I'm new to the BMW world with a 2004 525i. I noticed the jack pad under the engine. Can a normal floor jack reach this jack pad or do I need a long reach jack? The small (cheap) floor jack I have is showing its age and I'm looking to invest in a more professional quality floor jack. I've taken some measurements and it appears to be real close if a typical floor jack will reach the pad and still have enough room to activate the jack handle.

I would like to be able to jack the car up from here and then place the jack stands under the jack pads just behind the front wheels.

I use that under-engine jack pad occasionally. I must drive my front wheels onto 2-inch thick pieces of wood to fit my jack under. I also use a solid hockey puck between the jack pad and the floor jack saddle. Definitely use jack stands as well.

+1 :thumbsup:

If you use a trolley jack on that pad there is a slight risk of the radius effect of the jack arm pulling it off the pad, especially if you use a block of wood.

I find it safer to jack under the side jacking points then put a bottle jack under the central point so I can swap the trolley jacks for axle stands. A bit of a process but I have read of a couple of people having a trolley jack slip off that front central pad.

i was able to get a regular floor jack under the jack pad when i changed my oil. i didn't use a block of wood/hockey puck, though, since the pad is rubber anyways. i would suggest them if you're using the side jack points, however.

well the reason for the hockey puck, is so that the perimeter of your jack cup doesnt gouge the panel and aluminum bracket of your car.

personally, i just remove the cup from my floor jack, and just use the flat part where the cup sits on. just make sure to do this on a smooth floor and make sure your jack wheels roll as you lift.

or just get one of this from Harbor Freight. I'm planning to get this along with the low profile jack so I can work on my car this coming weekend when all the parts are here.

http://www.harborfreight.com/floor-j...pad-96306.html