Just about to do my first brake job on my car...... front pads & rotors. Hoping someone can answer some simple questions.

1. Am I going to need any special tools for doing this?
2. Are there any specific torque specs for bolting it all back together?

Any help would be appreciated.

the E21 has one of the easiest brake systems to work on, you don't need to remove the caliper to change pads. But since you are changing the rotors too, you will need to do some extra steps:
-lift the front of the car and put some jackstands under the frame rails and block the rear wheels
-use a small punch to remove the pins holding pads and rattle spring, remove the pads, and using a screwdriver/piece of wood (to prevent damage to the pistons)push the pistons back into the caliper. install new pads and put the spring and pins back and you are set. How is that for easy?
Now if you want to remove the rotors:
-remove the caliper using 17 or 18mm socket (plus a 10mm for the brake line at the strut)
-using a small allen wrench (6mm IIRC) remove the bolt holding the rotor and remove the rotor. Then put new rotor on hub, put some antiseize on the bolt and tighten it down.
-replace caliper and tighten good, you don't want the bolts backing out on you and loosing your brakes

some added tips:
the rotor & rotor locating bolt sometimes get 'stuck' on the hub (due to surface rust)...if the rotor locating bolt is really hard to move: keep the caliper installed & get someone else to help you by pushing on the brake pedal while you break the rotor locating bolt loose.

then, to get a stuck rotor off the hub....use a BFH :)

like Pat mentioned, be sure to use some anti-seize compound on the back of the hub & rotor locating bolt.

also, since you are taking off the front rotors....this would be a good time to renew the front wheel bearings as well (but not necessary if your's sound & work fine)

Thanks for the tips guys. Sounds prettey straight forwards.

One question though..... okay two:stickoutt.

What is a BFH? Standard Hub puller?
Are there any specific torque specs for bolt ups?

BFH stands for Big Fakin hammer

Crap..... I don't have a fakin hammer...... were do I get one of thoes and why that brand!!!! :help :corkysm59

Kidding aside..... thanks again and I guess no torquing. :D