What kind of tool additions should I expect to buy once I get my MINI? I heard a lot of mentions of torx and allen screws or bolts. All my previous cars are Japanese and I had practically no need for torx tools. What do you all suggest I add to my tool collections? I have all the basics and am looking to add MINI specific tools.

thanks

 

I find these to be very versitile, all I ever need.

 

Those are universal. They fit metric, standard, and torx

 

If you don't have a Torque Wrench, that would be a good addition to watch for;
(flea market, garage sale or new at Sears for $30) as it is needed for Wheel Lug Bolts, Oil Drain Plug and Oil Filter Cannister.

Exact tools depend on what you want to do, but Oil Change will need an 8mm Hex Bit and a 27mm or 1 1/16" short barrel socket.

 

A set of 5 plastic panel and trim removal tools and levers is available from Harbour Freight for about $4.

 

This seems like it could turn into a very useful thread.

I went to get the 27mm socket for an oil change and my Sears was sold out. Go figure.

 

1 1/16" SAE socket will also fit perfectly. That's what I use. Also fits the pinion nut on a Ford 9" rear end, just in case you might ever need to know that!

 

As a matter of fact, I just used two of those to remove my vinyl shift boot so I could replace it with the JCW Alcantara boot (no, really).

 

Inch and a sixteenth is the exact same size as 27mm. Got mine at Advance Auto Parts ($4.68), but being a 'deep' socket, I had to move the coolant tank for best access on my justaCooper.

It is said that SuperCooper's need that tank moved out-of-the-way anyway, but without the turbocharger there would be plenty of room using a normal 'short' socket.

 

Floor jack, ...get a low profile one.
jack stands

-useful when changing/rotating tires (I usually rotate my own tires).
-Also good if you change your own oil, etc....

I have a Craftsman from Sears, it ran less than $100.

 

A set of lo profile car ramps.

 

I guess it really depends on what you really want to do on the car. Myself, I have everything, but some of the special tools like the tool for setting rear alignment. Overall, a basic metric tool set should be just fine.

 

or a couple of short 2x6's

 

...or an 11,000 pound two post lift! I can almost launch my MINI through the roof with this thing!