E30 travel tool set essentials

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 10:38 am

I'm picking up a 325i on Sunday, getting the train to Birmingham and driving it back up to the north east. The car's in good nick so (touch wood) I shouldn't have any problems. Even so, I'd like to take a small set of tools with me in case I drop a belt, spring a leak or need to replace anything.
I've never worked on a BMW before, never mind an E30, so what do you guys reccomend I take as a portable "get me home" toolkit?

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 11:23 am

My basic pocket size emergency tool kit consists of flat and Philips screw driver, hammer, mole grips, 10, 13 and 17mm spanners, trolley jack and a roll of gaffer tape. Most things can be bodged with the above. Few cables ties are always handy.

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 11:27 am

If it's in as good nick as you describe, the BMW toolkit in the bootlid should suffice for most things - check it's got all the tools in place, as many go AWOL.

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 6:43 pm

Cracking advice indeed , but I would join a breakdown service right now and it will give you peace of mind for 12 months as well.
These are old cars so money well spent yeh ??

Mart.

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 7:30 pm

Jesus325iTouring wrote:My basic pocket size emergency tool kit consists of flat and Philips screw driver, hammer, mole grips, 10, 13 and 17mm spanners, trolley jack and a roll of gaffer tape. Most things can be bodged with the above. Few cables ties are always handy.

I am not sure I would be taking a trolley jack on a train!

As well as the other items, I would take a spare fan belt, a universal fit one if you cannot get the right one before Sunday. (or a pair of tights!)

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 7:31 pm

Spare belts, the alt drive belt went on my Cab the other day.
People neglect them.

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 8:02 pm

Breaker bar.

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 8:26 pm

FIND OUT WHEN THE CAM BELT WAS LAST CHANGED, you don't want that snapping on the way home.

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 8:40 pm

A wing and a prayer.

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 8:49 pm

RAC cover for £30 a year. Fuses. Crossed fingers.

Get a list of e30 owners addresses between brum and home and pop in for a cuppa tea and spares.

Post Fri Jan 20, 2017 8:49 pm

ChrisHC wrote:
Jesus325iTouring wrote:My basic pocket size emergency tool kit consists of flat and Philips screw driver, hammer, mole grips, 10, 13 and 17mm spanners, trolley jack and a roll of gaffer tape. Most things can be bodged with the above. Few cables ties are always handy.
I am not sure I would be taking a trolley jack on a train!

As well as the other items, I would take a spare fan belt, a universal fit one if you cannot get the right one before Sunday. (or a pair of tights!)

Ha ha fair point!

Post Sat Jan 21, 2017 1:41 pm

Jesus325iTouring wrote:My basic pocket size emergency tool kit consists of flat and Philips screw driver, hammer, mole grips, 10, 13 and 17mm spanners, trolley jack and a roll of gaffer tape. Most things can be bodged with the above. Few cables ties are always handy.

Thanks, I've owned a couple of old VW's in the past and had a setup with common bolt sizes and stuff, so that's a big help.

Martauto wrote: Cracking advice indeed , but I would join a breakdown service right now and it will give you peace of mind for 12 months as well.
These are old cars so money well spent yeh ??

I've got AA on my daily, going to ring up and get my cover changed to be for me in any car rather than just the one car.

ChrisHC wrote: As well as the other items, I would take a spare fan belt, a universal fit one if you cannot get the right one before Sunday. (or a pair of tights!)

Good idea, I'll have a search and see if I can get my hands on any.

Post Sat Jan 21, 2017 2:03 pm

The main thing I'd be taking is a collapsible water container, if you have one, or arranging for a rigid one to be waiting at the other end.
The only problems I've ever had with driving newly acquired E30s long distances have related to coolant loss. If the previous owner only normally drives relatively short distances, he may not even be aware of the problem.

Post Sat Jan 21, 2017 2:16 pm

Brianmoooore wrote:The main thing I'd be taking is a collapsible water container, if you have one, or arranging for a rigid one to be waiting at the other end.
The only problems I've ever had with driving newly acquired E30s long distances have related to coolant loss. If the previous owner only normally drives relatively short distances, he may not even be aware of the problem.

Nice tip. I've had a couple of cars with coolant issues. Usually just go to a supermarket and pick up a few bottles of their cheapest water.

Post Sat Jan 21, 2017 5:33 pm

That brings back memories of when I was 17, my price of shit mk3 Escort overheated outside a supermarket, a few litres of Buxton and I was on my way again.