Car tool kit options

[DSGRNMCM]

Afternoon All,

So with a missing BMW tool kit that would / should contain (Towing eye, Philips driver and locking nut)

I've just ordered a BMW towing eye, and not going to order some tools, more so as we are off on a road trip and thinking about what are the essentials or just buy a Halfords mini tool kit?

Thoughts?

 

[john-e89]

Tbh I’m struggling to think what a few basic tools would cover on presumably a Z4M. You’re not going to carry an alternator belt, starter motor, ignition switch, battery, brake pads, springs, shockers etc, etc, etc, so just imho make sure you’re tyres are in good nick, pads and discs too, and carry some tyre gunk and an inflator and go enjoy yourself.

 

[Crazy Harry]

This might sound harsh but its not intended to - the tools kit is only as good as what YOU can do with it - not what CAN be done. So get tools that you can use. BUT ......

If its your E86 you're tight for room to carry a wealth of spares so why take loads of spares and tools enough to fit them. BMW parts can be had quickly in most places. The engines are reliable if serviced and outstanding work is done not left until it breaks down and runflats (although a little random to drive on) will get you out of trouble.

I've got more kit than most and will tackle most jobs - engine in or out but I only carry a breakdown card and a mobile when I go away.

 

[Anonymous]

Echoing what others have said...I would suggest you take a simple code reader / reset tool..

This babies are so complicated..the E89 has over 30 separate onboard computers..

When a fault light comes on you need to know whether to press on / reset and press on/ call a friend..

That an a rat tail puncture repair kit...

IMHO

 

[DSGRNMCM]

Good points, after all it is not a Landrover...

Any recommendations on code readers?

 

[Mr Tidy]

The only other thing you get in the OE kit is a 10mm and 13mm open-ended spanner!

You could take other tools, but how much roadside DIY are you likely to want to do on an M?

Apart from some Tyre-Weld and a compressor the only other thing in my boot is a litre of oil. And following a couple of bird strikes a pair of gloves and plastic bags! :roll:

I bought a cheap C110 code reader, but haven't needed to use it since I got it - here's a few options anyway:- https://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_nkw=bmw%20code%20reader&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=710-55004-18975-0&mkcid=2&key

 

[DSGRNMCM]

Mr Tidy, doe sit work on your Z4M? also will it allow you to reset the oil service light (post service?)

 

[TitanTim]

Get roadside assistance and enjoy the trip

Tim.

 

[MrPT]

Phillips screwdriver, 10/13mm spanner, duct tape, tie wraps, nitrile gloves.

 

[beanie]

I carry a basic kit in my car, I was once close to being stuck in the mountains in my old golf and ever since I feel naked leaving without some tools.

I’ve got ...

1/4 and 3/8 ratchet with a selection of sockets
Pliers
Ratchet/open ended spanners
A few Screwdrivers
Jubilee clips
Allen keys
Zip ties
Scissors and a small knife
OBD code reader and app.
A few Torx and some odds and sods that I don’t remember.
1lt oil and a bottle of water.

Listing all this has made me realise I should probably add a roll of gaffer tape and some fuses as I’m not sure the bulb kit has any.

Might sound a lot but it all fits in between the battery cover and rear light. Of course, it won’t do any of the typical issues that are z specific but if something simple happens or something comes loose then at least I won’t be waiting hours for someone to turn up with a lorry that I can’t even get the car on to!

 

[Mister T]

Most commonly used tool is probably a laptop and INPA...

For everything else

 

[ProfCJJ]

Today I cleaned the boot of the E89 thoroughly. As I drive through Europe for about a month each year (when not in the midst of a pandemic!) I have got used to keeping a few tools in the car - especially in my MGF! Not really needed them in anger but they don’t take up lots of space and they are there if needed.

The same for my E89, I have the following in the boot:

- BMW toolkit + spare bulb kit in the small boot cubby hole
- BMW medical kit
- tyre gunk + inflator
- a small tool kit made up as below - I opted to get relatively cheap individual tools so I’m not spending loads on tools I might only ever use a few times - the kit is probably worth a bit over £100 all told - if that.





- Finally, in the glove box I have the Carly adapter.

On the shelf behind the seats I keep a very small pack with hi-viz jackets and tiniest umbrella known to man!

What do others have? (If at all?)

Cheers

 

[Old-Duckman]

The farthest I’ve traveled in a single trip in the Z was 500 miles and change. That was the trip home after I purchased it.

That said, the only “tools “ I currently carry in the trunk is a fire extinguisher, 2 cans of Fix-A-Flat and of course my cell phone in my pocket.

I had a trip planned for this past summer that didn’t happen but my plan was to add to what I mentioned above a portable compressed air tank (it fits, I’ve tried it) and just some basic tools, wrenches, pliers, screw drivers, and the like. Obviously one of my biggest concerns is not having a spare tire.

I had the car inspected (annual safety and emissions) last week and the owner of the shop gave me some good advice that I had never thought of before. If you break down on a trip, get the car to a BMW dealer, not a small shop or an Indy. His reasoning makes sense, though a dealer will charge more than the Indy, if you later have issues with the repair (not being done correctly or whatever) you can take it to a local BMW dealer near your home and deal with them to make it right. If you had an indy do the repair, your only option would be to go back to them and that would not be practical due to the distance involved...Made sense to me.

 

[dr_john]

First aid kit and a phone.

 

[Pondrew]

If you drive on Smart Motorways, maybe just a Bible

 

[sw4nny]

If you drive on Smart Motorways, maybe just a Bible

And perhaps a pack of loo roll.