I am trying to do more maintenance work on my mini by myself. Could you please recommend a tool box and some tools.

 

What kind of maintenance?
You'll definitely want a security Torx-bit set (T5 - T50), metric allen sockets, spark plug socket, etc.

- Erik

 

spark plugs
valve gasket cover
serpentine belt
install wmw bov
noisemaker delete

Am just looking for tools that will help me remove the nuts and bolts.

 

How much money do you have? I've probably got $20K in tools, collected over some 35 years...lol

If you are just starting out, I'm impart my what little wisdom I've got.

For the tools you use a lot, DON"T buy cheap tools. I don't mean you should buy Snap-On, (Craftsman, Husky... are fine if you don't do this for a living) I mean don't buy Harbor Freight Tools, for anything other than one time use. It really sucks to start a job or project and have a cheap tool break.

In this day and age, when working on most car stuff, you only really need metric tools.

A 3/8" drive socket set, (regular and deep well and a couple of extensions), and a set of box end wrenches. Torx bits, (external and internal), and a couple of screwdrivers.

Of course you need a torque wrench. A long breaker bar helps.

1/4" drive and 1/2" drive sets are very useful too.

The correct sparkplug socket is about $40, and there is a special tool for doing the belt.

But basic hand tools sets will cover most everything else.


Have fun, and always remember that my wife has never given me crap for buying tools. (wives and girlfriends should understand that if we have tools, we can fix things when they break them...lol)

 

You'll need a BFH sorry, couldn't resist.

Good notes from Richardsperry. Umm,...a floor jack would be nice.
OH! Check out the DIY threads. Most will list tools required for things like oil changes, brake pads, etc.

 

Yes, the BFH is very important. I am a really good mechanic, so I have a GBFH.

I recommend a floor jack also - but use it carefully. They are not that expensive for a good one - but get a good pair of jackstands or something stable to put the car on while working under it. Ramps or whatever. Never, ever work under a car on a jack.

 

Floor jack, jack stands, wheel chocks. These cars are really difficult to work underneath without that, and you can't safely do brake work or tire rotations without them.

Socket set (and, hey, I got mine from Harbor Freight, and it's done very well.) A torque wrench. Along with that, a breaker bar (and a can of PB Blaster) to help with stuck bolts.

I also have ratcheting wrenches, which I love, but you can get by with a set of six-sided metric box wrenches. I'd recommend box wrenches over an adjustable wrench.

Screwdrivers. Pry bar, hammer.

Beyond that, you start getting into specialty tools. I'll give the same advice all woodworkers get - don't pre-buy tools. Wait until you have a project that requires the tool, then buy it. For instance, if you're going to do your brakes, you'll need a measuring caliper to see if your rotors are thick enough or need replacement, the Torx bit to remove the rotors, and (minimally) a rear disc brake "cube" to compress the caliper.

All those tools will pay for themselves the first time you do a four wheel brake job. And you can put on better parts and get a better price for parts than going through a dealer or local repair shop. (e.g. I needed TPMS sensors for my SUV, and the shop wanted $90 each, plus labor. I got them on-line for $33 each.)