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      08-23-2011, 09:25 PM   #1
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How do you get your Z4M on jackstands--without ramps?

Hey guys,

I'm looking to buy a new jack because I'm done screwing around with Rhino Ramps. I have to extend them with 2x4's or they'll hit the bumper, and they slip unless I haul over some cinderblocks to hold them in place. Then they're not high enough to do much work except perhaps under the plastic undercover, so I have to jack up the car from the central point to get it on stands.

Does there exist a jack that is thin enough to reach the front center jack point with the car on the ground? I'd be willing to pay $300+ if so. I've searched around on Amazon and various forums, but haven't found a floor jack that I'm sure can reach the center point.

A scissor jack is the one thing I know would fit, but it would be between a pain in the ass and impossible to actually operate the jack (with a crank bar) with the car on the ground.

Thanks!
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      08-23-2011, 10:10 PM   #2
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The chassis is so stiff, you can use the rear side jack point to lift up the entire side, put a jack stand under the front side jack point. Do that on both sides and then jack the rear up using the cross brace point and place your jacks under the rear side jack points.

A low profile jack can reach the rear jack point but the front one is a mother!

I apologize if the description is lacking without the pictures.
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      08-23-2011, 10:27 PM   #3
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I drive my car on top of 4 pieces of 2x8s to give me enough clearance to get a low profile jack underneath.
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      08-23-2011, 10:48 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Quickid View Post
I drive my car on top of 4 pieces of 2x8s to give me enough clearance to get a low profile jack underneath.
I do the same. Easiest and cheapest way to do it by far. Another option for this technique are race ramps: http://www.ogracing.com/catalog/4-Ga...-56-RACE-RAMPS

If there is any jack that can reach the center mounting point, it isn't really going to be cost effective.
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      08-23-2011, 11:53 PM   #5
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Awesome suggestions guys. I found a great low-profile aluminum jack for a good price on Amazon (5-star reviews). I like a_riddler's idea since it doesn't even involve starting the car to get it in the air, but it sounds a bit more tricky (I'd be very concerned about jacking up the other side of the car once getting the first on a stand). I'll drop by a hardware store for some appropriately sized lumber.
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      08-24-2011, 12:10 AM   #6
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Similar to a_riddler I jack up the rear put a jack stand under the front then I have enough clearance to get to the center front jack pad. Then jack up the rear from the differential.
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      08-24-2011, 12:40 AM   #7
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Quote:
Originally Posted by a_riddler View Post
The chassis is so stiff, you can use the rear side jack point to lift up the entire side, put a jack stand under the front side jack point. Do that on both sides and then jack the rear up using the cross brace point and place your jacks under the rear side jack points.

A low profile jack can reach the rear jack point but the front one is a mother!

I apologize if the description is lacking without the pictures.
I have to agree as I have swapped out wheels a dozen times in the past year. lol I have it down to a timing thing now. Infact my E46 M3 is on all 4 jackstands right now. I have never used ramps to lift my cars. My M3 I have used 2x4s to get it up enough to get my low profile jack under it.
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      09-07-2011, 11:18 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Quickid View Post
I drive my car on top of 4 pieces of 2x8s to give me enough clearance to get a low profile jack underneath.
+1, though I used 2 x 10's. Used a scissor jack the first time...won't use it a second.
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      09-08-2011, 03:43 AM   #9
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Scott, what do you need to have done to the car? Perhaps I can ask my shop (which I practically have full access to) if they can help you with something you need, if it's quick/easy?

I can use the shop's lifts for free, but I can't get others in for free unfortunately...so it depends on what you need done, and I can see if it'll be worthwhile for you.
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      11-11-2011, 02:23 AM   #10
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I have a very sloped driveway with an abrupt breakaway from level....this may prove to be a problem when I lower my motor.
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      11-11-2011, 10:08 AM   #11
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBroker View Post
I have a very sloped driveway with an abrupt breakaway from level....this may prove to be a problem when I lower my motor.
WHEN you lower your motor? What are you planning?
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      11-11-2011, 02:02 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBroker View Post
I have a very sloped driveway with an abrupt breakaway from level....this may prove to be a problem when I lower my motor.
Quote:
Originally Posted by cliffhopper View Post
WHEN you lower your motor? What are you planning?
Yes, what are you up to?
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      11-11-2011, 07:42 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Finnegan View Post
Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBroker View Post
I have a very sloped driveway with an abrupt breakaway from level....this may prove to be a problem when I lower my motor.


Quote:
Originally Posted by cliffhopper View Post
WHEN you lower your motor? What are you planning?
Yes, what are you up to?
Sorry lost in translation. The Brits use the term "motor" to describe the whole car.
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      11-11-2011, 08:54 PM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by TheBroker View Post
Sorry lost in translation. The Brits use the term "motor" to describe the whole car.
Ah, yes, that one was lost on us. Just as when my neighbor, a Brit, was taking some sort of exam over here and asked the test admin for a "rubber" (eraser). Yes, that caused quite a stir in the testing room.
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      11-14-2011, 03:01 PM   #15
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It has center jacking points. On is on a pad right near the rear end and the front is kinda hard to get to unless you have a really low profile jack
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      11-14-2011, 04:46 PM   #16
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This was a pic I took when I had the E46 M3. The same jack reaches the front jacking point on my slightly lowered Z4MC. I love not having to drive up onto anything!
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      11-14-2011, 06:02 PM   #17
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Using two floor jacks also works. Jack up a front side then slide the second floor jack under the center front onto the puck. Raise the center and place jack stands on the front side pads
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      11-15-2011, 12:01 AM   #18
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I found a solution that works well for me:

- These ramps fit with no modification. Overpriced, but a lot nicer and easier than slabs of wood: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...01_i00_details
- This jack is a great deal and well made, fits under most cars without ramps and does clear the Z4M on the Race Ramps: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ms_ohs_product (there is a version that doesn't include jack stands, too)

Of course, the center jack point is used for the front, which makes it easy to install the first two jack stands. As yet I haven't needed to jack up the rear, but the rear jack point should be easily accessible at that point.
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      11-15-2011, 12:22 AM   #19
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Hmm, I don't exactly have a low profile jack, but with the front on jack stands I still need my 2x8s under the rear wheels before I can get to the rear jacking point. I just bit the bullet and bought a large set of 2x8 and had it cut into 36" sections, roll the back onto the front end, then roll the front on to the next section (trying to do all four at once doesn't work with my slippery concrete floor.

I'm interested to see what you think once you have it all in your garage. The Rhino ramps really bite big time, and I've given up on them for most things that require under car access.

Honestly, one day I'm just going to say screw it and buy a lift like the one inTgr8r has. Thrashing around under the car becomes more and more of a PITA the older I get. Well, one nice thing about getting older--at least I'm not thrashing around under a 1980 Honda Civic--that is always something I remind myself of when I get to gripping while under the Z.
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      11-15-2011, 12:43 AM   #20
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http://shopping.yahoo.com/809578522-...-29023-bh6023/
This is the link for the jack I pictured up top. It's the only jack I've owned that didn't break after a year. I love that it fits under my lowered Z4M up to the front jacking point (barely) without having to drive onto anything. It is a bit hard to crank the handle but it goes. It's over 100 lbs so I only use it in my garage. Also when you lower the car you have to go super slow or it comes down too suddenly. After I learned its quirks I love it! I HATED rhino ramps or any 2X4 I ever used. With my plastic tile garage floor the wood would shoot out from under the car when the tire tried to drive onto it. I love that I do not have to deal with that anymore.
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      11-19-2011, 11:05 AM   #21
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I jacked the rear first at the differential to raise both rear wheels, then place jack stands under the rubber pads on the bottom of the car. next i slide the jack under the passenger side door up towards the front of the car under the front-center jacking pad to raise both front wheels up off the ground. once that's done i place jack stands under the rubber pads on the bottom of the car. now all 4 wheels are off the ground. btw, i bought my jack at harbor freight for 79.99. low profile 3 ton jack. heavy as f but i don't care, it's not leaving my garage anyway.
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