has anyone done this job WITHOUT the factory BMW tools?

also, does anyone have the needed tools and willing to sell them?

 

Same question

Will someone write a how to? Are the special BMW tools required, and will any vendors rent them?
Thanks
Wes

 

It may be possible, and I tried, but it sure is a lot easier with the OEM tools. I tried using a combination of off the shelf and custom made tools and after much frustration I decided to order the OEM tools. I had the crank off in minutes and the new one on shortly after. I ordered the tools from Classic:

Brace PN 90880118460
Puller PN 90880118450
Protector PN 90886118270

The brace and puller are for 02-04. I am not sure what the PNs are for the 2nd gen dampener. You may want to buy the re-install tool, I did not.

 

addamaniac your inbox is full so I can not PM you.

 

How difficult is it without the re-install tool?

 

you guys are crazy.

never NEVER resort to buying tools if you dont need to.

I used a harmonic balancer puller fitted with smaller diameter bolts that i got from home depot.

they were a standard thread, so i had to run a metric tap over them to get it to fit snug.

to reinstall, use a bit of wd40 on the main shaft and use an impact gun to sink the pulley.

back off the bolt and torque to spec.

 

Well I am glad to hear you were able to accomplish your swap without purchasing the MINI tools. I had a couple of questions:

1.) How did you protect the crank from damage during the removal/installation?
2.) Did you install a stock or aftermarket pulley?

 

1. The puller has a pad on the end that sits against the crank and doesnt turn, just go look at a harmonic balancer puller at Autozone and you will see.

2. Aftermarket. Either way, you dont need BMW tools to get a stock or aftermarket crank pulley on.

 

Dremel!!!

 

Well I did look at the Autozone units, actually tried one, and was not satisfied that it adequately protected the the threads in the crankshaft from damage. Personal preferrence I guess. I am personally quite willing to spend a bit extra on tools to prevent a costly mistake. As to the question to stock vs. aftermarket, when I went to re-install the stock '05 pulley, I found the stock bolt was not nearly long enough to have enough thread to properly engage. Again, I didn't want to risk the crank, so I went another way for the install. I would caution anyone who is looking to attempt this as a DIY to consider the risks of using cheapo tools. How much do you figure it will cost to have the threads on the crank fixed? Can't imagine it would be cheap, certainly not less than the OEM tools would have costed. I am glad things went the other way for you not-so-rednwhitecooper.

Just my $0.02

 

You Definately do NOT need BMW tools,What you need is someone who knows what they are doing. The tool aftermarket or genuine or homemade is only as good as the TRADESMAN.
cheers
michael

 

Anyone have part numbers for the 05-06 crank pulley brace and puller tool? I called Classic Mini and they can't order it without the part number, and they have no way of looking up part numbers for tools.

 

i need to know too

 

I did it all with off the shelf tools from Pep Boys.
I completely agree with those who have done it without the expensive BMW tools. After all when will you ever use them again?
Save yourself some hard earned $$$ and get yourself to Autozone or look up Manny, Moe, and Jack.

 

Is the crank bolt a normal or a left handed thread?

 

Normal thread. I bought some of the tools, but belive I could have done it without them. You may need a helper though to help hold the crank still while to break loose and later tighten the main bolt. You will need a puller of some sort for sure. The factory pulley is tight.
Wes

 

Standard thread (righty tighty, lefty loosey).

 

Put it in gear and apply the parking brake. That'll probably hold it ok.

Rawhyde

 

I just did the install with a M7 2% pulley. I took pictures during the install and will make a how to soon. I iced the crank stub and heated the pulley to 250 degrees, but the pulley would only slide on easily about 1/4 inch. Ended up having to give it a few good taps with a hammer and a block of wood. I then inserted the crank bolt and brought down the pulley with it. I torqued it down to 45 ft/lbs and added a little red thread lock for good measure.