Tools & Car Jacks

[Q_BMW]

Hey guys
as most of you can tell I am just beginning to do my own car maintanence. I was wondering if anyone could recommened a decently priced auto tool kit. For now I am looking to replace my air, micro and oil filters, along with an oil change.

Also, this is for everyone that does their own oil change, did you guys go out and buy heavy duty car jacks or ramps ? Because that might be a pain to carry around and keep in my dorm room and stuff .....some advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks mentors.....
Q

[jllphan]

As far as tools, I just buy what I need when I do something. You'd be amazed how fast your tool collection will grow. If your rich, buy Snap-on. If your not buy Craftsman.

As for ramps, that's not an option with my car-sits too low. I just use jack stands, or if it is something I really need to get under the car for, I go to my buddy's, he has a lift in his garage.

[Q_BMW]

hey
thanks for the reply. So you reckon if I am doing an oil change just buy the wrench or whatever I need for that job, and just keep collecting on then ? so buy individual craftsman tools from like autozone or sears ?
I dont know anyone with a lift so I will need to buy something to get under the car right ?
I use fully synthetic oil and have been replacing it every 3K miles. Is that too often ?
thanks again.

[Bmw1990]

Craftsman makes the best tools for the price. Also they are lifetime guranteed so if u break one u can just go to sears and get a new one. U can get sets in cases so u can carry your tools around.

[jllphan]

Yes, if you don't have a decent ratchet set, go buy one. That kind of thing.


If your car is at stock ride height, just get some ramps, I feel more confortable with those v.s jack stands.

3K is deffinately too often for synth oil. I change my oil every 3Kmi or 3mnths. That is why I do not use synth. Because if you chnage your oil like me, there is no need for synth. I know a lot of you disagree, and I will not disagree that synth is better, but you have two options....


1. Buy synth and change it every 7K mi

2. Use reg oil and change it every 3k Mi

[Q_BMW]

thanks 1990
so if i get 2 of
these these , would that be good to do an oil change.

I looked around and found some kits.
would this be enough you think for just changing microfilters and other filters:
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?...pid=00933075000

or this maybe?
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?...s&vertical=TOOL

thanks
Q

[Q_BMW]

thanks jilpan,
so do one of those sets above seem like something i should get.
Yes my ride is at fatory height, so i guess could get ramps. Man those are hard to store and carry around.
Q

[jllphan]

Yes, any of those kits would work. If you have nothing, either of those would be a pretty good start.

Ramps suck (heavy, bulky, etc.) but I just feel better with them. I'm not a fan of jack stands than are pnematic. Just seem like something to fail, and you have a 3000lb car on your head. If you are going to get jack stands (l still prefer ramps) just get heavy duty old school stands.

The one benefit to jack stands is working on brakes, tires, wheels, etc. Kinda tough to do a brake job with ramps-LOL

[Q_BMW]

hey
ya ur right. Since i am gonna change my oil every 7K now, will skip on the ramps for now and get this kit to change mu microfilter, and air filter, and gota start thinking of other cheap mods a novice like me can try. any suggestions ?
Q

[jllphan]

Spark plugs
Brake Pads
Air Filter
Windshield Wipers (ha ha)

There are a lot of things you can do yourself. That is part of the reason I bought the car I did. I too am somewhat of a novice with regards to physically doing the work myself, and these cars are quite easy to work on. So have fun, and make friends with a BMW mechanic before you start working so he can bail you out if things get out of hand :P

[Q_BMW]

hey
ya , gota start looking for some new friends now...lol
did you do your own spark plugs ? how hard was it ? whats a good compnay for spark plugs or oem is good for that too?
thanks
Q

[jllphan]

Easy as pie. Prolly the easiest spark plug change i've ever seen. Pull of the engine shrowd and....BAM, it's all right there.

As for type read my review....{HERE}

[El Presidente]

i just moved out of an apartment last month and had very little storage space. However, I found that my ramps did not get in the way very much. Very nice to have them. also, wal mart sells a good starter kit. Its a 170 peice set with car crap in mind: tire psi gauge, compression meter, wire crimper/stripper, metic and standard sockets, wire ties, ect. I thinks $20. Not quality tools I'm sure, but it'll cover all your bases.

[Q_BMW]

thanks guys

[Q_BMW]

hey El Presidente
searched the walmart site but cudnt find it, if you see it pls send me the link
Q