[Kev7274]

Going to replace the radiator and I need some jack stands and I have no idea where my jack is.

I have seen that the Esco stand are usually mentioned. Which model?

Also,what about a low profile,long throw jack?

[TheMidnightNarwhal]

Esco stands are definitely the best but for me not worth the price VS use ratio when compared to local store stands. I do just fine with regular stands with a locking pin that also ratchet, from my local Canadian Tire store. You can orient them so they are parallel with your jack block and it fits the block perfectly secure.

Now I understand not everyone will be this comfortable. And I'm not saying I'm not a safety oriented person, I extremely am especially when it comes to raising cars, just look at all my posts about jacks in the pas when I started this hobby of working on my car. But if for me those stands were good, then it is safe for sure, I am very paranoid when it comes to this. I always use back up stands to show you how I am. But yes, Esco stands are the best objectively for sure if don't mind shelling for them. I myself used some of my saved moeny and just went with a QuickJack so I don't use stands as often now but for 5-6 years I was jack stands only, and not using Escos.

Jacks, same thing. I wouldn't go for any brand in particular like jack stands but just look at what they offer at your local store, in my case it would be Canadian Tire but in your case since you are in US, I'd get one of those daytona low profile jacks Harbor Freight sells.

Also don't let yourself be fooled to think you are obligated to use jack pads adapters. BMW do not use them. Sure you will chew them up over time but it's not like they are extremely fragile... I've seen people recomend Esco in the past solely because you can use jack pads adapters.... which aren't needed lol.

[Kev7274]

Thanks for the info.I did see some called "Torin Big Red" aluminum jack stands. Got some pretty good reviews.

Originally Posted by TheMidnightNarwhal

Esco stands are definitely the best but for me not worth the price VS use ratio when compared to local store stands. I do just fine with regular stands with a locking pin that also ratchet, from my local Canadian Tire store. You can orient them so they are parallel with your jack block and it fits the block perfectly secure.

Now I understand not everyone will be this comfortable. And I'm not saying I'm not a safety oriented person, I extremely am especially when it comes to raising cars, just look at all my posts about jacks in the pas when I started this hobby of working on my car. But if for me those stands were good, then it is safe for sure, I am very paranoid when it comes to this. I always use back up stands to show you how I am. But yes, Esco stands are the best objectively for sure if don't mind shelling for them. I myself used some of my saved moeny and just went with a QuickJack so I don't use stands as often now but for 5-6 years I was jack stands only, and not using Escos.

Jacks, same thing. I wouldn't go for any brand in particular like jack stands but just look at what they offer at your local store, in my case it would be Canadian Tire but in your case since you are in US, I'd get one of those daytona low profile jacks Harbor Freight sells.

Also don't let yourself be fooled to think you are obligated to use jack pads adapters. BMW do not use them. Sure you will chew them up over time but it's not like they are extremely fragile... I've seen people recomend Esco in the past solely because you can use jack pads adapters.... which aren't needed lol.

[lookalikehuuh]

I have jacks from pro lift, bought on amazon when my Harbor Freight jack stands got recalled. I do quite a bit of work on friends/family's cars and these get their fair use. Really good price too. I like them enough I bought a 2nd set for when I want to lift all corners up.

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-LifT-T-69...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I use the Harbor Freight Daytona low profile jack, I've had it for years and lifted everything from a Kia Soul to a GMC Yukon XL without any issues. I trust that jack without question.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-...nge-64240.html

I also have the Harbor Freight aluminum 1.5 ton jack... I would NOT trust that one with my life, but it comes in handy when I need to transport a jack to the in laws house to work on their Tacoma and I don't want to lift my Daytona jack into the trunk of my car.

[watchout-everyone]

Originally Posted by lookalikehuuh

I have jacks from pro lift, bought on amazon when my Harbor Freight jack stands got recalled. I do quite a bit of work on friends/family's cars and these get their fair use. Really good price too. I like them enough I bought a 2nd set for when I want to lift all corners up.

https://www.amazon.com/Pro-LifT-T-69...=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I use the Harbor Freight Daytona low profile jack, I've had it for years and lifted everything from a Kia Soul to a GMC Yukon XL without any issues. I trust that jack without question.

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-...nge-64240.html

I also have the Harbor Freight aluminum 1.5 ton jack... I would NOT trust that one with my life, but it comes in handy when I need to transport a jack to the in laws house to work on their Tacoma and I don't want to lift my Daytona jack into the trunk of my car.

I have the same exact ones for both jack and jack stands.

[StradaRedlands]

I also really like HF's low profile Daytona lift. It's pretty much the only thing that will get under my car with sport springs. Recommended!

I also like the HF Esco knock-offs: https://www.harborfreight.com/3-ton-...ads-58789.html

They are definitely high though. Work great with the X5, but higher than I would prefer for the E90.

[spazzz]

Double what Strada said.

I love my Daytona low profile long throw.
The Escos are high in the lowest position but once you get used to using the jack points in the middle, life becomes easier for a minute.
My claw style jack stands are used for one tire up with the jack and stand thrown somewhere sound as a just in case.

[The Nightman]

Yup, the Daytona long reach low profile is the best jack. It can reach the front lift point even on Sport suspension.

I made my own jack stand pad adapters using 1" square steel. Allows you to use any jack stand, been using them for nearly a decade now.

[StradaRedlands]

Also, you don't need Esco style stands, as you can buy jack pads that fit the more typical ratchet style stands: https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Slo.../dp/B0B87VX9VK

[Kev7274]

Think I've decided to go with https://www.amazon.com/Universal-Slo...0B87VX9VK?th=1
and
https://www.amazon.com/Pro-LifT-T-69...ustomerReviews

[pdude1]

Alternatively buy a box of hockey pucks and do a little DIY. Did that and have used them for both jack stands and the jack.

[chris55552]

Originally Posted by Kev7274

Going to replace the radiator and I need some jack stands and I have no idea where my jack is.

I have seen that the Esco stand are usually mentioned. Which model?

Also,what about a low profile,long throw jack?

I bought some from wal mart which have been fine. One day recently I put my car up on stands to do some work and as soon as I got under it, something kept telling me to get the fuck out from under it, I ignored it at first and the more I worked the more my gut was telling me to get out so I eventually listened and shut everything down for the day and went inside. The next morning I got up and walked outside and my car had fallen off the jacks and was on the ground!!! So what went wrong? I had the jack stands on level ground but dirt and the stands dug in and became unstable and eventually fell off. Since that day me and my gut feeling have been really close friends, I listen to.

[ZGator]

yeah this a good point - most issues I have seen are due to the base digging in to the surface below - whether that be hot asphalt or sand/dirt/stone base.

I really like the 6 ton harbor freight jack stands - notice the base have a flat welded into each leg to prevent this digging in - also note the hefty pin to make sure the ratchet holds height. I also have advantage of concrete level garage.

[Efthreeoh]

10498 is the Esco model number. The axle-style stand you chose is not the proper type for safely supporting a E9X. There is no need to use an adapter with the Esco stand. The lifting blocks on the E9X get damaged because people use them improperly and use the improper equipment with them.

You'll be under the car, so why not get the correct tools to lift and support the vehicle. Using an axle stand and adapter just introduces additional points of failure into the system. The lifting blocks are designed to be used with a flat surface.

[tcphoto]

In all seriousness, if you're new to the subject I'd suggest bypassing all the floor jacks, jack stands and ramps and go directly to the Quickjack system.

[Efthreeoh]

Originally Posted by tcphoto

In all seriousness, if you're new to the subject I'd suggest bypassing all the floor jacks, jack stands and ramps and go directly to the Quickjack system.

Not a bad suggestion.

[3PedalJake]

+1 on the Quickjacks. It's one of the best investments you can make if you're planning to do a lot of DIY. They're made by a company that makes real auto lifts (BendPak), and they're a lot closer to a lift than to jackstands. I feel completely secure crawling under the car with the Quickjack locking bars in place, there's like zero chance of the car falling or lowering on you unless some1 rams it with a truck while you're underneath. It also raises the car much higher than you can with jackstands, high enough that along with a MC/ATV jack you can do any type of DIY from oil change and tire rotation to lowering subframes and transmissions.

[ctuna]

https://jackpointjackstands.com/

If you and afford them
No dealing with secondary jack points.

[johnung]

I would get a Harbor Freight low profile jack, HF claw top jack stands and the Amazon claw top adapter with the BMW Rectangular jack point on top. I use a piece of plywood underneath jackstand to distribute load on ground or hot asphalt.

Another option if you are working on tasks where you don’t need the wheels hanging are these Race Ramps Wheel Cribs. They come in 8”, 10”, 12” heights. See photo. Make sure to test how high your jack can get wheels up to slide crib under.

https://www.raceramps.com/c/raceramp_live/

[ZGator]

Originally Posted by Efthreeoh

10498 is the Esco model number. The axle-style stand you chose is not the proper type for safely supporting a E9X. There is no need to use an adapter with the Esco stand. The lifting blocks on the E9X get damaged because people use them improperly and use the improper equipment with them.

You'll be under the car, so why not get the correct tools to lift and support the vehicle. Using an axle stand and adapter just introduces additional points of failure into the system. The lifting blocks are designed to be used with a flat surface.

I must admit using the above HF jack with the axle style ends does leave the E90 plastic mounts with a damage to the tough plastic forming a slot - but they are tough and with that slot super well supported without any adapters which I have but no longer even use - to fussy putting them in and out that slot without getting stuck and such, and another slip point is of negative value to me.

I also use the race ramps stands shown on all 4 tires which was also damn stable and level and safe INMHO. But honestly its tough getting all four up on those due to the suspension being unloaded.

I applaud the OP of this for admitting a mistake - unless you are 100% comfortable don't risk it.

[Greyfox]

If you are handing with a saw and hammer, you can build a set of cribbing out of 2x4 and 2x8 fairly cheap.

https://www.myturbodiesel.com/d2/100...wood-block.htm

You can also get someone to cut you a 3" long piece of 1"x1" tubular steel that works perfectly for BMW jack points and any standard rolling hydraulic jack.