Can anyone tell me ware I can buy the special tools needed to do jobs like changing the drive belt. The book calls for tool # 11 8 410.

 

Try OutMotoring...
http://outmotoring.com/cooper_s_belt...oner_tool.html

 

So both a pulley remover as well as the tensioner tool is needed? Do I need one of those custom pulley removers made for Mini or can I use a generic pulley remover?

 

I'd get a MINI-specific pulley clamp, then you can use a generic harmonic-balancer type puller that attaches to this clamp. That's how I did my pulley pull.

You'll need both the belt tensioner tool and the belt tensioner lock pin.

A place like PROMINI has all the tools for a pulley change in one convenient kit:
http://www.promini.com/product-exec/...arch_model/100

which includes the tools needed for a belt change. Highly recommended.

You can also contact Classic Mini of Mentor (a vendor on this site) with any BMW Special Tool number, and they'll ship it to you. I've found their prices for special tools (which are never very cheap) to be amongst the lowest I've seen.

 

You don't need to change the pulley to change the belt. You just need the belt tenstionaer tool.

 

Yes, that's true... sorry, I thought somebody was doing a pulley change.

 

A tensioner tool and a pin is all that's needed. Tensioner you can make your own if you have a welder, but for $50 it isn't too bad as far as BMW tools go. As for the locking pin, if you have some fairly thick bar of metal (3mm or so in diameter) it'll do the same job.

 

There are a bunch of "generic" serpentine belt tensioner tools out there, made by Lisle, Mac, Craftsman, etc... Does anyone know if one of these will also work with the Mini? Obviously the factory tool is best for Mini, but I like having tools that I can use for other cars as well.

 

How much work is invovled in changing out the belt? I think I need to change mine, but don't you have to lift the engine? I hope the belt will last another year so I can do a pully at the same time!

-Cody