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      02-22-2019, 07:43 PM   #1
ChesterCopperpot1
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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.

Thanks.
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      02-22-2019, 10:51 PM   #2
socale39
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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
ChesterCopperpot1
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Quote:
Originally Posted by socale39 View Post
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.
This is the information I was looking for. I only have metric sockets right now — I don’t get why Americans love to stick with standard measurements. The hex drivers and torx is what I was looking for. I plan to change the blower motor myself, as well as do other maintenance. Larger items I will farm out to my local BMW shop. Thanks for the help.
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      02-22-2019, 11:45 PM   #4
socale39
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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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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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Quote:
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Welcome!

Post some pictures of the car when you have time; PS use the bimmerpost app
Ask and ye shall receive. It's dirty right now. Been raining nonstop here in Nashville for weeks.

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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Quote:
Originally Posted by socale39 View Post
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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by socale39 View Post
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.
Thanks a ton. Do you have a recommendation for a code reader? I have one now, but it only works for OBD cars. My understanding is BMW does not utilize OBD; thus, my scanner wont work.
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      02-26-2019, 10:02 AM   #9
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Beautiful car - thanks for sharing the pics. Hope you enjoy your time with it!
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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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      02-27-2019, 03:33 AM   #12
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Welcome and good luck. What's the mileage on the beast?
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      11-16-2019, 10:03 PM   #13
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nice!!
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