R56 tools of the trade
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3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 211
Likes: 15
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
tools of the trade
what are the common hex and torx bits i need to get for working on my mini.
i see 12mm 13 14 a lot on videos, so am going to buy a torx and hex socket set but want to make sure what the mini uses is in the socket set.
any other must have tools that a normal "im not a mechanic and dont have $20k in MAC tools, guy like myself might need.?
i have two full sae and metric socket sets already so feel ok there.
thanks!
Paul
i see 12mm 13 14 a lot on videos, so am going to buy a torx and hex socket set but want to make sure what the mini uses is in the socket set.
any other must have tools that a normal "im not a mechanic and dont have $20k in MAC tools, guy like myself might need.?
i have two full sae and metric socket sets already so feel ok there.
thanks!
Paul
Since you posted in the r56 section, I’ll assume that’s what you have. The only thing I remember having to buy specifically for my 08 was a special spark plug socket (which I used once and has been in my toolbox for the last 6-8 yrs). Other than that I just used standard tools I had on hand.
the most involved repairs I did on my car back in the day were strut replacement, a water pump, and a new thermostat. I purchased a set of spring compressors that I’ve used several times since then....but that’s something you can borrow for free from a parts store when needed. Another general automotive tool I always find helpful is a good set of hose clamp pliers.....comes in useful on any car and keeps you from having to try to remove clamps with regular pliers (and lots of frustration).
happy wrenching!
the most involved repairs I did on my car back in the day were strut replacement, a water pump, and a new thermostat. I purchased a set of spring compressors that I’ve used several times since then....but that’s something you can borrow for free from a parts store when needed. Another general automotive tool I always find helpful is a good set of hose clamp pliers.....comes in useful on any car and keeps you from having to try to remove clamps with regular pliers (and lots of frustration).
happy wrenching!
6th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 246
From: Washington state
If you have the hex and torx bits, that should be about it for most things as long as you have a metric socket set and some wrenches. A torque wrench is a must as well.
And if you will be doing your own repairs, you will probably want to invest in a good scan tool that will read the proprietary BMW codes.
Edit: The torx bits I use regularly on my gen 2 are T20, T25, T27, and T30. And a 6mm hex bit.
Also, ECS Tuning has a good deal on the Schwaben scan tool, it is the one I use.
And if you will be doing your own repairs, you will probably want to invest in a good scan tool that will read the proprietary BMW codes.
Edit: The torx bits I use regularly on my gen 2 are T20, T25, T27, and T30. And a 6mm hex bit.
Also, ECS Tuning has a good deal on the Schwaben scan tool, it is the one I use.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 211
Likes: 15
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
yeah 2013 S. so R56/N18
i have pretty much everything but hex sockets so just wanted to make sure i have big enough torx and hex sockets. as many dont include those larger sizes.
right now i dont have a scan tool just my joke of a bluetooth odb code reader but atleast it will scan and show and clear codes.
none showing.
just making sure i have what i need.when the time comes, brakes, struts, air filter cover, etc. i have no plans on tearing into the motor any time soon, just downpipe, and possibly a blow off valve.
i can do all that but i dont want to get part way in and find out i dont have something i should.
i have pretty much everything but hex sockets so just wanted to make sure i have big enough torx and hex sockets. as many dont include those larger sizes.
right now i dont have a scan tool just my joke of a bluetooth odb code reader but atleast it will scan and show and clear codes.
none showing.
just making sure i have what i need.when the time comes, brakes, struts, air filter cover, etc. i have no plans on tearing into the motor any time soon, just downpipe, and possibly a blow off valve.
i can do all that but i dont want to get part way in and find out i dont have something i should.
Last edited by cyberlunacy; Dec 29, 2018 at 05:17 PM.
Moderator
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,788
Likes: 345
From: San Francisco Bay Area
R55 - R59 are all pretty much the same mechanically.
Mr. Grumpy ^above is right on. If you're doing brakes you'll need a T45 for the screw that holds the rotor on. And an 8mm hex bit for the oil drain plug.
Mr. Grumpy ^above is right on. If you're doing brakes you'll need a T45 for the screw that holds the rotor on. And an 8mm hex bit for the oil drain plug.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 211
Likes: 15
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
Thats was the first tool i bought. Along with a fluid syphon, Plugs and oil were the first things i did. Would have done coil packs but no one local had 4, and wasnt sure which ones to get online, or brand was worth it.
Downpipe is next .Trying to find red intior accents too, not much luck there.
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2nd Gear
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 76
Likes: 9
Thats was the first tool i bought. Along with a fluid syphon, Plugs and oil were the first things i did. Would have done coil packs but no one local had 4, and wasnt sure which ones to get online, or brand was worth it.
Downpipe is next .Trying to find red intior accents too, not much luck there.
Thread Starter
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3rd Gear
Joined: Dec 2018
Posts: 211
Likes: 15
From: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
yeah i went in When our local sears closed and stocked up on tidbits needing so i hope i am all good with standard stuff. Its mostly mini/bmw/euro car type things i have never neededd before. Or maybe just newer car tools.
Get all the metric sized tools you can get, that a great start for all Euro cars.
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