Jacking up an E30 with a trolley jack

[PaulR]

As a very new owner of a 325i with 17" alloys I have recently purchased some original wheels to put on. I have discovered that there is no jack - and the (riveted?) side skirts cover the jacking holes anyway. Can I safely use my trolley jack (small one - not long enough to jack from the centre) in the same positions just further under the car - there seems to be a square recess at the front and a reinforced section just ahead of the rear wheels? I have heard of these being seriously damaged by incorrect jacking.

[maxfield]

There is a pic floating about with the jacking places. Gives me 5mins and ill try and find it.

[kam-325i]

For the back i use the rear subframe mounting point, and at the front i try and use the lollipop mounting point.

[Dan318-is]

For the back i use the rear subframe mounting point, and at the front i try and use the lollipop mounting point.

i use the chassis rail at the front

[eko]

For the back i use the rear subframe mounting point, and at the front i try and use the lollipop mounting point.

i use the chassis rail at the front

Same here!
Subframe mounting at the back.

[dazleeds]

chasis mnt and subframe mount here too

[PaulR]

I am sure this is great advice - but you are replying to a very keen - but unitiated e30 fan. Could you possibly describe these points in a little more detail or let me know if a search of the Haynes manual will reveal 'subframe mounting points' and 'chassis rail'.
Sorry to be a pain but I don't want to damage the car.

[eko]

Subframe mounting bolts are located just in front of each rear wheel,just inside the end of the sill lip.
You will see the bolt thread poking out about 15mm or so.
Chassis rail on the front-slide the jack behind the front wheel towards the gearbox,rail is visible there!

[PaulR]

Thanks very much for the help everyone!
This site is so good!!

[charlE30]

[hoshy]

cue the jacking by the diff arguments

[MarkP]

HOLY JESUS lad!!!!!!
No need to flip the car to show him!!



...............I'll get my coat

[brian325i]

quality replies pics and all

[PaulR]

Flipping the car! What commitment! The dedication of people on this site is amazing! Thanks very much - have stored the pic away. Incidentally I have completed the operation of changing the wheels - jacking advice very much appreciated! Thanks again.

[e30bmlover]

thats a quality pic mate

[tomze30]

..yeah, great picture....but it does demonstrate the problem of over-enthusiastic jacking.
My mother always warned me about that.

(couldn't find an emoticon with slanty eyes!)

[tim-ix]

A useful little trick when using a trolley jack can be to put a lump of wood between the car and the jack. I tend to use pine because it's soft and will deform and spread the weight a bit.