One are the most common fastener sizes on the Gen 1 MINI's? For example, T25 torx, 13mm for the drain plug, etc.

Also, any oddball sizes of tools that are needed to do ongoing maintenance and repair?

TIA,
Tony

 

All depends on how deep you intend to dive into it. The "unusual" tool you will need the most is a 36mm socket for the oil filter housing. I have a standard depth one and it works fine, but if you are buying it just for this, get one of the shorter ones. You should have a set of metric wrenches and sockets, but for some reason the drain plug and some of the suspension nuts are a snugger fit with an SAE size wrench or socket. You should have a set of Torx "screwdrivers" and if you want to get more involved, get a set of Torx bits for your ratchet drives. You'll eventually need several sizes so there's no point in buying them individually. The only other thing I can think of is that if you want to take off the air intake hoses, the stainless clips are really hard to get back on. The tool that worked for me is one of those generic wire stripper/cutters that has the straight-bladed cutter on the nose - works a treat. If you want to get into suspension work, you will need something to get tie rod ends apart, and an impact gun will be a useful addition to the tool box.

 

Oxygen sensors are 22mm. Not necessarily oddball but probably outside the standard, beginner tool kit. You'll need either the special socket or a crowfoot to use a torque wrench on them.

 

On the torx screwdrivers, normal 'small set' or does it have any of the less usual sizes? --T7,T27, T40, etc

I do have a 1/2" dr 36mm standard socket that works but just barely; it can back out to where it's not quite off but against the back of the engine bay. A shallow one will be in my future.