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Metric Bolt Selection

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    Metric Bolt Selection

    What do you guys do for a selection of metric bolts. I took on installing a short shifter conversion on the weekend and a number of the bolts required for all the heat shields needed to be replaced (rusted, heads rounded etc). Rather than running to Home Depot or Lowes for a few at a time, is there a good commercially available assortment available?
    2004 525i Manual - 1985 325E Coupe Manual

    #2
    I find Ace Hardware to have a better Metric selection than Lowes/HD. Also you probably have a Fastenal near you, which has virtually anything you could ever want

    Use RealOEM to find the BMW part number & fastener specs. Also price check from BMW - sometimes buying the bolt from BMW is incredibly reasonable and you know you have the right part...
    - Darrell

    2001 BMW M5
    1990 BMW 325is - Build Thread

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      #3
      Personally, I prefer OEM bolts, especially if they are from an older BMW - the plating is often superior to what you can get now. At best you might get nickel plated bolts at a hardware store, which isn't nearly as good as what BMW used on the E30 (yellow zinc). Sometimes you can get yellow zinc at a hardware store, but usually not in metric sizes and they are also expensive.

      Lately, instead of buying all new bolts - I started hoarding used BMW bolts/nuts that are in good condition (no rust, stripping, galling, etc). I also got a ultrasonic cleaner from Harbor Freight which is awesome - now I have boxes of sorted, cleaned bolts I can just grab, that are better than what you can get at a hardware store, and best of all they were free..
      Build thread

      Bimmerlabs

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        #4
        ^ thats what i do. I have a pin full of misc fasteners Ive pulled off car so i can use OE fasteners. There are times when I need them and don't have any so store bought will get used.


        1989 325is l 1984 euro 320i l 1970 2002 Racecar
        1991 318i 4dr slick top


        Euro spec 320i/Alpina B6 3.5 project(the never ending saga)
        Vintage race car revival (2002 content)
        Mtech 2 turbo restoration
        Brilliantrot slick top "build"

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          #5
          Yep, the used fastener route is a good one. Gather enough and you can drop them all off at a plater. For around $80 or so, you've got shiny new hardware.

          If you want to go new, I have been a recent convert to Wurth. If you can piggy-back off of a mechanic friend with an account, then give him a list. They are not the cheapest, but remember that often when you are buying German/Italian OEM hardware, the dealer is actually using Wurth.
          Last edited by SkiFree; 02-21-2017, 05:39 PM.
          ADAMS Autosport

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            #6
            I bought a parts car and stripped all the nuts and bolts off it.
            AWD > RWD

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              #7
              Bolts are free at the wreckers near me. I reckon they might change that rule one day based on how many bolts I get out of them.

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