Do I need this special tool to remove head bolts?

[bmwpower]

I seem to remember that there is very little space in order to get an E-torx socket down in there.

[matt]

You need it unless you have an e-torx socket that fits down around the cams.

It helps to have that one.

[bmwpower]

You need it unless you have an e-torx socket that fits down around the cams.

It helps to have that one.

Cool. I guess I should get it rather than rig something to work. I'm pretty sure my E-torx sockets are too big.

Time to look for the best price...

Thanks!

[amdspitfire]

Cool. I guess I should get it rather than rig something to work. I'm pretty sure my E-torx sockets are too big.

Time to look for the best price...

Thanks!

let me know where you find it for a good price ;)

[bmwpower]

let me know where you find it for a good price ;)

So far this was the best:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Headbolt-Tool-Torx-Repair-Parts-Tools-Cylinder-Head-BMW_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQcategoryZ43998QQihZ008QQitemZ180141335315QQrdZ1QQsspagenameZWDVW

So I bought one!

[amdspitfire]

Mentions

cylinder head on M42 and M50 engines

will it work with m20?

[matt]

Mentions

will it work with m20?

Probably, but you don't need it for an M20. Any old E-torx socket set will be fine.

[bmwpower]

Mentions

will it work with m20?

Are they E12 bolt heads? If not, no.

BTW, Pelican Parts is saying it works on:

M42, M43, M44, M50, M60, M62

No mention of M20, but they might be thinking of the original bolts that came on those engines.

Update: RealOEM says they're Torx bolts NOT E-Torx on the M20.

[mode]

M20 (updated) is external torx

[amdspitfire]

M20 (updated) is external torx

whats the difference?

Is this external torx?


and this regular torx?

[matt]

whats the difference?

Is this external torx?

Yes.

The original headbolts on a lot of M20s were hex heads.

[bmwpower]

Update:

I received the ZDMAK version of the above tool. It worked well except for one issue...

There is a sleeve that wraps around the end that holds a ball bearing. This ball bearing is supposed to help grip the head of the bolt so it makes it easier to put the bolts in/out. Well, it didn't work at all. The bolts would fall out of the end when removing. Luckily I was able to use a magent to retrieve the bolts.

And the other thing that could be a big problem: BE CAREFUL upon insertion/removal of the tool from down within the head. It's a tight squeeze even with the tool. I caught the sleeve on the edge of the valve assembly and the damn sleeve popped off, almost dropping the ball bearing down into the oil galley. Luckily, it fell and got caught up in the residual oil next to the galley hole.

Word to the wise: Rip off the sleeve and remove the ball bearing before using this tool.

[matt]

The real BMW tool is better, but yeah, they have that problem.

[LINUS]

I had the Hazet tool, and it worked flawlessly. There was a guy on BF.c who rented the full package of tools to do a 24v headgasket job. Cam locker, pin for flywheel, t. chain tensioner, vanos disc tool/locker - it was like $30, and you had a month.

[Hick]

or you can just remove the cams and cam carriers.