Okay, so I'm about to do an oil change and I was wondering where I can find the 36MM wrench or socket since it seems like a rather odd size. Can I get it from Sears or Home Depot? Can I use something else?

 

Sears definitely has 36mm sockets. Home Depot might. The space is pretty tight so you'll only get a couple clicks when using a 1/2" wrench but it's enough to get it loose and back on again.

 

For the time being, I've been using a set of Channel Lock pliers as a substitute for the 36mm socket. It works well, but you have to take care not to strip the nut on the filter canister.


I've looked around at Home Depot and local auto parts stores for a 36mm socket, to no avail. Some stores have offered to special order one for me for about $25, but the sockets are almost always deep impact and thus too long for our oil changing applications. Sears has one that looks promising... But it's a 12-point socket and not available for local pick-up.

Right now, I've narrowed my choices between the Mini Mania 36mm socket (which is 3/8" drive) and eBay.

HTH!

 

Lots of 36mm oil filter sockets available on eBay for around $13-$15, some that are shallow profile specific to BMW. This is probably much cheaper than a single socket of that size at Sears. Just search on "36mm socket".

 

so I guess it depends on where you live. Also call local car parts stores. You may get lucky, or follow a Snap-On truck until it makes a stop!

Matt

 

Auto Zone and Advance Auto have 36mm sockets for less than ten bucks.

...Les

 

I got a 1/2" drive 36mm socket from the local Sears. I think it was $6 or so.

 

Yeah, definitely O'Reilly's, Advance or AutoZone should be your first choices with auto tools... e.g., larger Torx sizes and harder-to-find sockets are gonna be at the auto parts stores.

How's the GRE comin' along?

 

I used the Craftsman 36mm a couple of times but it has been far better to use the right socket. Use a flex-head ratchet and the job is even easier. My torque wrench is 3/8ths so with the adapter there was not much room; I recommend proper torque on everything. The 3/8ths low-profile socket can be had at any Mercedes parts department #606-589-01-09-00, the Hazet #2169-36 is also available from Samstag Sales http://www.samstagsales.com/, or from Terry Sayther http://www.terrysaytherauto.com/MINI...htm#MINISocket while your in Austin, by far the easiest route.

 

I went to home depot to find the socket a couple months back and asked if they had one. The sales assoiate looked at me and said they dont make sockets that big. I was like WTF.

 

I helped a mechanice buy a set of tools, when browsing the craftsman catalog we saw a 4-inch socket , guess it takes some serious muscle and leverage to get that nut torqued right!

 

I just use a crescent wrench but a socket makes it tons easier. It's a pain to get it on the first time since it's hard to tell whether you're crossthreading it or not. Good luck with the oil change!

 

i wouldn't suggest this tool to miniotaple...

miniotaple, go to sears. they have the 36mm's readily available.

 

Why not?

 

well...ive read your other posts...

 

I figured as much, but is there a particular reason for the channellocks? And c'mon, what you call bungling idiocy, I like to call good old American ingenuity. C'mon cut me some slack, first car I ever wanted to work on.

 

i wouldn't use channel locks on the filter canister... use the right tools.

 

First of all my suggestion is still to buy the correct tool but since others are suggesting alternatives I thought I would throw a wrench into the works. I have a 36 mm Service Wrench from Martin Tools #1236mm purchased from Amazon.com it was very inexpensive and it was shipped overnight; they’re going for $18.00 right now. It has a short handle so it can fit in the tight space around the filter cover. I bought it to use on the camshaft because the ARP camshaft bolt would not install using the BMW cam sprocket lock. I used the stock bolt anyway, but the point is it works on the filter cover.

Once again save yourself some aggravation and capitalize on the legwork of someone else, start out right, go to the Mercedes dealer or Terry Sayther and if you don’t have one get a flex-head ratchet.

 

yea, if only i had followed that motto from the beginning. Unfortunately, I always have the mentality that I'm poor.

 

Well, we know you've already got a claw hammer!

The auto parts stores around here have cheap 36mm axle nut sockets made of stamped metal. Much thinner so more clearance than a regular socket.

 

Sears has the socket, Then use a dremel tool & do this with it you will have a lot more room to work.

 

I used a filter wrench to remove the canister housing.

 

I bought a Klann 3/8" drive, shallow 36mm socket from Samstag Sales. Hazet makes one, too. Click on the BMW link and look under Oil Service.