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02-22-2019, 07:43 PM | #1 |
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New BMW owner...
Hello all. I just purchased in January a 2011 BMW 550i. (I know, I know. I should have done more research and saw the class action. Unfortunately, I did not see it, and I am stuck with this car for the next 4 years.) This is my first german car. (my wife owns a 2014 A6.)I have owned Hondas, Nissans, Toyotas, and Lexuses my whole life. My father is a mechanic. While I won't call myself a mechanic -- I am actually a lawyer by trade -- I know my way around a car and am capable of doing a bit myself. I notice the A/C blower motor often goes bad on these cars. I have purchased a new blower motor and housing with the foam filter that tends to disintegrate. In reading articles and posts on replacing, I see BMW utilizes torque screws moreso than Japanese manufacturers who tend to stick with metric bolts. I understand BMW often utilizes special tools. For the novice BMW "mechanic", what tools are a "must" in my garage? Any links to previous articles or posts is much appreciated.
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02-22-2019, 10:51 PM | #2 |
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Fixed the blower issue on mine a few month back and it’s pretty straight forward. If you plan to do your own maintenance you’ll want to get metric sockets, and a set of hex drivers and a set of torx as well. I buy most of my tools from Lowe’s Kobalt brand as they are convenient and will replace broken tools no questions asked. I’ve only had to get one socket replaced.
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02-22-2019, 11:18 PM | #3 | |
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02-22-2019, 11:45 PM | #4 |
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You’ll find that there’s not a ton of special tools needed for general maintenance. I would also look into the BMW Carly App. It’s a great diagnostic tool that has a lot of features you may need or want in the future including the ability to code.
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02-23-2019, 02:05 AM | #5 |
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Drives: '13 F10 M5 | '15 F15 X5
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Welcome!
Post some pictures of the car when you have time; PS use the bimmerpost app |
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02-23-2019, 01:42 PM | #6 | |
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There it is next to my wife's 2014 A6. |
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02-23-2019, 01:43 PM | #7 |
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It is currently missing a tow hook cover on the front bumper. I ordered a new one and BMW is going to paint it for me. It sucks you can't order them already painted.
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02-23-2019, 01:44 PM | #8 | |
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02-26-2019, 01:12 PM | #10 |
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RE: scan tools
i use Foxwell NT510 Scan Tool for BMW on my 2011 528i. Already did new battery registration with it and it also helped me with diagnostics on cylinder misfire. There is a similar one tool from ECSTUNING but i didn't use it myself https://www.ecstuning.com/b-schwaben...020sch01a~scf/ Seems that Carly for BMW requires yearly subscription so would be less cost efficient in long run. I didnt use bimmerpost app so cant comment on it. Also look into ISTA+ software which you can install on your laptop and use it along with Ethernet ENET RJ45 OBD2 cable to connect to your car. |
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02-26-2019, 02:13 PM | #11 |
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Welcome to the forums!
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