[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.