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Jack stands and jack advice for newbie? - BMW 3-Series ...

Author: Melody Liu

Jan. 06, 2025

Jack stands and jack advice for newbie? - BMW 3-Series ...

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Jack stands and jack advice for newbie? I am looking at getting a floor jack and a set of jack stands for my new-to-me '12 e92.

As I don't want to get crushed to death, I don't want to buy sketchy jack stands etc...

Any recommendations on brands, models, weight limits I should look at etc... So I don't kill myself?

I was gonna get Harbor Freight jack stands yesterday, but I opted to to check if something else would be better.

Thanks for helping me stay alive =) __________________
Cheers-

Withoutink First Lieutenant 372Rep 324Posts
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I use Harbor Freight stuff and have never had a problem. I got their low profile steel jack for around $75 and it has worked very well (still not low enough to get under the front/center jack point without lifting the side).

The jack stands can be problematic because of BMW's jack points with the rectangle hole. You can find stands made for BMW that fit in there but can be pricey.

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/showthread.php?t=

I Just cut a block of wood to fit in the hole and use a regular stand. Others have come up with some creative modifications to stands. Have are some from a google image search:







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At one time Lincoln floor jacks and A/C jack stands (which ESCO is a copy of ) used to be a high quality set up. But I think both Lincoln and A/C stopped or withdrew due to insurance (some may say cheaper competition).

For a while Arcan 3-ton Chinese made floor jacks at Costco for $100 was a great buy and a very heavy good jack, but haven't seem them in stock in recent years.

Brunnhoelzl jacks are one of the best aluminum jacks http://www.brunnhoelzl.com/pro_flat_jacks.html

I dont like anything other then pound capacity https://pitstopusa.com/i--all...cing-jack.html. - because even when you have the car on jack stands you can add the floor jack as an extra precaution to take weight off the stands.

And this http://www.acjacks.com

I personally would not get under a car using any Harbor Freight branded jack or stand. General Rep 19,919Posts
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Quote: Originally Posted by withoutink Thanks guys, I am ordering a set of modified ESCO 's from Reverse Logic US with their custom BMW mounting block on the pivoting posts. Better safe than sorry... I will continue with the floor jack search next =)

I figure my life is worth $290 in jack stands.... Just get the regular ESCO stands. The modified ones will work only on the E9X chassis... Stupid to get modified ones; they are no more safe the regular ESCO stand.

The walls of the lifting pads DON'T BREAK when the correct flat-top stand is used underneath them. The walls of the lifting pads DON'T BREAK when used with a floor jack correctly. If they do get damaged somehow, the lifting pads are easily replaceable and cost $12. Adapters are not necessary.

BTW since your a newbie, and I've had my E90 over 12 years and 300,000 miles, I've probably stood under my car on a lift working on it for more hours you've spent driving your car. Not being a dick, just trying to make a point. My car still has 3 of the original lifting pads on it. I'd sleep like a baby under the car. The reason the pads break is because people do not know how to use them correctly. Adapters are not necessary. And you are correct, your life IS worth more than $290. Kudos for realizing that.

Here's the jack you want: Attached Images __________________
A manual transmission can be set to "comfort", "sport", and "track" modes simply by the technique and speed at which you shift it; it doesn't need "modes", modes are for manumatics that try to behave like a real 3-pedal manual transmission. If you can money-shift it, it's a manual transmission. "Yeah, but NO ONE puts an automatic trans shift knob on a manual transmission." Last edited by Efthreeoh; 07-16- at 09:45 PM..

7 Tips to Ensure You Have the Right Equipment Jack

Are you sure that you have the right equipment for your farm and vehicles?

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An agricultural or equipment jack is a necessary tool that you must have in any garage. It's also a vital part of safety gear, stored in your trunk in case of a flat tire and no cell coverage. There are many types of jacks, and while apiece has its strong qualities, not all are fit for every car or repair job.

So, which equipment jack is the right fit for your necessities? Here is your equipment jack buying guide with essential tips to know if you have the correct type of equipment:

1. Consider the Weight

First, you need to consider the weight of the automobile. All equipment jacks have a rate to carry a precise weight, so you should pick one that can handle your car.

If you have a light vehicle, it won't be an issue. However, bigger cars like trucks and SUVs need a jack to lift and support all that weight.

Be sure you pick a jack corresponding with your car. You must consider the specifications and model of your vehicle. Most equipment jacks have details on the height they can reach and the highest weight they can lift.

Always select an equipment jack with a wider underside. With such weights resting on the jack, a broader base lessens the possibility of dropping the car and falling over.

2. Consider the Height

All cars stand at various heights with others being higher while some are lower. So look for a jack that fits beneath your vehicle and can lift it quite high so you can work underneath.

Bear in mind that it's not enough that the equipment jack can get to your car's underpart. It should be capable of lifting your vehicle high enough to be able to see any needed parts.

However, you might use your hand with too much physical force to operate the jack. So, ensure you get a more oversized handle that's comfortable and easy to grip.

3. Consider the Material Used

When choosing a jack, you must consider the type of material in making the tools. There are three different materials used in creating equipment and agricultural jacks. Every material has something that makes it exceptional compared to others.

For example, a jack made out of steel is heavier but long-lasting and more affordable. On the other hand, aluminum is more lightweight but not durable and a bit more pricey.

Most car owners choose to buy aluminum jacks as they're easy and light to transport. However, choosing a hybrid can be the better option as it combines aluminum and steel elements. After all, hybrid jacks have the efficacy of steel and aluminum.

4. Consider the Available Space

The best types of jacks are useless when you can't put them under the car. This is especially so for trucks as their design is becoming lower, needing more compact tools. Ground clearance is necessary since you need to set the jack without damaging the car's body.

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5. Determine the Intended Purpose

Aside from weight and height, you may also need to think about the intended purpose of the jack. For instance, are you having the jack in your vehicle for emergencies? Do you want to have it in your workshop or garage as you work on your car?

If you need a car jack for roadside emergencies, you can choose something like a scissor jack. It's a compact jack that uses a jackscrew, and it's simple to store under your seat or in the trunk of your car.

However, a scissor jack is not the equipment you'll need in your garage for lasting repairs. Also, this kind of jack is not durable for extended use, and twisting the screw to move up or down the car can be tiring.

Floor jacks and bottle jacks depend on hydraulic tools to lift your vehicle. They're fitted in a workshop or garage as they make it very simple to lower and raise your car.

However, it's not appropriate for roadside use because they're too heavy and oversized. Moreover, floor jacks are less stable and taller if you put them on the roadside.

6. Know the Right Tonnage Capacity

Depending on the machine or car you have to lift, you will need the proper equipment jack. For example, you can't lift a 10-ton truck with the same tools you use to lift a two-ton vehicle. So to determine the correct fit, you must first check the jack tonnage capacity.

One-and-a-half-ton steel jacks are less popular than heavy-duty three or four-ton jack types. Though do you need such an extent of capacity?

Most expert users can use 2.5-ton machines, while repair shops often opt for three tons to be ready.

You can see the capacity of your car on the sticker on your door frame. Some vehicles also divide the weight into rear and front weights. However, do note that using a higher power jack means heavier weight and slower movement.

Pro-level jacks feature a dual pump piston design that lifts downstroke and upstroke if it's underloaded. Then, the jack circumvents one of the pumps and goes back to its usual speed.

7. Consider the Cost

The other thing you must consider is knowing the price of the equipment jack. The various features, material quality, and type typically contribute to the final cost of the jack.

It's better to consider purchasing something you can afford. You must be ready to pay more money if you want a better quality equipment jack.

Choosing the Right Equipment Jack

Consider all the seven essential tips above in choosing an equipment jack. Know the surroundings and where it's stored, either in a car trunk, garage, or a pickup truck bed.

Also, learn the weight or tonnage capacity it needs to lift. Make sure it works with your needs, and you sure won't get frustrated when you change a tire or work on your car's chassis.

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