floor jack too high to fit under Z4

[tranquility]

(re changing tires)
I bought a floor jack and thought it was low enough, but even though it only has a height of 14cm/5.5inches, it still can't fit under the car to reach the jack-point. What do you guys suggest to make it fit? Or were you able to find a jack that fits under w/o any prbs?

Some guy suggested I just use a 2x6 under the wheel I'm changing. What do you guys think? Thx.

[jparnes1]

You need to return the jack you bought and buy a low profile jack.

[cdeslandes]

Get a set of these for $50. Safer than a jack for working under the car, and you can always use the jack to go higher.

[mcbeee]

Originally Posted by cdeslandes

Get a set of these for $50. Safer than a jack for working under the car, and you can always use the jack to go higher.

I bought a low profile jack at canadian tire, I'd like set of these as well, they look spiffy

[HerrK]

Get one of these or similar

http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...ack-68053.html

[mikeinaustin]

I have two 18 inch sections of 2x8's that i drive up and that gives the clearence i need. the jack i use is a large 3.5 ton jack that I use for my truck as well.

[tranquility]

The frustrating thing is that the jack is too high by only about 1/2 or 1 inch the most. I like it because it is locking and the one that *does* fit under (from Canadian Tire) cost almost 4x more and doesn't have the locking feature.

[davidmbell]

Does your other half/parent/friend/neighbour not have a regular scissor type jack that you could borrow for the initial inch till you can then get your own jack in? Or just buy one from a wreckers yard (trying to think of US terminology).

That's what I've always done with my MX-5's over the years. Scissor jack for first inch or so, then trolley jack once I can slide it under.

David

[BMWZ4]

Tranquility, return the jack and get yourself a low-profile version.
Dave

[mstevens]

Originally Posted by cdeslandes

Get a set of these for $50. Safer than a jack for working under the car, and you can always use the jack to go higher.

You did notice the OP started with "re: changing tires," right?

How do you change tires using ramps?

I have a cheap $50 aluminum low-profile "racing" jack that I use for changing tires on my Z4. They're easy to find online.

[Mr. ///M3 RD]

[Memphis1]

I use this, pretty hard core

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=67

[mstevens]

Originally Posted by Memphis1

I use this, pretty hard core

http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=67

That's almost exactly what I have, except mine is blue and cost about $100 less (a few years ago) from somewhere else. I think it might have been Harbor Freight or Northern Hydraulics.

[tranquility]

Ok, so I exchanged my 1st jack (left) for a low profile one (right). Now I don't have to worry about rolling on some wood to get more floor clearance.

new jack specs

I'm wondering about the saddles on both the jacks: I assume both works on our cars but it seems that the 1st one would 'cup' the jack points better? Does it make a difference? Why do jacks sometimes come w/ diff saddle designs?

My new jack only has 1.5 ton capacity: I assume that's good enough for raising just each corner of the Z4?

Do you guys bother w/ jack stand(s) or something else when just changing tires? If yes, what do you guys use and where exactly do you put it/them?

I spoke with my dealership and they said use 85lbs/ft torque on the lug bolts.

Thx in advance for your input!

[BMWZ4]

Hey Tranquility,

I use this little device, specifically part # R50JPT

http://www.reverselogic.us/ReverseLo...Pad_Tools.html

They fit inside the square jack points under the car. Then your new low profile jack simply pushes up against this little device. Works like a charm for me.

I personally don't use jack stands, but I do block the opposing wheels when the car is up on the jack.

Hope that helps
Dave

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by Dave Marien

Hey Tranquility,

I use this little device, specifically part # R50JPT

http://www.reverselogic.us/ReverseLo...Pad_Tools.html

They fit inside the square jack points under the car. Then your new low profile jack simply pushes up against this little device. Works like a charm for me.

I personally don't use jack stands, but I do block the opposing wheels when the car is up on the jack.

Hope that helps
Dave

I guess that this extra part is needed or else my new low profile jack will not grip the car and it'll be unsafe to do so? I assume that the part fits snuggly inside the jack point but is easy to remove by hand to the other jack points?

Out of curiosity, would an adaptor have been required for my old jack?

Thx, Dave.

[HerrK]

Originally Posted by tranquility

My new jack only has 1.5 ton capacity: I assume that's good enough for raising just each corner of the Z4?

Do you guys bother w/ jack stand(s) or something else when just changing tires? If yes, what do you guys use and where exactly do you put it/them?

1.5 ton jack is sufficient to jack up at the jack pads.

I always use jack stands. I usually jack up either the the entire frt or rear to change oil, check the 296's, general vehicle inspection, or whatever. On the frt I place the jack stands under the lower wishbone close to the pivot point at the frame. On the back I place the jack stands under the trailing arm.

If your just changing one tire at a time you can do it without jackstands just don't ever get under the car, incase of jack failure. However this still makes me nervous and I usually avoid that situation.

You don't need the adapter for the jack pad - the pads will take it. I've jacked up the E46's for years without one.

[BMWZ4]

Hi Tranquility,

Actually you don't NEED to buy these, I did simply because I noticed the plastic housing where the jack goes, was getting slightly damaged. Yes, these fit in nicely, not too snug so they're easily removed.

Dave

[tranquility]

Originally Posted by HerrK

1.5 ton jack is sufficient to jack up at the jack pads.

I always use jack stands. I usually jack up either the the entire frt or rear to change oil, check the 296's, general vehicle inspection, or whatever. On the frt I place the jack stands under the lower wishbone close to the pivot point at the frame. On the back I place the jack stands under the trailing arm.

If your just changing one tire at a time you can do it without jackstands just don't ever get under the car, incase of jack failure. However this still makes me nervous and I usually avoid that situation.

I'm debating whether or not to do that extra set of setting up the jack stand, since I'll only be exposed a few seconds when the wheel is removed from the car.

Originally Posted by HerrK

You don't need the adapter for the jack pad - the pads will take it. I've jacked up the E46's for years without one.

Do you have the same type of saddle as my new low profile jack or my old one? I guess the jack points on the E46 and E89 are the same? Thx.

Originally Posted by Dave Marien

Hi Tranquility,

Actually you don't NEED to buy these, I did simply because I noticed the plastic housing where the jack goes, was getting slightly damaged. Yes, these fit in nicely, not too snug so they're easily removed.

Dave

I see. However, I assume w/ the adaptor that there would be better grip? Or would it be negligible? Thx again.

[BMWZ4]

Hi Tranquility,

Probably less about 'grip' and more about not ruining the plastic jack pad housing really.

Dave

[tranquility]

^I see. Much appreciated.

[mcbeee]

Originally Posted by Dave Marien

Hi Tranquility,

Actually you don't NEED to buy these, I did simply because I noticed the plastic housing where the jack goes, was getting slightly damaged. Yes, these fit in nicely, not too snug so they're easily removed.

Dave

I got the same jack as in the right hand picture and I got the adapter for the jack pads too. Probably not much safer but it makes me feel better. I also have replacement jack pads in case I screw one up on the car...