Author Topic: is it safe to use a 3000lb jack? (Read 3138 times)

ecalder · « **on:** April 11, 2010, 08:45:04 PM »

So I need to do a little work on my e83 x3 and I was hoping not to have to buy a new jack... I have a 3000lb floor jack but the x3 weighs 4000lbs. Is it safe to assume that since I'm only jacking up one side at a time i'm not putting the full 4000lbs of weight onto my jack and therefore it will be ok to use it? Also my jack stands are 2 ton, I assume that's ok right since I'm only putting less than half of the weight on each stand?

Thanks!

BlueBMW · « **Reply #1 on:** April 11, 2010, 09:48:26 PM »

You should be fine... you'll be lifting at absolute max maybe half the cars weight.. probably a lot less. If the jack cant lift it, it just wont. Your jack stands should be 2 ton each, so again no problem at all! Just common sense caution... Whats wrong with the X3?

ecalder · « **Reply #2 on:** April 11, 2010, 10:16:09 PM »

Thanks!

I'm approaching 90k and since I've learned a lot working on the e30 I was thinking I could save a bit of cash and do as many of the maintenance points as I can myself. Also my shocks are shot, I'd like to change them myself too but I'm not sure about it because everything seems more complicated on the newer cars. There's no Bentley manual for the e83 though so I'm going to have to apply my e30 experience to the x3. Any advice? Should I just have a shop take care of it? I don't want to screw anything up!

BlueBMW · « **Reply #3 on:** April 12, 2010, 06:42:00 AM »

E83s are not too complicated.. they're essentially an E46 electronically. If you have some specific questions, please ask. I can fix anything but those damn panoramic roofs! They can keep those things....

Matt-B · « **Reply #4 on:** April 13, 2010, 01:22:43 PM »

i have heard from a diesal tech that if you lift one side of a car your lifting about 38-45% of the weight while you might think its half. the higher you go the less weight there is because there is that point where you could hold a car at the right angle. if that makes sense dont worry. i use a 1000lb jacks to hold my car and climb under

JetBlackE46 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 07, 2010, 02:44:38 PM »

Quote from: Matt-B;90811

i have heard from a diesal tech that if you lift one side of a car your lifting about 38-45% of the weight while you might think its half. the higher you go the less weight there is because there is that point where you could hold a car at the right angle. if that makes sense dont worry. i use a 1000lb jacks to hold my car and climb under

I hope you're using jack stands as well