I did an oil change today and was a little confused at first how to support the front end safely. I searched this site and couldn't find any posts that had the details, so I am posting what I figured out now.

Because the entire underside of the e60 has plastic panels covering the suspension and engine compartment, there are not any apparent support points other than the two jacking pads behind the front wheel wells. You can't place a jack stand at the same point where you jack the car!

While I had one side of the car in the air, I noticed that the e60 has a center under-engine jack point just like my e39. Due to the low clearance of my 545 with sport suspension, I had to jack it up slightly on one side with a smaller jack on one of the front jack pads before I could slide my larger jack under the center jacking point. I then used the larger jack to raise the front end and was able to put my jack stands under the two jack pads behind the front wheels. I then lowered the car on to the stands. This provided a very safe and stable support so I could change the oil and filter.

I used the reverse procedure to lower the car when I was done. If you don't have access to a lift, then this is the way to safely lift and support the front end.

 

For oil change, I don't have to use the jack stands. I just drive my car on Rhino Ramp and do the oil change. As you said the clearance of the car is low, but Rhino stand is still working fine with my 530i without any scratching or hitting the ramp when going up or coming down the ramps. It may work for your 545 with sport suspension.

I definitely will use the jack stand when I do the brake or suspension work.

 

Yeah, I know about those Rhino Ramps. I even tried to find some here, but no luck. I will order some before the next change on the web. Where did you get yours?

 

Local PepBoys auto parts store for less than $30. It is a plastic ramp and much lighter than my Sears steel ramp. However, the Sears steel ramp is taller so I need to drive my car up to a piece of wood (2x10) before going up to the ramp.

 

For some reason, Pep Boys here will not stock them. I ordered them from Auto Zone, who also won't stock them locally, a few days ago. Thanks.

 

Did you order them from AutoZone ? If not, then you can try www.ipdusa.com. This online store sells parts/accessories for Volvo and they do sell Rino ramp but at a higher price.