Tools, Equipment, and Supplies
for the DIY BMW Technician

WD-40

WD-40 is helpful for lubricating and cleaning various parts and fasteners.

For prolonged use in heavy lifting (suspension and brakes, for example), only the latex-fortified cloth gloves will do the job. These are also great if you need to take your gloves off frequently.

I use these blue nitrile rubber gloves for all light duty dirty work, and always when working with oil or any other liquids that I don't want to absorb through my skin.

I bought a small can of Permatex "Silver" Anti-Seize so I could put a light coating on the wheel hubs during brake jobs so the rotors wouldn't bond to them. This is typically sold in tube form, but it's best IMHO to buy it in the bottle with the brush top to simplify application. Anti-seize mixed with copper is also available to withstand higher temperatures and is essential if you're doing work on the exhaust system. The "silver" anti-seize is rated to 1400 degrees while the copper is rated to 1600. If you have only one bottle to buy, it's probably best to buy the copper stuff so you're ready for everything. I bought the silver because it was the only type available when I needed some.

This is just a strong solvent that helps clean up brake parts prior to installation. It can also be used as a general cleaner to remove grease and grime out of hex bolts and such.

Recommended by BMW and available from them in small packets, the high temperature grease known as Plastilube can also be purchased in a more cost effective tube form from a number of US suppliers, including NAPA.

When doing brakes, it is necessary to push the pistons back into the calipers. This will cause the level in the reservoir to rise. Syringes are a handy way to cleanly and efficiently remove the excess fluid before it overflows the reservoir. These can also be used to remove power steering fluid from the reservoir during a power steering system flush. If you try to use a turkey baster as some suggest, I guarantee you'll make a big mess.

I ordered these from an online medical supply store. Doesn't matter which one, really. Just let Google do the walking and search for Kendall part number 68000.

Small Brush Applicators

These are helpful for applying grease, anti-seize, or even penetrating lubricant that you don't want to get everywhere. I bought a ton of these when I was doing work on my RC Helicopters 10 years ago and this is the last bag. :-( Easy enough to find elsewhere at Home Depot.