What's the best way to get a beast on 4 jack stands? - The Unofficial BMW M5 Messageboard (m5board.com)

Clem · 18th February 2007, 19:49

What's the best way to get a beast on 4 jack stands?

Was going to send my rims to get refinished for spring and I figured I might as well do them all at once.

ssomed · 18th February 2007, 21:58

www.bmwtips has some good general info. HOWEVER, Our cars do not have the block in the center structural member like the 540's in the picture do.

In the front I've been able to use a combination of slim ramps, then jacking (with a pad on the jack) right next to the jacking points on the frame. Then you can use the jackstands on the proper frame jacking points.

In the rear, the diff housing seems to work for the jack.

This certainly is the worst car I've ever tried to put 4 jackstands under.

Good luck,

ssomed

EM5PWR · 18th February 2007, 23:49

Having 2 floor jacks helps...

jaj · 20th February 2007, 06:42

There's a thread on this - it's easy if you have two jacks. If not, then it's a challenge. If you have one garage hydraulic jack, then run down to Canadian Tire and get a second jack - their mechanical screw-jack will work fine for the second one.

At the front, there's a round pick up point at the center front near the oil drain hatch. Lift one side of the car to make clearance for the hydraulic jack under the center and then lift there. Set the front outboard jack points on stands.

At the rear, your choices are to lift it on the diff (which I've never done) or just lift from one side (the E39 has a remarkably stiff body) and then put the side opposite the jack onto a stand. If you have a mechanical jack, pull the hydraulic jack and switch to the mechanical jack to level the chassis and you're done.

I have to say, there are times when having a set of snow tires on rims seems a real blessing.

Cheers
JJ

Lawaia · 20th February 2007, 06:57

Driving a front tire up on a ramp made of 2x6 lumber is by far cheaper than buying a jack.

Dobber · 20th February 2007, 07:41

OK Lawaia, then how does he get the wheels off

Lobo · 20th February 2007, 08:44

worst come to worst, lift the car up near the ball joints. that is a strong area, most people are afraid to plop a jack under the beast in places where there is not rubber molding.

ECB · 20th February 2007, 13:12

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobber

OK Lawaia, then how does he get the wheels off

I'm assuming he's referring to driving the front wheels up on the 2x6's to gain clearance so a jack can then slide under the front of the car. Then, the front can be jacked up by the central jack point under the front of the car.

Clem · 20th February 2007, 17:53

Thanks for the tips guys.

I wasn't sure t he E39 had the center lift point in the front like the E46 does.

Lawaia · 21st February 2007, 07:15

Quote:

Originally Posted by ECB

I'm assuming he's referring to driving the front wheels up on the 2x6's to gain clearance so a jack can then slide under the front of the car. Then, the front can be jacked up by the central jack point under the front of the car.

Thank you.