So, for Christmas/Chanukah this year my father is getting me some Craftsman tools and a small box... When working on your BMW what do you use most often??? I was thinking a set of metric sockets and wrenches, but what else will i need??? I am goin with him after chirstmas (to the sales) so i can get more bang for the buck.... He gave me the option that he could buy a few things for me, or i could go with him after to the sales and get more for the same money... Thanks for the help.

Cheers,
Jonas

 

1/2 drive metric socket set
3/8 drive metric socket set- deep and shallow (12pt deep, 6pt shallow)
3/8 drive metric hex bit sockets
assortment of extensions for above (wobble type preferred)
1/2 or 3/8 drive torque wrench
set of combination metric wrenches
screwdriver set
ball pein hammer
brass drift set
punch set
pliers set
inside and outside snap ring pliers
good h/d large capacity floor jack
good quality jackstands (x4)
flourescent work light

Then move on to----- air tools!

 

A Reciprocating Saw comes to mind.

 

Jonas - when did they add the "C" in Hannukah (sp)? My grandfather was Jewish and I SWEAR I have never seen that C. Seems like this year it is everywhere. I must be totally blind.
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Sorry i posted this on another board when i first wrote it... I just coppied it over without looking.... its supposed to say Porsche, on here at least...

 

There are like 10 different ways to spell it... no joke.. i am jewish, i should know... My stepmom however is not so we have a kind of Festivus thing goin on... A mix between the two hollidays...

 

there are like 7 bigilion ways of spelling Hanukah

 

I figured as much, just wondered. I wasnt questioning you just didnt know.
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ok, well back to the matter hand... WHAT TOOLS SHOULD I GET!!!

 

TWO sets of Metric wrenches. Trust me you need two. 7MM not open for doing brake hose fittings.
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Dave's got good suggestions. I also have a set of Craftsman "Gearwrench" style wrenches, that have a toggle you flip to switch directions. That's handier (IMO) than the real Gearwrench brand, but in either case I find I prefer to use them over my conventional box-end wrenches.

It sounds like a cool thing for your dad to do. Mine bought me a good "starter set" once too. He bought a tool box and put the common tools in it. I still use a lot of those, too.

Also consider a 3/8" drive or 1/2" drive breaker bar.
pry bars
gear puller (surprisingly handy)
and last but not least - an extendable magnet. When you drop a washer or a nut, this thing will save you a ton of time and aggravation. They're cheap too.

 

I recently bought a (I think) 127 piece tool set with Metric and Standard sockets, 1/4" 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets for under $100.00. All of the sockets were Laser Etched. The socket sizes covered the majority of sizes you will use on a German car. I certainly agree that the Gear Wrenches are invaluable. I did not like the feel of the Craftsman version. But Sears also sells Gear Wrench. If you work on Brake lines enough, it may be worth it to actually buy the correct Wrench.

Also, some good extensions and universal joints will come in handy.

I know sears does not carry these and they are stupidly expensive, but Snap-On has a set of universal joint sockets that make reaching hard to reach bolts a pleasure. The universal joint is actually built into the socket. I wish I had a set.

 

Oh, don't forget a good Torque Wrench. I generally only use mine to torque lugnuts, but heck those are some of the most important nuts on your car.

 

Right now they are having a sale on a 122-piece Craftsman mechanics tool set. It has 82 sockets I believe. I just got it for my birthday and am thrilled!

 

I would get a set, but i think it would include a bunch of stuff that i would never use... I am just gonna go and get the stuff i need individually... Thanks though... Keep em coming everyone!!!

Cheers,
Jonas