Just picked up a 318is over the summer and was looking to replace the timing chain gaskets which seem to be leaking quite a bit and the thermostat and water pump. The only thing that worries me is getting the crank bolt off to remove the lower timing chain cover.

I was wondering if I can use the flywheel locking tool to pin the flywheel and then remove the bolt or if I NEED the crank pulley securing tool. Some threads mention that using the flywheel locking method could warp the flywheel, but I have also read of others using this method exclusively.

I'm not interested in using the starter to crank a breaker bar on a block of wood since this just sounds like a disaster waiting to happen! I also have a 1/2 impact wrench that I want to try out.

Going to follow this guide, minus the timing chain guide replacement (this will have to wait till later)
DIY: Timing Case Cover Gaskets and Chain Guides
http://www.318ti.org/forum/showthread.php?t=34607
DIY: Timing Case Cover Gaskets (Upper and Lower), Timing Chain Guides, Timing Chain Tensioner, Thermostat. --------------------------------- I decided to finally tackle an intermittent oil leak. From what I could tell this leak was coming from the lower timing case cover gasket. I never...


Flywheel locking pin
Error Page | eBay
http://www.ebay.ca/itm/BMW-M40-M42-M50-M52-M52TU-M60-Flywheel-Crankshaft-Alignment-Timing-Lock-Pin-Tool-/221766863983?hash=item33a255cc6f


Any tips are appreciated!
Thanks in advance!