Factory E28 Tool Kits. What is correct?

[328dabi]

So I have the small toolkit in my 1984 524td. However the wrenches were labeled Mercedes Benz, and the screw driver Toyota. I’ve acquired the correct wrenches. However I’m confused as to what the correct screwdriver for an e28 small tool kit in 1984 was. I’ve seen cars with black screw drivers as well as grey. I’m restoring this vehicle and would like to make everything period correct and oem. I’ve also seen a green screw driver, but not sure where those are from. Any advice is appreciated. 

[Aldo525]

Grey screwdriver is the right one. New version is black. Green (also red) came in the big box.

[kaivatony]

Great to see another E28 getting a proper restoration. For 1984 small tool kits, the OEM screwdrivers were typically black handle ones, made by Hazen or Klein, depending on production batch and region. The grey handles started showing up later, mostly in mid- to late-‘80s kits. Green handles are likely from other BMW models or aftermarket inserts — not period-correct for an ‘84 524td. If you’re going for 100% OEM accuracy, black handle flathead and Phillips are your safest bet.

[kojo96]

What I've seen in e28s- 
Early 533i had the Red screwdrivers, later e28 chassis had the Green handles, e34/e32 and up had the Gray screwdrivers. The replacement tool kits have the Gray screwdrivers, and not stamped W. Germany.
I've not seen Black handles on e28 cars. 

[stuartinmn]

I've wondered about what is the 'correct' screwdrivers for my car, the large tool kit in a 1986 M535i.  It has a large screwdriver with a green handle, and a small screwdriver with a grey handle (this one is reversible with a flat blade and Phillips.)  The previous owner told me the original small screwdriver had been lost at some point and he had to buy the grey handled replacement from the dealer.  The question is: did the original small screwdriver have a green handle to match the big one? I've never seen one, but I also haven't ever looked very hard for one.

The smaller toolkit in my 1988 325iX has a small grey handle screwdriver, which I believe is correct for that model.

[John in VA]

The question is: did the original small screwdriver have a green handle to match the big one? I've never seen one, but I also haven't ever looked very hard for one.

The smaller toolkit in my 1988 325iX has a small grey handle screwdriver, which I believe is correct for that model.

E28s had a pair of red-, then a pair of green-handled screwdrivers. 
You're correct - E30 had the small gray-handled reversible driver.

[Blue Shadow]

Google image search brings e28 tool kit photos
large kits in cars with the big 6 has red or green handled screwdrivers, mostly green. 
small tool kits usually had the gray handle screwdriver but maybe the black handle was in some kits. 

[vinceg101]

Not a definite proof, but my US '88 535i had a pair of green screwdrivers. I'm pretty sure they were original.
The '85 M535i had a pair of greens also, but I'm not sure they were original; I replaced them with a pair of reds.

[328dabi]

So I bought a grey handle screwdriver on eBay, but after reading this it appears that is not the correct screwdriver for an early e28 small tool box? Would the correct screw driver be black or red handle for 1984? Looks like I’m going to have to buy another either way. 

[John in VA]

So I bought a grey handle screwdriver on eBay, but after reading this it appears that is not the correct screwdriver for an early e28 small tool box? Would the correct screw driver be black or red handle for 1984? Looks like I’m going to have to buy another either way. 

I've not seen black or gray original to an E28, but things happen over 40 years.  Some actually use (& lose) their tools!  Unless you're entering a strict concours you should be fine, unless you want to chase a green or red one.  What color is your large screwdriver's handle?

[328dabi]

So I bought a grey handle screwdriver on eBay, but after reading this it appears that is not the correct screwdriver for an early e28 small tool box? Would the correct screw driver be black or red handle for 1984? Looks like I’m going to have to buy another either way. 

I've not seen black or gray original to an E28, but things happen over 40 years.  Some actually use (& lose) their tools!  Unless you're entering a strict concours you should be fine, unless you want to chase a green or red one.  What color is your large screwdriver's handle?

My car has the small tool kit which only comes with 1 screwdriver. 

[Aldo525]

I never seen a black screwdriver in a e30 or e28 small tool box ( OE I mean), just the grey handle. Big tool box are red and green (e28 and e24) not sure if red was the early color and later green or a brands combination (Heyco is the most common, I have some BMW Walter tools). Black handle is the color you have if buying a new original screwdriver at BMW dealer, black is the new version of the early grey. But (IMO) if you want the original 83/84' grey screwdriver for a small tool box you must get the "W. Germany" version....see pics of screwdrivers I have: Black is the new one I bought from a dealer, one grey are is coming from a 90' e34, just "Germany" imprinted, the other is the older one I have in the 83' e28 518i. Added some pictures on different types of small tool boxes too, I believe e28 and e30 small boxes are different.

All are Heyco and identical shape:


But just the older one is grey and W. Germany


This is an e30 small box (quite sure, took the picture from eBay)


And this is my 83' e28, different tools location compared to e30:


 

[328dabi]

I never seen a black screwdriver in a e30 or e28 small tool box ( OE I mean), just the grey handle. Big tool box are red and green (e28 and e24) not sure if red was the early color and later green or a brands combination (Heyco is the most common, I have some BMW Walter tools). Black handle is the color you have if buying a new original screwdriver at BMW dealer, black is the new version of the early grey. But (IMO) if you want the original 83/84' grey screwdriver for a small tool box you must get the "W. Germany" version....see pics of screwdrivers I have: Black is the new one I bought from a dealer, one grey are is coming from a 90' e34, just "Germany" imprinted, the other is the older one I have in the 83' e28 518i. Added some pictures on different types of small tool boxes too, I believe e28 and e30 small boxes are different.

All are Heyco and identical shape:


But just the older one is grey and W. Germany


This is an e30 small box (quite sure, took the picture from eBay)


And this is my 83' e28, different tools location compared to e30:



 

Thank you. The screw driver I acquired is indeed a grey w.germany. The wrenches were Heyco and the right sizes but labels Mercedes-Benz. I replaced those with the correct wrenches as well. (Likewise with pliers). I was also missing the emergency window crank rod which is still available new so I bought one. Now I have a complete set, however my tool box looks like the e30 box and not like yours. So I’m wondering if it’s been replaced before, and if so, why as they hold the same exact tools. Or were both used on the e28? 

[328dabi]

Need to clean up a couple of the tools but it’s all there now. 
 

 

[Aldo525]

And this is my 83' e28, different tools location compared to e30:





 

Thank you. The screw driver I acquired is indeed a grey w.germany. The wrenches were Heyco and the right sizes but labels Mercedes-Benz. I replaced those with the correct wrenches as well. (Likewise with pliers). I was also missing the emergency window crank rod which is still available new so I bought one. Now I have a complete set, however my tool box looks like the e30 box and not like yours. So I’m wondering if it’s been replaced before, and if so, why as they hold the same exact tools. Or were both used on the e28? 

 

 

Manual windows in my 83' e28 so no emergency windows tools...but this kind of tool box needs a special bent 17/19 mm wrench I have not...see the 17 mm side is "on the air" because my actual tool is straight not bent.

[John in VA]

...but this kind of tool box needs a special bent 17/19 mm wrench I have not...see the 17 mm side is "on the air" because my actual tool is straight not bent.

The bent wrench came with the 2002 tool bags and early 3ers with rear drum brakes - the bend allowed adjusting by clearing the backing plate.

[Aldo525]

The bent wrench came with the 2002 tool bags and early 3ers with rear drum brakes - the bend allowed adjusting by clearing the backing plate.

 

 

 

 

That was the reason!!...the 518i has rear drum brakes. So the small tool box for an e28 with rear discs is the same as the one 328dabi have.

[328dabi]

...but this kind of tool box needs a special bent 17/19 mm wrench I have not...see the 17 mm side is "on the air" because my actual tool is straight not bent.

The bent wrench came with the 2002 tool bags and early 3ers with rear drum brakes - the bend allowed adjusting by clearing the backing plate.

That makes perfect sense now. Well, I’m glad I have a complete set of the correct tools now.