Best TOOLS for are M3's 95-99

[m3f_2k_889896e9da]

Ive been looking through the bavauto catalog every time I poo and I see alot of specific tools for bmw's. What do you all who work on your own M's recommend as essential tools to work on M3's? I want to start working on my M myself and would love some feedback. :beer:

[m3f_M3_Newbie]

Ive been looking through the bavauto catalog every time I poo and I see alot of specific tools for bmw's. What do you all who work on your own M's recommend as essential tools to work on M3's? I want to start working on my M myself and would love some feedback. :beer:



Just did my valve cover gasket and didn't need anything unusual. Screwdrivers, metric socket set, knife, dykes, degreaser, picks. Just standard tools. Pretty straight forward. Big ups to desmobob for a great thread on the repair. This was my first major job on my M which I have had about a month now and am really loving it.



I would start by just getting a good basic tool kit together then see how intense your repairs are going to get. Investing in good quality tools is never a bad idea, but investing in tools you'll never need is not adviseable. Specialty tools seem to be needed when you actually remove the engine from the car so unless you have the facilities to do this I would avoid investing in any expensive tools that you may never be able to use.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

Socket set is critical. Metric sockets.



Alan wrenches, torx bits, and reverse torx bits.



If you're into serious work, get some punmatic tools.

[m3f_vrsixer]

TMI dude...





:bs:

[m3f_vpd]

For most of your special tools visit www.victoryproductdesign.com.



Typically less expensive than renting the factory tools.

[m3f_2k_889896e9da]

Thanx for the quick replies everyone. I guess time will tell me what tools I need.

get some punmatic tools



Yummmmm, punmatic tools........

[m3f_M3AN_5f4dc0ba80]

TMI dude...





:bs:



:haha:



56789

[m3f_salty_80d4b8491b]

Sockets and box end wrenches with extensions and U-joints.. I collect them. Get an assortment of 6 point sockets in both shallow and deep. My preference from collectors point of view is Bonney brand tools. Made in the USA and close to Snap On in terms of quality. Gray from Canada makes some nice tools just below Snap On quality. Probably very hard to find in the USA. MAC tools are great when buying used stuff.

. Buy a 1/4" set for tight places, and a 3/8 set for the main stuff as well as 1/2 for the bigger heavier duty stuff. Craftsmen is OK, but not what it used to be. Avoid all Chinese tools. Taiwan is OK and Japan is Good. Don't know the European brands other than Heyco. JET appears to be good stuff for the money.

Start your collection now,and hopefully you will keep adding to it.

[m3f_Drifter_23d8df4bc6]

what a bout craftsmen and there lifetime warrenty.

[m3f_Sirius_880bd69485]

what a bout craftsmen and there lifetime warrenty.



Yep. My set had a fautly ratchet... so they replaced my entire socket set... was kinda confused why they replaced the whole set..but more power to them.

[m3f_Bufalo]

Craftsman's wratchet mechanisms aren't quite what they used to be, but they still make great sockets and wrenches. That you can replace anything at any Sears with no questions asked is handy. Plus, they do offer several grades of wratchets, so you can still get some very nice ones.

[m3f_DesmoBob_e0fc43b145]

don't forget an assortment of torque wrenches. for most jobs you could get one that goes up to around 80-100 ft-lb, but if you are anal (like me), you can get an assortment of ranges. the reason for this is because torque wrenches tend to be most accurate around the middle of their range. so a 150 ft-lb wrench would be most accurate around 70-80 ft-lb, a 90 ft-lb wrench would be most accurate around 40-50 ft-lb, etc. also, don't forget one that measures inch-lb for things like valve cover gaskets, brake bleeders, etc.





For most of your special tools visit www.victoryproductdesign.com.



Typically less expensive than renting the factory tools.



:beer: i second that for victoryproductdesign. although i only got one thing from them (fan clutch removal tool), it was a very nice addition to the toolbox. from time to time, they have a discount sale, they were having a sale at the time so i got 2 of the tools. heh.

[m3f_fitchesbas_a4754265ce]

definety get a torque wrench.......you dont want to overtighten or leave things too loose. I dont know what id do with out my trusty old torque wrench!

[m3f_Avus Blur_f64e36e460]

Also get a breaker bar to loosen some of those stubborn bolts.

[m3f_ndehlinger_2176e6913e]

Elmers glue, Scotch tape, bubble gum, and shoe laces is all you really need. But a good jack/stands and some ramps are handy to have around as well