Z3 Differential tool

Where do I find a 14mm differential tool...in other words a 14 mm hex (allen)head socket 1/2 inch drive for a "reasonable" cost?? I am about to change the diff. fluid and replace with a redline product. Maybe someone has one f/sale?? Please advise. Thanks!!

Still had to cut about 1/2" from the hex so I could use a rachet.

Just DO NOT tighten them upon reinstallation to the factory torque spec of 75Nm. Several people have cracked the cover BEFORE reaching that value.

I only tighten them to 45-50Nm, and haven't had any leak, crack or come loose in the past nine (9) years.

Buy two (2) new replacement sealing (crush) washers and reuse your existing plugs.

Got mine from Bavauto, send me a deposit, I'll mail it to you and refund your deposit upon return. Forgot to mention is a 3/8"

Originally Posted by Randy Forbes

Just DO NOT tighten them upon reinstallation to the factory torque spec of 75Nm. Several people have cracked the cover BEFORE reaching that value.

I only tighten them to 45-50Nm, and haven't had any leak, crack or come loose in the past nine (9) years.

Buy two (2) new replacement sealing (crush) washers and reuse your existing plugs.

In HC Hotel parking lots .

Originally Posted by morrieschoice

Where do I find a 14mm differential tool...in other words a 14 mm hex (allen)head socket 1/2 inch drive for a "reasonable" cost?? I am about to change the diff. fluid and replace with a redline product. Maybe someone has one f/sale?? Please advise. Thanks!!

I just bought a 9 piece metric set from Harbor Freight. It is made oversees, but for $12.99 (sale price), you get 4 to 8 mm and 10 mm - all 3/8". Then you get 12, 14 and 17 mm - all 1/2" drive. For once in 20 to 30K miles, it should be fine. Link below:

http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/cta...emnumber=98229

Sears also sells these on-line. See following link:

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/search_10...hex+bit&vName=

Originally Posted by morrieschoice

Where do I find a 14mm differential tool...in other words a 14 mm hex (allen)head socket 1/2 inch drive for a "reasonable" cost?? I am about to change the diff. fluid and replace with a redline product. Maybe someone has one f/sale?? Please advise. Thanks!!

Order this one from Ultimate Garage:
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/p...roducts_id=890

Originally Posted by jmillet

Order this one from Ultimate Garage:
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/p...roducts_id=890

Different pic from what I got from him.
Not many will pay for that.

STAHLWILLE SOCKET.

I got the tool at sears.
Does your clutch still have the squeak?

Originally Posted by Ron Stygar

In HC Hotel parking lots .

That was certainly the first one I knew about, but several more since then, judging by the number of people that have wanted the take-off ///M covers. These were owners of ///M cars, not Z3s doing updates.

Gentlemen,

How crucial is it that a "stuby" socket be used? If that is the case then I should be looking at the Facom tool or the Stahwille. But do they have them in a 1/2 in. drive cause that's the size of my torque wrench. Please advise.

Originally Posted by morrieschoice

Gentlemen,

How crucial is it that a "stuby" socket be used? If that is the case then I should be looking at the Facom tool or the Stahwille. But do they have them in a 1/2 in. drive cause that's the size of my torque wrench. Please advise.

Nothing but a "stuby" socket will fit, specially with a torque wrench.

Ron, can the Stahwille socket be purchased in a 1/2in. drive (my torque wrench is that size) and where can I get it? Please advise. Thanks!!

Originally Posted by morrieschoice

Ron, can the Stahwille socket be purchased in a 1/2in. drive (my torque wrench is that size) and where can I get it? Please advise. Thanks!!

I posted the STAHLILLE socket since it's like the FACOM one and some may want to purchase it.

The FACOM is a 3/8" 14mm for the diff.

The STAHLILLE is a 3/8" 7mm for the caliper guide pins.

......................................

You need more than one torque wrench if working on a car.

I have a 3/8" - 25 > 250 inch pound one along with a couple of 1/4" lower inch pound ones.

I have a 3/8 - 5 > 80 foot pound (one I use the most)

I have a 1/2" - 25 > 250 foot pound (lug bolts)

......................................

If you have the room you could use your 1/2" torque wrench and a normal 14mm hex socket.

http://www.unofficialbmw.com/e36/dri...id_change.html
.
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Originally Posted by morrieschoice

Gentlemen,

How crucial is it that a "stuby" socket be used? If that is the case then I should be looking at the Facom tool or the Stahwille. But do they have them in a 1/2 in. drive cause that's the size of my torque wrench. Please advise.

Hazet offers a 14mm hex in 1/2" drive: http://www.samstagsales.com/images/hz985-14.jpg
Unlike the E36 the E36 Z3 M Roadster/Coupe does not have a clearance issue with the top (fill) differential plug, therefore, you don't need a stubby socket.
Clearance is also not an issue with the side mounted differential plugs on the Z4M. The Z4 transmission plugs are a different matter. They require an 8mm hex and the top (fill) plug has minimal clearance. I use a Matco stubby 8mm hex P/N BXYS8M to access the top plug with a torque wrench.

Originally Posted by jmillet

I use a Matco stubby 8mm hex P/N BXYS8M to access the top plug with a torque wrench.

Less than the Snap-on one. What's the over all length?

Thanks for everyone's advice/help...today looked at 3/8 socket wrench....think I will go with that and get the Facom 3/8 hex socket....much easier than trying to find a 1/2 in socket to fit my torque wrench.