Ramps front and rear: silly?

Does anybody use ramps both front and rear instead of jack stands? Is that a silly idea to do so?

My dilemma is to buy a set of 4 jack stands (do I need some kind of adapters to avoid damaging plastic jack points? Or where do you place the stands under an X3?) or buy another set of ramps...

I do realize that jack stands make more sense since I can have wheels off the ground.

Jack stands on sale! http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...set-38847.html

Jack pads? http://www.ecstuning.com/ES251251/

Thanks! What I meant is where do you place jack stands? Just next to the plastic jack points? I looked, and it's just a flat surface there. I think that it will end up dented...

Originally Posted by invariant

Thanks! What I meant is where do you place jack stands? Just next to the plastic jack points? I looked, and it's just a flat surface there. I think that it will end up dented...

http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/tech...Jacking_Up.htm

Originally Posted by jdauria

Jack stands on sale! http://www.harborfreight.com/automot...set-38847.html

Jack pads? http://www.ecstuning.com/ES251251/

I just cut a piece of wood to fit in the jack pad. Then used regular jackstands. Worked for me!!!

Originally Posted by raaizin

I just cut a piece of wood to fit in the jack pad.

+1

I followed the lead of BMW and over-engineered it in solid oak with glue and screws.

Works well for using a floor/trolley jack on those lifting points too.
(The underside that is not shown in the pic. is a hollow box shape.)

Wow, that looks great. Mine isn't nearly as sophisticated, but gets the job done!!!

I do from time to time depending upon what I am actually working on.

Personally I use jack stands. I use the front center mounted jack point with my floor jack and then put the jack stands directly under the pads. My jack stands are exactly the the same outside width as the jack pad and when I remove the jack the fit right into the jack stand groves. I do the same for the rear but I use a level on the lower panel to make sure I am level if doing fluid changes.

One of the easier cars I have owned to get up in the air.

+1 on X3Brians method

Here's my setup and my opinion on how to get this car (and others, in general) off the ground safely.

For BMWs, to properly hold them on the jack pads--in other words, completely load the ENTIRE jack pad on the car, these are the stands I have and highly recommend:
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/p...4254gltk8o9kf2

I also have the two piece Race Ramps 56" ramps--they never slide, they are easy to store, and you can use them on low vehicles as well (like my M3) and Made in USA:
http://www.raceramps.com/2-piece-56-...ice-ramps.aspx

Lastly, I have the AC hydraulic DK13HLQ jack that I use on the X3, M3 and my Honda--I reach ALL the factory center lift points with ZERO issues.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/cata...ACHyd1_pg1.htm

Please--if you use any standard jack stands--and I have, as I have two sets of Craftsman 4T stands (very good stands), you are not fully using the load bearing capability of the body side lift supports. Also, you run the risk of having the car slip off the stands.

I use Ramps on front and stands in the rear, but in some cases like tire rotation, I use 4 stands, or if the car needs to be perfectly level for a fluid change, etc.

I ended up buying this kind: http://www.amazon.com/Torin-T43004-A.../dp/B0007XTGCI

Originally Posted by PSUEng

Here's my setup and my opinion on how to get this car (and others, in general) off the ground safely.

For BMWs, to properly hold them on the jack pads--in other words, completely load the ENTIRE jack pad on the car, these are the stands I have and highly recommend:
http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/p...4254gltk8o9kf2

I also have the two piece Race Ramps 56" ramps--they never slide, they are easy to store, and you can use them on low vehicles as well (like my M3) and Made in USA:
http://www.raceramps.com/2-piece-56-...ice-ramps.aspx

Lastly, I have the AC hydraulic DK13HLQ jack that I use on the X3, M3 and my Honda--I reach ALL the factory center lift points with ZERO issues.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/bmw/cata...ACHyd1_pg1.htm

Please--if you use any standard jack stands--and I have, as I have two sets of Craftsman 4T stands (very good stands), you are not fully using the load bearing capability of the body side lift supports. Also, you run the risk of having the car slip off the stands.

I use Ramps on front and stands in the rear, but in some cases like tire rotation, I use 4 stands, or if the car needs to be perfectly level for a fluid change, etc.

Nice $1000 setup. Too bad I don't have nearly enough money to have that setup

Originally Posted by jdauria

Nice $1000 setup. Too bad I don't have nearly enough money to have that setup

Yeah it's a bit excessive--but I've had crappy jacks fail and I got tired of buying stuff that may or may not work. I don't need a jack failing, or a car falling off jacks.

Those should work, just be sure the jack pads are straight on in the cradle.

Has anyone actually used 2 sets of ramps for things like fluid changes? I'd like to do it, but I only have 1 set and don't want to buy a second if it's really difficult to get the car up on 2 sets.

Originally Posted by mrsanchez3

Has anyone actually used 2 sets of ramps for things like fluid changes? I'd like to do it, but I only have 1 set and don't want to buy a second if it's really difficult to get the car up on 2 sets.

I've been thinking about doing the same thing. The only issue I see is having a couple people help you, one person on each side as you ramp the vehicle.