.

What else should we get?

 

Serpentine belt tool. Jackstands. Extension bolts when putting the car in service mode. Special tool for rear brake calipers. Certainly others depending on the procedure at issue.

 

 

 

Note: A pulley remover can be "rented" from O'Reilly's or Auto Zone. There is no cost -- you just have to provide a deposit which is given back when the tool is returned. Both companies have plenty of other tools available via the same process.

 

If you don't have one, a decent scan tool is essential, or alternatively an OBDII bluetooth plug-in used in conjunction with a smartphone app.

When I first got my MINI I started a similar thread that may have some things for you to look in to:

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...-wrencher.html


Cheers & Happy Motoring!

 

 

I'm trying to figure out the best way to get into the electronics of this car. It is ESSENTIAL, and a typical OBDC scanner will only get you so far, since much of what we'll deal with is BMW-specific "deep" codes. I've downloaded the bimmergeeks software set, and am thinking I might get the cable to go in that direction, or maybe spend more but fiddle around less and get a Foxwell.

Back to the worthwhile physical tools to get:

• I got a Tite-reach extension wrench for Christmas I have yet to break out, but one of the bigger challenges with the MINI is working in tight quarters so I'm sure it'll see some daylight soon.
• In the same vein, universal joints, and extensions of various lengths with "wobble" ends. You'll spend a lot of time in the Cooper's engine bay wondering how to get a wrench or socket on to something, and be able to come in at an angle helps a lot.
• Picks and hooks
• Funnels. I recommend
  • A "spill proof" funnel for coolant changes
  • A rectangular funnel for holding oil bottles
• I have LOVED my Motive Power Bleeder for my other cars, but haven't done this MINI's brakes yet, so will withhold recommending it for (but worth googling when you want to bleed your brakes)
• A can of PB Blaster
• Breaker bars to fit your sockets
• Ratcheting wrenches are a treat if you've only used fixed end before
• Very long pliers, including at least one long hose pliers
• Another luxury item I use all the time (often the first tool I pull out): a Z-Creeper. It's a seat that converts to a creeper.
• Bentley Manual

With the exception of the Bentley manual, these are all tools that can be used on other cars. I typically don't buy the specialized tools until I know I'll need one (and the Bentley manual is good at explaining what you'll need - though often you can get by without the specialized tool suggested. Just ask!)