"Must have" tool list
 

I am purchasing a 2002 X5 3.0d with 120,000k on it in Costa Rica. It has dealer maintenance records since time of purchase in San Jose. Appears to be in very good condition, drives great, shifts smooth. I am fully aware of the risk I am taking in buying this SAV. I plan to do at least some of the routine work on it myself and would like to put together a list of essential tools that I should have handy. Thanks for the help!

big bank account
torque wrench
jack
jack stands
tire pressure gauge
8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 13mm, 17mm, 19mm sockets and wrenches
multi-meter
trouble light/torch

Welcome to the site. For diagnosis, I would suggest an appropriate code reader [perhaps a Peake?], assuming your diesel is subject to the OMDII standards. Since its a 'd', which I assume means you are fortunate enough to have a diesel, I suggest you carry an extra fuel filter and the appropriate sockets to change the fuel and oil filters caps [if one is needed for the 'd,']. I know this from driving diesel trucks, though I assume you get good quality/filtered diesel fuel in San Jose. Most users here are in the USA/Canada, so not many are fortunate to have diesels; I suggest you look for posts from the regular posters with diesels [Gregory in Switzerland; a couple of Aussies] and send them pms for more specific help.

Buy the Bentley manual or get TIS installed

Offhand to add to the list above:

A good set of Torx drivers
Oil filter housing cover wrench (for the gassers it's a 32 I think, not sure about the diesels)

Second the diagnostic equipment if possible.

And yes, a credit line with your bank too!

Air Compressor
Impact wrench
Metric set with extensions
T30
E Sockets
Spline sockets
H-Socket set w/ 14mm
Metric Deep wheel impact protected socket (wheel socket with plastic sheathing to protect rim)

Sure there is more.

Thanks for the suggestions. Please keep them coming. I'm bringing her home tomorrow! I know the transmission fluid was changed at the dealership at 100,000k and the oil and filter were changed less than a month ago. I've got a transfer case chain coming in on Saturday that I'm going to go ahead and change as soon as it gets here. Anything else I might want to go ahead and have a look at right away? Hooked it up to two scanners at different shops yesterday and it doesn't throw any codes... Thanks again for the help. Hope to post a few pictures tomorrow.

suspension, my friend, suspension... even the upscale Escazu had potholes size of a car!!! you should be OK there but don't rely on Eurocars dealer much for competent repairs - keep them as a source of parts... on the other hand, they were not familiar with 4.6is, maybe a 3.0d is a better car for them...

Pura Vida

plastic pry tools!

For any interior trim work. Best investment ever, as you will not need to replace the part you tore up using a screwdriver as a prybar.

Hex and torx kits going to see a lot of that all over..

Agree!

These are sometimes sold as interior trim tools because they are used to remove and replace trim without scratching. I think both Pelican and Bav Auto sell sets.

A Torx set (or at least 20 and 25) is useful, and it is really nice to have both the driver and the ratchet versions for different applications.

Breaker bar and torque wrench are good to have, as is a small compressor.

Bump

Bandade
Patience
Beer
Laptop
Bmw software from ebay

I can't really recommend any tools per se because it seems everytime I'm working on something for the first time I need a new tool.