Tools for working on E30?

[guibo09]

Im coming from the world of subarus, and have pretty much a complete enough toolbox to disassemble a subaru to individual pieces (in fact, i just finished doing that this fall).

now i have an e30, and i was wondering what socket sizes, torx, specific tools, etc i need for general work on an e30 (brakes, body, engine head, timing belt, rear diff, suspension, etc).

for example, on a subaru, every bolt is 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, or 32. there is barely any torx or other.

[lordofthewaters]

Your metric sockets should be fine. You'll need a set of hex's and a set of torx if you don't already have them. You'll need a 30mm wrench for your fan clutch (headset wrench is good), and a (if I remember correctly) 30 mm socket for your halfshaft nuts.

[StereoInstaller1]

32mm on that fan clutch, reverse Torx on the tranny bolts.

Stubby 22mm wrench (or my famous taco wrench) for the inner ball joints.

Buy a can or three of CRC Electrical cleaner for all of the electrical conectors...just do every damn connector you find (including taking apart all the grounds and cleaning them too) and you should do OK.

If you can do an oil pump on those fucking nasty ass flat 4 whores you will LOVE working on E30s.

Oh yeah...welcome to R3V.

Luke

[Mossman]

little nuts/bolts are 10, med. are 13, big is usually 17 but some 18, 19 and 22 (22 = 7/8")

Fan clutch is 32mm by the way.

Inverted torx if you ever wanna take a tranny off. I can't think of any regular torx on an e30...

[StereoInstaller1]

get yourself a small pushbuton switch and solder a couple of feet of wire on, then strip the ends and "tin" them.

You can use this to do several things, including:
Reset the "INSPECTION" lights
Reset the "oil service" lights
and most important: you can bump the motor over to adjust the valves.

All of these things are in the diagnostic connector: http://www.unofficialbmw.com/repair_faqs/sil.html

[StereoInstaller1]

Oh yeah, you can find the electrical service manual at www.wedophones.com

Manuals>automotive>BMW

GL!
Luke

[guibo09]

cool thanks guys. i already have 13, 15, 18 mm wrenches and sockets. i also have a metrix hex set, but im missing the 17mm for the tranny drain plugs. what tool do you guys use to get in there? it seems with a hex socket on a rachet there wont be enough space...

reverse torx? i dont have that. never heard of it either. do you mean a 12 point socket, or is it really just the reverse of a 6 point torx?

also what are the head bolts? ill be taking the head off over the winter.

[StereoInstaller1]

reverse torx? i dont have that. never heard of it either. do you mean a 12 point socket, or is it really just the reverse of a 6 point torx?

No, don't even try the 12 point. They really do exist. I originally bought them for Nissan seat bolts (guess what I do from the name, right?) but they are needed for the E30 trannys.

[StereoInstaller1]

Oh yeah, Torx on the head bolts if they have been swapped, which they should have.

[guibo09]

Oh yeah, Torx on the head bolts if they have been swapped, which they should have.

and if they havent been swapped? was it a recall? do i need a new set when i put the head back or are they reusable?

[lordofthewaters]

You are correct sir. Typos are my arch-nemesis.

32mm on that fan clutch, reverse Torx on the tranny bolts.

I should've made it clearer when I said torx. I should've said, a full set male and female.

[kronus]

and if they havent been swapped? was it a recall? do i need a new set when i put the head back or are they reusable?

They're stretch bolts, not reusable.

[allwheeldrive]

The trunk tool kit is god. It saved me when my alternator belt broke on I-40 between Raliegh and Wilmington. Was able to take off and reinstall a new belt while parked on a off-ramp.:)

[Naplm00]

the female torx are called "E" torx for external


I would also say a 17mm allen, 14mm allen and 10mm allen for the drain plugs on tranny, diff and Tcase if equiped.


I always find 2 jaw and 3 jaw pullers useful too

[StereoInstaller1]

and if they havent been swapped? was it a recall? do i need a new set when i put the head back or are they reusable?

If they have not been swapped, there is a possibility of breaking off.

The head will likely lodge under the cam and poke a hole in the head...bad juju.