Which Jack do you suggest?

[330ciprem]

hey guys, the time is arriving soon when I will have to change the oil in my M3.

Now the jack that I currently have won't cut it for the M3 - not low enough.

I have found these two online - Arcan Low Profile and Extra Low Profile.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMPFI6I...=3D5NWXR983WZV

Any suggestions? Is it IMPORTANT to go for the extra low profile one?

[Hagasan41]

Originally Posted by 330ciprem

hey guys, the time is arriving soon when I will have to change the oil in my M3.

Now the jack that I currently have won't cut it for the M3 - not low enough.

I have found these two online - Arcan Low Profile and Extra Low Profile.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00BMPFI6I...=3D5NWXR983WZV

Any suggestions? Is it IMPORTANT to go for the extra low profile one?

I have the Extra Low version and recommend you go that route especially if you’re ZCP/Comp or lowered. That way you can reach the front and rear center jack points. If you aren’t transporting the jack around for track days this will fit the bill.

[1MOREMOD]

Off

[WingZeroX5]

Originally Posted by 1MOREMOD

Off

Here's what I did:
Buy a set of $20 rhino ramps.
Bought two harbor freight low profile jacks, came out to about $120 after coupon

Raise one side of the car high enough, slip the second jack into the front central lift point and raise the car so that the ramps fit under the tires.

This is the method I've used for changing my M3's oil and has more than enough room.

[Hagasan41]

Or...

[eatsleepboost]

A regular size jack can typically work unless it's the very large 3 ton jack or your car is very low. Jack up from the front side and slide 2- 2X4 under the tire, repeat for other front side. Then now you are high enough to go under the front to the center jack point and lift the whole front.

[MSteve5036]

Originally Posted by eatsleepboost

A regular size jack can typically work unless it's the very large 3 ton jack or your car is very low. Jack up from the front side and slide 2- 2X4 under the tire, repeat for other front side. Then now you are high enough to go under the front to the center jack point and lift the whole front.

I used to drive up on 2x6's to get my 1.5 ton Pittsburgh racing jack to the center jack point.

For oil changes I drive up on Rhino ramps and jack at the rear center point to level the car. Gives you more space to move the oil pan.

I recently got the older version of this jack https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-...ump-64241.html and I love it. The 2 ft vertical is awesome for getting the car up higher and it reaches further under the car to the center jack points. It is HEAVY though.

[pbonsalb]

Originally Posted by WingZeroX5

Here's what I did:
Buy a set of $20 rhino ramps.
Bought two harbor freight low profile jacks, came out to about $120 after coupon

Raise one side of the car high enough, slip the second jack into the front central lift point and raise the car so that the ramps fit under the tires.

This is the method I've used for changing my M3's oil and has more than enough room.

This works great. I did it for years. Love those $59 HF aluminum jacks. The Arcan ultra low profile is also great but won’t get you tonthe center jackmpoint unless you drive onto 2x12 planks first.

[roastbeef]

get this bad boy.
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-...fQ%3D%3D%0D%0A

[330ciprem]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

get this bad boy.
https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-...fQ%3D%3D%0D%0A

It's low enough to lift the M3 from its front-center lifting point?

It would be brilliant if it is - save me tons of money.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by 330ciprem

It's low enough to lift the M3 from its front-center lifting point?

It would be brilliant if it is - save me tons of money.

No, it's not. I've had it for three years now, and it is light enough to take with me to track days and slide around freely as I move it around to swap tires.

This one below is the longest one I know of, and I'm not even sure if it would reach.

[Iyzmi]

I have the regular non-low profile Harbor Freight jack. For oil changes I don't bother reaching for the center jack point. My process:

1. Lift using driver side jack point.
2. Remove 1st drain plug and place drain pan underneath.
3. Lower jack enough so the car is level while draining.
4. Wait for the oil to drain and then repeat steps 1-3 for the second drain plug.

[Honda]

Originally Posted by Iyzmi

I have the regular non-low profile Harbor Freight jack. For oil changes I don't bother reaching for the center jack point. My process:

1. Lift using driver side jack point.
2. Remove 1st drain plug and place drain pan underneath.
3. Lower jack enough so the car is level while draining.
4. Wait for the oil to drain and then repeat steps 1-3 for the second drain plug.

you would actually put yourself under the car with jack support only? That's extremely dangerous. I wouldn't trust myself under car without jack stands.

[pbonsalb]

How far is it from the bottom center of the bumper cover to the middle of the center jack point? Have seen the number before and measured myself but can’t remember.

[Iyzmi]

Originally Posted by Honda

you would actually put yourself under the car with jack support only? That's extremely dangerous. I wouldn't trust myself under car without jack stands.

No, I can reach the drain plugs without putting myself under the car.

[BayE30]

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-6602LP-.../dp/B00L1ZCN0I

This is the best low profile (check the down position stack height) for under $200. There was a HF jack that was the exact same product for about $150, but its been discontinued. The benefit of this jack is not only the low profile stack height, but the legth of the arm to get under the car to jack point. also lifts quite high.

[Honda]

Originally Posted by SFCM3

https://www.amazon.com/Sunex-6602LP-.../dp/B00L1ZCN0I

This is the best low profile (check the down position stack height) for under $200. There was a HF jack that was the exact same product for about $150, but its been discontinued. The benefit of this jack is not only the low profile stack height, but the legth of the arm to get under the car to jack point. also lifts quite high.

Are you sure this jack would reach the center point? I have previously bought same jack from HF but it did NOT reach the center point

[BayE30]

Originally Posted by Honda

Are you sure this jack would reach the center point? I have previously bought same jack from HF but it did NOT reach the center point

for my ZCP e90, i drive one wheel onto a 2x4, this gives me enough clearance to get this jack under the front center point.

[Honda]

Originally Posted by SFCM3

for my ZCP e90, i drive one wheel onto a 2x4, this gives me enough clearance to get this jack under the front center point.

Would it reach the center point without hitting the back of the jack?

[330ciprem]

Originally Posted by SFCM3

for my ZCP e90, i drive one wheel onto a 2x4, this gives me enough clearance to get this jack under the front center point.

This is insane - these are pretty good options that everyone is sharing here. Seriously surprised that none will fit beneath the car.

[BayE30]

Originally Posted by Honda

Would it reach the center point without hitting the back of the jack?

yes, i use it all the time. the jack i listed has been our shop jack we use all day everyday for the last year.

[pbonsalb]

But only when you drive onto a plank first. There are jacks that fit if you do that. The big question is if there is one that reaches the center jack point without first raising the car 1.5 inches by driving onto a plank. Maybe that omega (which is only $250 if you shop around).