Z4 front jacking point?

[NZ00Z3]

Hi

This is my first time working on a Z4 (2006 3.0i) and the task is an oil change. Its not my car and I don't want to risk damaging it. I usually use the front cross beam as a jacking point to lift the car onto stands fitted under the side jacking points (Z3's and E46's). Looking under the Z4 it looks to be an all aluminium affair with a small oblong with raised rounded edges indicating a jacking point.

Is it in fact a jacking point that's safe to use?

How do people put the front of the car safely on jack stands?

Thanks in advance.

 

[jonco]

@Murray - I'm not a Z4 man but this info from TIS seems to cover your question.

https://www.newtis.info/tisv2/a/en/...3-00-rear-axle-rear-wheel-drive-guide/FiJt7rY

 

[t-tony]

I can give you some pictures if you're not doing it before the coming weekend Murray.

Tony.

 

[NZ00Z3]

Thank you @jonco , that information confirms that it is a jacking point.

Regards

Murray

 

[CRE]

Some models have a pad already affixed in the front, center jack point. As yours doesn't (like mine) people recommend using a jack pad adapter made just for the purpose in order to avoid crushing anything.

https://www.amazon.com/s?k=bmw+jack+adapter&link_code=qs

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Just wanted to check before I put the jack through something vital.
Is the bit I've highlighted the front jacking point ?

 

[t-tony]

No. The jacking points are on the sills.

You can put axle stands under that alloy piece but be gentle letting the weight on to it as it's very thin.

Tony.

 

[t-tony]

Also, if you can't get your Jack under that rubber jacking pad on the sill, run the wheel onto a piece of wood or a brick to raise the car a little.

Tony.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

So if I want to jack up the fron and put axle stands under the pads on the side, how do I do it, am I being really dense here ?

 

[t-tony]

You can Jack under the ends of the alloy piece but as I said it is very thin so you need a block of wood on your jack to spread the load. The standard rubber pad on a trolley jack won't do it.
You will need to run the car onto some wood or bricks to raise the car enough to get the jack that far under though.

Tony.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Ok mate thanks, it does look a bit flimsy, thats why I though Id better check.

 

[t-tony]

I had an axle stand tear through mine last week. No issues apart from it looks a mess underneath.
I'll get another at some point. You have to remove that to change the front lower arm rear bushes in case you didn't know mate.

Tony.

 

[Z Victor 1]

Similar question @t-tony 'oh wise one'. As you know I'm new to the Z4 and want to tidy up some bits at the back end.If I jack up the rear both sides using the jacking points where is the best place to put two axle stands under for safety ?

 

[t-tony]

At the rear end it's easier Ken. You can jack in the centre of the car where "tie" bars are anchored and then put stands under the sill jacking points. A piece of wood on top of the jack pad will give extra lift too.

Tony.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

I found a useful guides here
https://www.pelicanparts.com/techar...ur_Vehicle/87-BASICS-Jacking_Your_Vehicle.htm

But that did prompt the question about the fron jacking point which apparently is not safe cos I gotta be honest when I actually looked at the point it looked bloody flimsy, hence my hesitation about using it.

 

[t-tony]

The jacking point is under the sill Ian, nothing flimsy about it?

Tony.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Sorry mate, nothing flimsy about the sill jacking point, I was referring to the point marked as 1 in this diagram and which id taken a piccie of for my original question.

As you say it thin aluminium sheet, which is why I was unsure of it.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

Reading this thread proves that you are correct when you say you shouldn't use this centre jacking point, as it looks like this guy has b******* up that aly plate.

https://forum.e46fanatics.com/showthread.php?t=575277&page=2

 

[t-tony]

That picture shows a "generic" plan of no particular car as far as I can tell mate. Looks nothing like a Z4 and little like a Z3 either. The alloy piece on an E85 Z4 spans the chassis behind the plastic engine under tray. It can be used to support axle (body) stands but not jacks. When lowering down onto stands care must be taken or the alloy will tear, l know. Best to put stands with flat tops under this not ones like these,

or at least some wood on top of the stands or this happens.

Tony.

 

[Chaz Ricorn]

When I did mine at the weekend I ended up doing one side at a time using the cill points and then just popped an axle stand under front wishbone for safety, I didn't let the axle stand take the whole load, I just put it there in case the jack failed.