point on underbody to place jack to raise car??

Kokanator135 · 12-03-2008, 12:09 PM

OK, stupid question time...I'm trying to change out to my winters (A7 sport edition), and I can't figure out where to place my jack to lift the car up. I have my lugs loosened, my new wheels waiting, and Im stuck. I found a little round groove right by the wheelwell to place it, but I tried thaqt and the sideskirt popped off as I was raising the car!! Luckily, I was able to pop it back into place after quickly lowering the car, but I'm now scared of doing any more damage by lifting the car from the wrong point. This is suppossed to be a simple job!! Someone please help the idiot (ME)!!

KeithLM · 12-03-2008, 12:25 PM

There's plastic square things sticking down from the bottom, you're supposed to use those. Have you looked in the manual or searched for jack points on here?

Kokanator135 · 12-03-2008, 12:38 PM

But then how do I lift my car without destroying the plastic pieces? Plus I can't even get my floor jack under the plastic piece...

Artmasterx · 12-03-2008, 02:00 PM

I bought a jack point insert from somewhere (i think this has been discussed in the maintanence or DIY forums), and I made mini ramps (~4" high) out of 2x8s that I drive up on so that I can get the jack under.

EspressoBoy · 12-03-2008, 02:15 PM

I purchased a low profile aluminum jack that has rubber on the mount. I used that directly on the plastic area with zero problems. Did notice before I used it that the plastic was slightly damaged from someone previously lifting the car. My guess the dealership does not use the same quality we use. Or they just don't care. Hard to prove. Anyway hope that helps.

I would do a search here on torque wrench etc if you are going about this without a torque wrench, or a breaker bar. I didn't have a breaker bar myself and had to borrow from a neighbour. So first time has surprises. I also had to redo the tire torque as I didn't know the proper method on our rims. I do now... And I am glad I asked or I would have possibly damaged the rims and possibly the car.

EspressoBoy

AlBel1214 · 12-03-2008, 02:17 PM

drive up on 2x4"s then ur jack will fit underneath....

pkcormier · 12-03-2008, 02:22 PM

I think the BMW dealer uses a lift with inserts that fit inside those plastic squares so that the weight of the vehicle is supported by the frame not those plastic squares. I made some small wood inserts that work fine. Just lay them on the jack pad and lift so the insert is inside the plastic square. But my jack wouldn't fit under as well so I have some 3/4" plywood squares I drive up on.

EspressoBoy · 12-03-2008, 04:59 PM

I got a low profile jack, and it's less than 1/2 the normal weight. Good for track or just shoving in trunk.

I agree wood insert is a very good idea. Better to have the car supported on wood/metal than those plastic supports... but it did work if you don't have the time or ability to make the wood inserts. But the rubber is a must I think

EspressoBoy

Lester · 12-03-2008, 11:36 PM

Cut some little squares of wood, just thicker than the inside of the plastic, so they fit inside the platic square. Then drive the car up on some planks or plywood strips so that you can get the jack under the insert. It works like a charm. Drive by a construction site - there are always scraps of wood you can get for free. Or try the discard bin at Home Depot.

Artmasterx · 12-04-2008, 09:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EspressoBoy

I purchased a low profile aluminum jack that has rubber on the mount. I used that directly on the plastic area with zero problems. Did notice before I used it that the plastic was slightly damaged from someone previously lifting the car. My guess the dealership does not use the same quality we use. Or they just don't care. Hard to prove. Anyway hope that helps.

I would do a search here on torque wrench etc if you are going about this without a torque wrench, or a breaker bar. I didn't have a breaker bar myself and had to borrow from a neighbour. So first time has surprises. I also had to redo the tire torque as I didn't know the proper method on our rims. I do now... And I am glad I asked or I would have possibly damaged the rims and possibly the car.

EspressoBoy

What is "proper method" in this case? I just used a star tightening pattern, but if there is something more appropriate, then I may as well do it...

12-03-2008, 12:09 PM	#1
Kokanator135 Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 208 Posts Drives: seeking m240i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Edgewater, MD iTrader: (0)	point on underbody to place jack to raise car?? OK, stupid question time...I'm trying to change out to my winters (A7 sport edition), and I can't figure out where to place my jack to lift the car up. I have my lugs loosened, my new wheels waiting, and Im stuck. I found a little round groove right by the wheelwell to place it, but I tried thaqt and the sideskirt popped off as I was raising the car!! Luckily, I was able to pop it back into place after quickly lowering the car, but I'm now scared of doing any more damage by lifting the car from the wrong point. This is suppossed to be a simple job!! Someone please help the idiot (ME)!!
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12-03-2008, 12:25 PM	#2
KeithLM Proud 1er 24 Rep 699 Posts Drives: Crimson/Coral 135i Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Wylie, TX iTrader: (0)	There's plastic square things sticking down from the bottom, you're supposed to use those. Have you looked in the manual or searched for jack points on here?
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12-03-2008, 12:38 PM	#3
Kokanator135 Second Lieutenant 22 Rep 208 Posts Drives: seeking m240i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Edgewater, MD iTrader: (0)	But then how do I lift my car without destroying the plastic pieces? Plus I can't even get my floor jack under the plastic piece...
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12-03-2008, 02:00 PM	#4
Artmasterx Captain 46 Rep 884 Posts Drives: 2007 BMW 335i Join Date: Jun 2008 Location: MA iTrader: (0) Garage List 2006 Volvo V70R [10.00] 2007 BMW 335i [10.00]	I bought a jack point insert from somewhere (i think this has been discussed in the maintanence or DIY forums), and I made mini ramps (~4" high) out of 2x8s that I drive up on so that I can get the jack under. __________________ Current: 2007 335i sedan Alpine White \| Sports \| Premium \| Cold \| Comfort Access FORMERLY: 128i coupe Alpine White \| Sports Package \| Black Leather
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12-03-2008, 02:15 PM	#5
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I purchased a low profile aluminum jack that has rubber on the mount. I used that directly on the plastic area with zero problems. Did notice before I used it that the plastic was slightly damaged from someone previously lifting the car. My guess the dealership does not use the same quality we use. Or they just don't care. Hard to prove. Anyway hope that helps. I would do a search here on torque wrench etc if you are going about this without a torque wrench, or a breaker bar. I didn't have a breaker bar myself and had to borrow from a neighbour. So first time has surprises. I also had to redo the tire torque as I didn't know the proper method on our rims. I do now... And I am glad I asked or I would have possibly damaged the rims and possibly the car. EspressoBoy __________________
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12-03-2008, 02:17 PM	#6
AlBel1214 Major 52 Rep 1,118 Posts Drives: past 135i, now c6, future M3?? Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Philly iTrader: (0)	drive up on 2x4"s then ur jack will fit underneath.... __________________ -----LS3 C6----- *z51 suspension,* *NPP dual mode exhaust(wild2mild),20% tint,* zr1 replica wheels, gloss black fender stripes** R.I.P SGM 135i w/ some mods
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12-03-2008, 02:22 PM	#7
pkcormier Private First Class 15 Rep 189 Posts Drives: 135i Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Dallas, TX iTrader: (0)	I think the BMW dealer uses a lift with inserts that fit inside those plastic squares so that the weight of the vehicle is supported by the frame not those plastic squares. I made some small wood inserts that work fine. Just lay them on the jack pad and lift so the insert is inside the plastic square. But my jack wouldn't fit under as well so I have some 3/4" plywood squares I drive up on.
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12-03-2008, 04:59 PM	#8
EspressoBoy 1addict, and proud 40 Rep 1,019 Posts Drives: BMW 135i 08 Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Canada iTrader: (1)	I got a low profile jack, and it's less than 1/2 the normal weight. Good for track or just shoving in trunk. I agree wood insert is a very good idea. Better to have the car supported on wood/metal than those plastic supports... but it did work if you don't have the time or ability to make the wood inserts. But the rubber is a must I think EspressoBoy __________________
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12-03-2008, 11:36 PM	#9
Lester Brigadier General 295 Rep 3,350 Posts Drives: Join Date: Oct 2007 iTrader: (0)	Cut some little squares of wood, just thicker than the inside of the plastic, so they fit inside the platic square. Then drive the car up on some planks or plywood strips so that you can get the jack under the insert. It works like a charm. Drive by a construction site - there are always scraps of wood you can get for free. Or try the discard bin at Home Depot.
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