Anyone used a bottle jack to lift their E60
08-25-2008, 01:09 PM
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Hi all. I need to invest in a jack of some description, which is light and compact. This is only for changing the spare wheel in emergencies. A trolley jack does not fit the bill.
An OEM BMW one will be ideal, but BMW will charge me ??$$ for one. Now.........I can pick up a 2 ton bottle jack for about ?10 ($20).
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=16150
My only concern is that I have never used one of these.
Also the one that I have seen is listed as requiring a minimum height of 181mm. I don't believe the clearance on the E60 allows this much space to physically get the jack underneath the jacking point.
All comments welcome.
Thanks guys.
An OEM BMW one will be ideal, but BMW will charge me ??$$ for one. Now.........I can pick up a 2 ton bottle jack for about ?10 ($20).
http://www.tooled-up.com/Product.asp?PID=16150
My only concern is that I have never used one of these.
Also the one that I have seen is listed as requiring a minimum height of 181mm. I don't believe the clearance on the E60 allows this much space to physically get the jack underneath the jacking point.
All comments welcome.
Thanks guys.
08-25-2008, 01:35 PM
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My Ride: 2008 550I M Sport, Premium pkg, Logic 7, Sport Automatic Trans, Paddle Shifters, Nav, Comfort Access, Rear Shades, Satellite, PDC
Try out this site that I came across about using a floor jack with an attachment when I had an X5.
http://www.x5world.com/articles/x5/wheels/...-points-x5.html
http://www.x5world.com/articles/x5/wheels/...-points-x5.html
08-25-2008, 04:49 PM
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I don't know standard lumber sizes in the UK, but I keep a couple of 2 foot long pieces of "2 x 10" (which is actually like 1 3/4 inches thick by about 9" wide). Just drive the car up on them and the jack will fit under just fine with the extra height.
Rather than a bottle jack for quick lifts like this I use a pair of small scissor jacks (can lift one side with a pair which is faster for wheel/tire swaps). Got these from when I had may E46 and they have always been great. Mine were from a Wal Mart store and only $20-25 each. Here's what mine look like -- even have a safety pin.
Rather than a bottle jack for quick lifts like this I use a pair of small scissor jacks (can lift one side with a pair which is faster for wheel/tire swaps). Got these from when I had may E46 and they have always been great. Mine were from a Wal Mart store and only $20-25 each. Here's what mine look like -- even have a safety pin.
08-26-2008, 02:10 AM
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Originally Posted by JPJ' post='654170' date='Aug 26 2008, 01:49 AM
I don't know standard lumber sizes in the UK, but I keep a couple of 2 foot long pieces of "2 x 10" (which is actually like 1 3/4 inches thick by about 9" wide). Just drive the car up on them and the jack will fit under just fine with the extra height.
Rather than a bottle jack for quick lifts like this I use a pair of small scissor jacks (can lift one side with a pair which is faster for wheel/tire swaps). Got these from when I had may E46 and they have always been great. Mine were from a Wal Mart store and only $20-25 each. Here's what mine look like -- even have a safety pin.
Rather than a bottle jack for quick lifts like this I use a pair of small scissor jacks (can lift one side with a pair which is faster for wheel/tire swaps). Got these from when I had may E46 and they have always been great. Mine were from a Wal Mart store and only $20-25 each. Here's what mine look like -- even have a safety pin.
I'm really confused by this - surely the BMW scissor jack is similar to aftermarket ones, but then does it too only have a lift capacity of 1.5 tonnes ???
08-26-2008, 05:18 AM
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How about a jack cheaper than a tenner??
Oh yes.
Go to your local scrappers and get a jack from a late model Vauxhall Carlton, or Omega and I think that the Cavalier/Vectra ones will be man enough too, but check the SWL - it will be printed on the jack. They come with a plastic top to nestle into the Vauxhall sill - take 2 minutes cutting the end lips off the plastic and it is a perfect fit for the BMW receptacle!
Remember that although your E60 weighs a lot, you won't be lifting its entire weight - probably only 65% of it, as for changing a wheel, you'll have two definitely on the ground, and the other mainly on the ground whilst you do it.
I've used my ex-Vauxhall jack with no problems, although I've never had a puncture on this car with non-RFT's on it. It's significantly smaller and lighter than a bottle jack too.
Cheapskate Mike
Oh yes.
Go to your local scrappers and get a jack from a late model Vauxhall Carlton, or Omega and I think that the Cavalier/Vectra ones will be man enough too, but check the SWL - it will be printed on the jack. They come with a plastic top to nestle into the Vauxhall sill - take 2 minutes cutting the end lips off the plastic and it is a perfect fit for the BMW receptacle!
Remember that although your E60 weighs a lot, you won't be lifting its entire weight - probably only 65% of it, as for changing a wheel, you'll have two definitely on the ground, and the other mainly on the ground whilst you do it.
I've used my ex-Vauxhall jack with no problems, although I've never had a puncture on this car with non-RFT's on it. It's significantly smaller and lighter than a bottle jack too.
Cheapskate Mike
08-26-2008, 07:53 AM
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If you are going to be hauling it around and space is an issue, a bottle jack may do the trick. It's probably OK if just for emergencies and if it will fit under the car (which will be extra low with a flat). I just find them a bit dodgy and unstable for my taste, but a scissor jack isn't that great either. I use a three ton floor jack in my garage and would just call AAA Roadside Assistance (not sure what the UK version is, but you get the idea) if I had a flat as they get paid to take that risk. Good luck.
08-26-2008, 12:13 PM
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Originally Posted by AlwynMike' post='654533' date='Aug 26 2008, 02:18 PM
How about a jack cheaper than a tenner??
Oh yes.
Go to your local scrappers and get a jack from a late model Vauxhall Carlton, or Omega and I think that the Cavalier/Vectra ones will be man enough too, but check the SWL - it will be printed on the jack. They come with a plastic top to nestle into the Vauxhall sill - take 2 minutes cutting the end lips off the plastic and it is a perfect fit for the BMW receptacle!
Remember that although your E60 weighs a lot, you won't be lifting its entire weight - probably only 65% of it, as for changing a wheel, you'll have two definitely on the ground, and the other mainly on the ground whilst you do it.
I've used my ex-Vauxhall jack with no problems, although I've never had a puncture on this car with non-RFT's on it. It's significantly smaller and lighter than a bottle jack too.
Cheapskate Mike
Oh yes.
Go to your local scrappers and get a jack from a late model Vauxhall Carlton, or Omega and I think that the Cavalier/Vectra ones will be man enough too, but check the SWL - it will be printed on the jack. They come with a plastic top to nestle into the Vauxhall sill - take 2 minutes cutting the end lips off the plastic and it is a perfect fit for the BMW receptacle!
Remember that although your E60 weighs a lot, you won't be lifting its entire weight - probably only 65% of it, as for changing a wheel, you'll have two definitely on the ground, and the other mainly on the ground whilst you do it.
I've used my ex-Vauxhall jack with no problems, although I've never had a puncture on this car with non-RFT's on it. It's significantly smaller and lighter than a bottle jack too.
Cheapskate Mike
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