RE: Jacking the E36

["Ron Buchalski" <rbuchals@xxxxxxxxxxx>]

Rather than using the rear differential as a jacking point, use the 
subframe.  There is a subframe piece, just ahead of the rear diff, that sits 
below the driveshaft.  It's flat, and is an easy place to reach with a floor 
jack.

For the front, you can also jack the car from the center, using the 
subframe.  It's more difficult to reach on my M3, because of the low front 
airdam.

When I need to jack a single wheel and use a jackstand, I jack the car using 
a jackplate made by Steve DeGerolamo at Ultimate Garage:

http://www.ultimategarage.com/jackplat.html

Recently, another company (Pelican Parts) has started selling a similar (but 
not the same) jack pad, for a lower price:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/catalog/shopcart/BE21/POR_BE21_miscel_pg1.htm#item1

I don't know how good their jackpad is.  I have the jackpad from Ultimate 
Garage, and it's a great piece.  It'll definitely outlive me!

One other thing...Pelican Parts has a tech document on jacking BMWs:

http://www.pelicanparts.com/BMW/techarticles/E36-Jacking_Up/E36-Jacking_Up.htm

I can't say I agree with everything they say in this document, but it's 
another possibility to try.


Ron Buchalski
BMWCCA #76387
1995 E36 M3
1993 E34 525iT
1999 Mazda Miata

>
>Date: Sat, 21 Dec 2002 07:57:22 -0500
>From: "Richard Potter" <potter@domain.elided>
>Subject: RE: bmw-digest V9 #2317
>
>I also have a question about where to place the jack.  I have been using 
>the
>rear differential as a jacking point to lift my '95 325i.  It is of great
>convenience to be able to lift both rear wheels at the same time.  Am I
>risking damaging the final drive?  Thanks for your advice
>
>Rich in MD
>
>95 325i
>88 535is
>02 325i
>
>
>Date: Mon, 16 Dec 2002 11:32:16 -0500
>From: "Douglas M. Max" <DMax@domain.elided>
>Subject: Jack stand placement on '92 325i
>
>Sorry for the presumably "silly question" but where can I safely put
>jack stands under a '92 325i while I'm changing the oil...and if you
>know of places in the rear too, I'd love to hear them.
>
>I see only the four 'jacking discs'--those black rubber circles--the
>manual says use them only for jacking...and Bently doesn't show a place
>for the stands.
>
>Thanks!
>
>Doug in NJ


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