CTA Tools9259 E12 Torx BMW Head Bolt Socket

This tool is great for reaching BMW head bolts while the camshafts are still installed. I have standard length 3/8" e-torx sockets, but they are too thick to fit. This sturdy, 1/2" drive tool fits great . . . except for the back bolts. Even with the cabin air filter housing removed, this socket is too tall to attach a wrench to. You might be able to tug the socket, push away the plastic above, and put on a wobble extension but, you get the idea; it doesn't fit, at least on a 2004 330i (see picture). Along with this socket I bought VIM Tools VDE418 11-Piece Deep Torx Socket Set, which you see in the second picture. Even though the picture shows the cam removed, both of these sockets fit with the cam in place. So while I used my new 3/8" deep torx socket for the back bolt, I am happy to have the very sturdy 1/2" drive socket, which, as others have noted, is one piece with no retaining mechanism to worry about falling into your engine (unlike some of the other brands).As a side note, this head gasket replacement is due to an engine miss that was not fixed by a spark plug or coil swap. A compression test showed the cylinder was low, so it was time to pull the head. I couldn't see any damage or wear, and the valves lapped fine. With the new head gasket on, the compression was fixed, but the miss was still there! I found that one of the six ignition transistors in the computer was bad. I soldered on a new one and the car runs great. What about the bad compression? Was it 120 psi vs 180 psi simply from unburned fuel washing the cylinder for fifty miles? I'll never know. If a coil swap doesn't fix your miss, check the signal to the coil. If your compression is low, squirt in some oil and try again.

Excellent product. A quick summary:- Built like a tank.- No spring loaded detent ball to worry about. Search for buyers who purchased the OTC and Baum made tool that include this "feature" and you will see what I mean.- Indispensable when removing a M52TU/M54 head while camshafts are still attached.- Only gripe would be price. Paid about $7 to $8 more for the exact same product compared to vendors like ECS and FCP, but I needed it immediately and could not wait due to downtime. Paying a few more $ with Prime was a plus if you are under time constraints.

Works good.

Used it for my S50, It's a tad too long to get to the rear two head bolts with the engine in the car, but definitely doable.

Worked as it should..

Item as described heavy duty socket.

Factory OEM Tool worked perfectly fast delivery great price good quality will definitely order from this merchant again

Made head bolt removal and install easy.

This was perfect in all ways. Price, quality and speedy delivery!