Required E30 tools

[KennyT]

What tools are must have for working on E30's. I don't have a large set of tools yet and I'm trying to figure out what I need, not just what would be nice.

Stereo removal tool was the first BMW specific thing I have purchased. What else do I need?

[drumad]

metric everything
pipe wrench
torch
wd40
pb blaster
dremel
drill
vice grips
bfh
a shit ton of various all thread/nuts/washers (for pulling bullshit)

huh?

[StereoInstaller1]

Test light, DMM, crimpers, stethoscope.

[pawi30]

thin 32mm wrench
2" deepsockset EDIT: 12mm
torx set
jack
x4 jack stands

[KennyT]

Already have the electrical kit (two years in electrical engineering), along with most of what has been mentioned. I'm looking for the various oddball tools, like what pawi mentioned.

pawi - What do I need the 32mm wrench and 12mm socket for?

[87-325ic]

32mm is for the real trans flange and seal. probably other stuff too.

get a bentley, and a 8 10 and 13 mm socket and you can do almost everything.
dont forget the bmw toolbox screwdriver.

dont forget the valve feeler gauges too.

[pawi30]

For timing belt replacement.

12 mm for crank bolt disk
32mm for fan clutch, get it from a bike shop

[browntown]

30mm and 36mm thin wall sockets for axle nuts. Female torx sockets for transmission bolts. Hex metric sockets for tranny and diff drain plugs. Long 8mm hex socket for axle flange bolts. 11mm flare wrench for brake lines. Gearwrench's in at least 10, 13, 17, and 19mm. The 32mm wrench is for the fan clutch, but I've had success using a big adjustable wrench. I'd start thinking about air tools if you think you'll be doing much suspension work too. I think the 22mm socket they're talking about is for the front control arm - there are a few different methods for that.
Other than that, a good selection of short and deep metric sockets with extensions / wobbles/ universals in 1/4 and 3/8 drive should do most things. You'd be surprised how much of the car you can tear down with a 13 and 17mm wrench
Don't buy harbor freight.

[KennyT]

Tools are all craftsman or crescent, only thing harbor freight is the engine hoist.

The parts car is almost torn down, just left to the engine, rear section of driveshaft, diff, and then suspension/steering.

I'm going to need the 180* pick for the bitch clip.

[sharky]

Bfh

[KennyT]

Will a 5lb do? Or do I need a 10lb sledge?

[bimmerpirate]

5lb deadblow hammer is always good.

a big set of slip-jaw pliers are good for lots of things too.

[McGyver]

bitch bar and 36mm socket for wheel bearings.

[mike87]

lots and LOTS of pb blaster. assuming there will be rust, which there likely will be :D

[StereoInstaller1]

Already have the electrical kit (two years in electrical engineering), along with most of what has been mentioned. I'm looking for the various oddball tools, like what pawi mentioned.

pawi - What do I need the 32mm wrench and 12mm socket for?

If you are the typical EE, you have shit crimpers. Don't fuck around, get ChannelLock, they are the best, better than SnapOn..

One really useful little oddball toy is called the Skewdriver. If your screw gun is smaller, you can use the standard duty...but it will cut the hassle of a heater core install in half.