My Custom Jack Adapter for the forward lift point on the E92 M3

[e92zero]

Originally Posted by SamS

I have this jack + stands. I'm starting to wonder if I even need the adapter for the four plastic side jack points. Since my stands are not flat-top, I'm now wondering if that Reverse Logic adapter is even good for my stands.

I don't want to deform the plastic jack points, but I also don't want to risk the flat bottom of the adapter not fitting perfectly with my stands.

SamS. I have the same setup as you. You will need the JSA-B adaptor from the reverselogic site (http://www.reverselogic.us/ReverseLo...Pad_Tools.html
) if you want to avoid messing up the plastic jack points. These plastic jack points might be easy to get but I heard they are a pain to replace because of how they are mounted to the car.

These will fit perfectly on top of the OTC jack stands.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by e92zero

SamS. I have the same setup as you. You will need the JSA-B adaptor from the reverselogic site (http://www.reverselogic.us/ReverseLo...Pad_Tools.html
) if you want to avoid messing up the plastic jack points. These plastic jack points might be easy to get but I heard they are a pain to replace because of how they are mounted to the car.

These will fit perfectly on top of the OTC jack stands.

Ahh... now that's making sense. For $40 you get two of them, right?

Do you use four stands at once? Obviously, I haven't jacked up an E92 before. I'm just wondering if it would be safer with all four wheels off the ground, as opposed to front/rear at any one time.

[e92zero]

^SamS. yup you get 2 for $40 (at least that's when I got mine about 2 yrs ago).

I haven't have the need to get all 4 wheels off the ground yet so far. Most of the time, I just work on one end of the car. I have a set of ramps also so 2 wheels are always supported if I need the entire car to be higher up (Drive up on the ramp and then put the other end on jack stand). Hope that helps.

[gixxer_kidd]

Nice design. I'm down for one.

[SamS]

Originally Posted by e92zero

^SamS. yup.

Not sure if you saw my question about 4 stands vs. 2. I was editing my post when you were responding.

[e92zero]

^SamS. hehe, I saw that and edited it afterward.

[chili cheese]

Originally Posted by BMWNTHZST

Almost have to wonder why the jack point is there in the first place if no one can get a jack under the nose of the car without having to use another jack on a front corner first

I have the 2-ton aluminum Craftsman jack as well and it doesn't fit under the front of the car to hit the front jacking point.

Is there a jack out there that is low enough to fit under the car to hit the front jacking point and that has a handle design that allows it to be operational at this spot?

[1sikbmr]

Originally Posted by chili cheese

I have the 2-ton aluminum Craftsman jack as well and it doesn't fit under the front of the car to hit the front jacking point.

Is there a jack out there that is low enough to fit under the car to hit the front jacking point and that has a handle design that allows it to be operational at this spot?

they have low profile jacks that will fit under the car no problem. The only this is getting it to lift is probably still the problem. Either way check out low profile jacks.

[disapr]

Thanks for the replies everyone!

I’ve been working out the actual production\shipping costs and I’m pretty close to a final number.

In regards to the height of the adapter – The reason I added the extra extension is to prevent a poorly centered jack pad from contacting the aluminum pan at full extension. There is some buffer room there so I can look into making a shorter version if there is a desire for one.

If you have a low profile jack and stock suspension then you can lift the car using my adapter without the use of another jack or ramps. My car is pretty low on KW ClubSports so I use RaceRamps Trak-Jax http://www.raceramps.com/trak-jax.aspx to make room for my jack and then use my jack/adapter to lift the car onto jack stands.

As far as the Reverse Logic style jack point adapters are concerned – It’s kind of like using an old knife or a flat blade screw driver to remove a screw. They both get the job done but one will eventually chew up the screw head and could slip out and cut you.

I have a few of the Reverse Logic adapters and have also made my own improved version for personal use. I also like the benefit of being able to locate the jack points squarely without looking under the car. E.g. you can slide the adapter in place and then roll the jack under and center the pad by feel alone.

It’s critical to center your jack securely on these lift points. I’ve seen plenty of cars with screwed up body panels and indentions in the rockers where the car either slipped off of the jack or the person just wasn’t using an appropriate lift point. These jack point adapters can also be used on top of most jack stands and will be improvement over the jack stand just digging into the plastic jack point. Most available jack stands are based on old designs that were only required to grip and hold the steel frame of a car, not a specific plastic part.

The jack pictured is an 8 year old aluminum racing jack that they don’t even make anymore. There is an improved version but it’s pretty expensive for Craftsman. The next jack that I get will probably be this SnapOn http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....group_ID=19931

[SamS]

Originally Posted by disapr

The next jack that I get will probably be this SnapOn http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....group_ID=19931

I know it says Snap-On, but it's made in China and looks just like this jack I just bought for <$300.

Definitely ready to hear more about price and availability for your adapter.

[disapr]

I think your jack is fine.. I get a pretty good deal on SnapOn stuff and like the warranty/support so that's usually what I buy. They also make a super high capacity unit here http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....group_ID=19931

[tlp]

Originally Posted by disapr

In regards to the height of the adapter – The reason I added the extra extension is to prevent a poorly centered jack pad from contacting the aluminum pan at full extension. There is some buffer room there so I can look into making a shorter version if there is a desire for one.

When I need a extension I use a Hockey Puck which works great.

[disapr]

Okay – The final price is going to be $39.95 shipped anywhere in the US and add $6 (shipping costs) for Canada.

I need to make these in batches of at least 20 and the first batch will take approximately two weeks to complete. I’ll ship them out as soon as I can in the order that they are requested.

Just PM me if you want one and I’ll send you my PayPal ID once I get enough requests to justify making a batch.

The machining on this adapter is flawless and it’s made from solid T6 aluminum. If you can fit your jack under the bumper this will make it easier to safely lift both wheels at once for wheel swaps or maintenance.

Thanks

[THE TECH]

Originally Posted by disapr

Okay – The final price is going to be $39.95 shipped anywhere in the US and add $6 (shipping costs) for Canada.

I need to make these in batches of at least 20 and the first batch will take approximately two weeks to complete. I’ll ship them out as soon as I can in the order that they are requested.

Just PM me if you want one and I’ll send you my PayPal ID once I get enough requests to justify making a batch.

The machining on this adapter is flawless and it’s made from solid T6 aluminum. If you can fit your jack under the bumper this will make it easier to safely lift both wheels at once for wheel swaps or maintenance.

Thanks

PM on the way.

[BMRLVR]

Originally Posted by disapr

I think your jack is fine.. I get a pretty good deal on SnapOn stuff and like the warranty/support so that's usually what I buy. They also make a super high capacity unit here http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item....group_ID=19931

I have a almost identical unit to that but branded "Power Fist" and available from Princess Auto up here in Canada. P.S. It is made in China too!

http://www.princessauto.com/pal/prod...ile-Floor-Jack

[disapr]

Okay fine, I'm getting this one now http://www.brunnhoelzl.com/pro_flat_jacks.html

Even though the BluePoint jack is also made in China I think that some of those are just clones, who knows though. I've used $40 Harbor Fright jacks before and they worked well so I'm pretty sure most of these $100+ jacks are just fine.

I'll be in touch with everyone that has PM'd me shortly, thanks!

[Rshane]

Although I think these jacking point inserts are a good idea, I don't know why someone hasn't made a aluminum piece that replaces the plastic jacking points under the car. It could use the same mounting points, but be flat with raised edges so a person could simply line up their hydraulic jack and raise the car. They would be there permanently which would make lifting the car a bit easier too.

Also, how do people use jack stands when the car is being raised...where do you put them? I can't use the jacking points because the jack is there.

[adc]

Interested - sent a PM, didn't receive a response yet...

[SamS]

I'm in too, still waiting on a PM response if/when he's got enough people committed.

[disapr]

Sorry guys I will reply to everyone this afternoon.

[chili cheese]

Originally Posted by 1sikbmr

they have low profile jacks that will fit under the car no problem. The only this is getting it to lift is probably still the problem. Either way check out low profile jacks.

Manufacturers and model numbers?

[disapr]

All PM's replied to, thanks!