[RND1]

Getting ready to do the clutch and saw in one of the write-ups that a couple of the torx bolts on the bell housing are E11. I have a set of external torx, but they're all even. Can someone confirm I need an E11?

Lisle makes a nice set, but no E11. Nothing at Autozone, Napa, HD, Lowes, or Sears.

[Jrrrrrrr]

You got a bum scoop.

The sizes you need are e10, e12 (starter bolts), and e14. The 7-piece e-torx impact socket set from HF has all those sizes, is cheap, and stands up to air tools.

[RND1]

Originally Posted by Jrrrrrrr

You got a bum scoop.

The sizes you need are e10, e12 (starter bolts), and e14. The 7-piece e-torx impact socket set from HF has all those sizes, is cheap, and stands up to air tools.

Great, thank you. I already have these in my set, but I've wondered about the quality of HF (Pittsburgh) tools? Do they hold up?

[enderw88]

Originally Posted by RND1

Great, thank you. I already have these in my set, but I've wondered about the quality of HF (Pittsburgh) tools? Do they hold up?

If you only need them a few times, they are fine. But really, they don't save you that much. Good tools cost you once, cheap tools cost you a thousand times...

Don't forget the rather extreme extensions and swivels recommended to get at the upper bolts.

[RND1]

Originally Posted by enderw88

Don't forget the rather extreme extensions and swivels recommended to get at the upper bolts.

What are we talking about here?

[enderw88]

Originally Posted by RND1

What are we talking about here?

See step 11 of the transmission removal DIY

That is written for a Z-3, but there aren't many differences in this part of the car.

[Jrrrrrrr]

Originally Posted by RND1

Great, thank you. I already have these in my set, but I've wondered about the quality of HF (Pittsburgh) tools? Do they hold up?

I just so happened to have the HF e-torx set, and as said, used it with air tools. There are definitely better sockets out there, but they'll suffice if you aren't a professional mechanic who uses them regularly.

[RND1]

Originally Posted by enderw88

See step 11 of the transmission removal DIY

That is written for a Z-3, but there aren't many differences in this part of the car.

This is the DIY I was referring to citing the E11 torx. So, that is only for the Z3?

[enderw88]

Originally Posted by RND1

This is the DIY I was referring to citing the E11 torx. So, that is only for the Z3?

I can't speak specifically to the Z-3 using an E11 in those spots, I think that part is wrong, but the rest of the DIY looks applicable to any E-36. It is interesting that they refer to E12s and E11s so maybe the Z-3 does use E11 there but I have never seen an E11 (or any odd number, for that matter) socket...

Really, except for tricks like the long extensions to reach the top bolts, removing a transmission is removing a transmission:

1. put the car on jack-stands
2. drop the drive shaft
3. pull the shifter/other trans connections (speedo drive/reverse sensor/slave cylinder)
4. support the transmission (and engine if the trans bears weight)
5. remove the bell housing bolts and transmission mounts
6. slide transmission back and out

The only variation is on cars like my Super-Stalker that required the engine/transmission to come out a a unit before disassembly.

Here is a good thread about how high the car needs to be to remove the transmission without heroics.
It is laborious, but doesn't require any really special skills.

I haven't done this particular job on my M3 yet (next month I put in the E46 trans), but I trust the advice here about the E12 sizing. I will have to pick up another 1/2" extension to prep for the job.