Jack suggestions.

[1MOREMOD]

I have the harbor freight aluminum and works fine but makes a racket now already when jacing it up. Makes loud squeeking noise every pump.

[Rewted]

Originally Posted by Z K

I'd still have the car on jack stands even if you aren't going under the car. You may not get crushed but your car will definitely get damaged if the car falls and you can get injured as well.

Floor jacks are not designed to hold the car up for extended periods of time. They are on wheels and can roll or slip.

Agreed, hence my confirmation. So something like these? http://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-h...nds-38846.html

[DBH]

Originally Posted by tyrewt

1.5 ton is sufficient?

Yes. An M3 weighs about 3,700 lbs (E93 = 4,100), according to BMW. That's 1.85 tons. Keep in mind that you're only lifting up one corner at a time (to change tires). So, yes a 3,000 lb rated jack should do just fine.

[Race_Doc11]

After reading and searching a lot I ended up getting Snap-on more than a year ago. I was thinking this one made in USA but to my surprise it was just assembled in the U.S anyway it is on the expenssive side and might be overkill but I like it.
one thing though it is not low and I think it might not work on lowered cars.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....re&dir=catalog

Originally Posted by tyrewt

I need recommendetions for a hydraulic jack, mainly to be used for seasonal tire swaps. What should I be looking for?

[llis]

My feeling is that saving a few bucks to get a cheap jack isn't going to add up to much when it fails and you're injured or worse. Don't get a cheapo jack. Think about how long you'll be using it. This is an investment, not a dinner out. Cheap out on the wine, don't cheap out on the jack.

Here's what I got. High quality, heavy duty but light enough that I can lift it, slow profile good enough for all but most slammed cars: OTC 1532 2-Ton Capacity Aluminum Racing Jack http://www.amazon.com/OTC-1532-Capac.../dp/B000XSCEBM

And I agree with the above, this does not preclude sensible use of jack stands. I wouldn't stick my head under the car without it being on stands.

Edited to add: Also consider where you'll be using the jack. If it's solely for garage use, go ahead with the iron/steel jacks. But if you're planning on throwing it into the trunk or trailer and taking it to the track, get a lightweight alloy, unless you're Dog.

[Savage_M3]

Any suggestions for an inexpensive but solid scissor jack to keep in the trunk? When I got on long trips, I usually keep a spare (winter or summer) wheel in the trunk. Right now I would rely on AAA to come with tools to swap it, but I wouldn't mind having some independence from that as well.

[TVMA Doc]

Costco has a pretty nice hydraulic jack for about the same price as the Harbor Freight model.