Tools and accessories (BMW 3 Series E46)

Table of contents: Introduction ↓ Set of tools for maintenance and…↓ Set of tools for medium and major…↓ Special tools and devices ↓ Buying tools ↓ Storage and maintenance of tools ↓ Workplace ↓

Introduction

Selecting good tools is the key to good maintenance and successful repair of your car. For car owners who do not have such tools, purchasing them will cause significant expenses. However, provided that the tools purchased meet safety requirements and are of good quality, they will serve for many years and save a lot of money.

To help the car owner decide what tools he or she needs to perform the various jobs described in this manual, we have compiled three tool lists under the following headings: "Maintenance & Repair," "Medium & Major Repair," and "Specialty." Owners who are new to repair work should begin by acquiring a set of tools for Maintenance & Repair and limit themselves to a simple work area around the car. Then, as experience increases, they can move on to more complex tasks. This will require the acquisition of additional tools as needed. In this way, a "Maintenance & Repair" tool set can be expanded to a "Medium & Major Repair" set over a significant period of time, without incurring a large one-time expense. Experienced mechanics may have a set of tools suitable for most repair jobs, plus additional tools from the "Specialty" category, if they are confident that the expense of their purchase will be justified by the frequent use of the tools.

Set of tools for maintenance and minor repairs

This list represents the minimum set of tools needed for maintenance and minor repairs. We recommend buying combination wrenches (a box wrench on one side and an open-end wrench on the other). Although these wrenches are more expensive, they combine the properties of both types of wrenches.

Set of wrenches:

Metric - from 8 to 19 mm inclusive
Adjustable wrench - 35mm jaws (approximately).
Spark plug wrench (with rubber insert) -petrol engines Device for adjusting the gap in spark plugs of petrol engines

Set of feeler gauges
Key for unscrewing the brake system bleed nipples Screwdrivers:
Flat End - 100mm long x 8mm diameter
With a cross-shaped end - 100 mm long x B mm in diameter Pliers Hacksaw
Tire inflation pump
Tire pressure gauge
Butter can
Oil filter removal tool
Sandpaper on a cloth backing
Wire brush (small)
Funnel (medium size)

Set of tools for medium and major repairs

These tools and accessories are essential for any major car repair and complement the tool kit for maintenance and minor repairs.

The list includes a set of socket wrenches with replaceable heads. Although expensive, it is very convenient for repair work when unscrewing nuts and bolts with different heads. For such wrenches, we recommend a square head ratchet, as it can be used with most torque heads.

The tools in this list sometimes require supplementation with tools from the Special List:

Set of socket heads (or open-end wrenches) with the same parameters as in the previous list
Ratchet wrench with reversible drive (for use with socket heads)
Extension cord not less than 250mm long (for use with socket heads)
Cardan joint ratchet (for use with socket heads)
Cynamometric key (for use with socket heads)
Self-locking clamp
Round head hammer
Soft Head Hammer (plastic, aluminum or rubber)

Screwdrivers:

With a flat end - long power, short (wide), narrow (for electrical work)
With a cross-shaped end - long power, short (wide)

Pliers:

With elongated lips
Side cutters (for electrical work)

Spring ring pliers - external and internal
Chisel - 85 mm
Scriber
Scraper
Kern
Beard
Hacksaw
Hose clamp kit
Brake/Clutch Bleeding Kit
Set of drills
Steel ruler
Allen keys (including slotted head wrenches)
Set of files
Wire brush
Car stands
Jack (hydraulic or mobile)
Portable lamp with extension cord
Universal multimeter

Special tools and devices

The tools and accessories listed in this list are not used often and are expensive. However, they should be used according to the manufacturer's instructions. If you rarely perform complex mechanical work, then purchasing these tools will not pay off. In this case, to buy such tools or rent them from professionals. You can team up with friends (or join a motorist's club).

The following list contains only tools and accessories that are commercially available, not those manufactured by the vehicle manufacturer specifically for the dealer network. References to special tools may be found throughout this manual. In these cases, an alternative method for performing the work is usually given - without the special tools. However, sometimes there is no alternative. If this is the case, and the appropriate tools cannot be purchased or rented, then the work must be entrusted to the dealers.

Indicator for measuring the tightening angle of connections
Valve Spring Compressor
Valve grinding tool
Piston track conductor
Tool for removing / installing piston tracks
Honing head for boring cylinder mirror
Ball joint puller
Suspension spring compressor
Bearing and hub pullers with two/three jaws
Impact screwdriver
Micrometer or caliper
Arrow indicator
Stroboscope
Interrupter Angle Meter/Tachometer
Universal Electrical Tester
Cylinder compression indicator
Hand vacuum pump and indicator
Clutch slave disc centering tool
Brake Pad Removal Tool
Device for pressing out/pressing in bushings and bearings
Stud Extractor
Set of taps and dies for cutting threads
Lifting device
Mobile jack

Buying tools

Supermarkets and large parts stores often offer excellent, high-quality tools and accessories at low yen.

Remember: you don't have to buy the most expensive tool, but you also don't want to buy the cheapest one. Beware of "bargains" offered at car boot sales and similar places. Of course, you can buy good tools at reasonable prices, but always try to buy products that meet safety requirements. When in doubt, consult the owner or manager of the store.

Storage and maintenance of tools

Once you have purchased the necessary set of tools, keep them clean and in good condition. After use, always clean the tools from dirt, oil and metal particles with a dry cloth. Never leave tools on the workbench if you are not currently using them. Simple tools such as screwdrivers and pliers should be stored on the walls of the garage, wrenches and socket heads - in a metal box. Any measuring devices, indicators, etc. should be stored in places where they will be protected from damage and rust.

Exercise basic caution when working with tools and equipment. From time to time, hammer heads get nicked and screwdriver blades become dull. Give your tools a little attention, sand them or file them, and you'll restore them to their original condition.

Workplace

If the scope of the planned work is greater than that of normal maintenance, it is necessary to provide a comfortable work place. Such work, for example, assembling and disassembling the engine, etc., should be carried out under the roof in the garage. Wherever possible, disassembly of parts should be carried out on a clean, flat workbench or table of suitable height.

Any workbench should be equipped with a vice with an opening of up to 100 mm. Such a vice is suitable for most work places. As mentioned above, a clean, dry place should be allocated for storing tools. In addition, a place is required to store all kinds of lubricants, liquids, paint for touching up, etc.

One of the most common tools in the garage is a power drill with a chuck for drill bits up to at least 8 mm in diameter, which can be used for a wide variety of jobs.

Last but not least, always keep some old newspapers and clean rags in your work area and keep it clean.