E36 Brakes and Jack Stands

[jim webber]

I've got a 1996 328is which is about ready for new brake pads and rotors. I've already purchased a set of stock Pads and will probably use stock rotors as well. I auto cross, but never experience brake fade, so I figure the original equipment meets my needs.

I can't stand the idea of paying my dealer to do the work and have looked at the required tools, etc. I can handle the job. Supporting the car, however, is another story. I don't own a floor jack or stands - yet... What should I buy? It seems all the jack stands are not shaped to fit the round jack point on an E36... Help!

[PaulB]

I found that I could cut a "doughnut " shaped piece of wood that would fit nicely between any flat top jackstand and the round lifting point on my BMW. I used plywood at least 3/4 inch thick and cut the OD to 2.5 inches and the hole size was one Inch. The was easily accomplished with an inexpensive hole saw set that is used with an electric drill. It works well and I'll use the same design to make a set in aluminum next.
Paul in Boston: frog:

[trendar]

If you have any old tires, you can cut them up to make jack pads, to prevent gouging out your chassis. Get a good wide saddle hydraulic floor jack, and if you put a couple of these tire pads on them, you'll have a cushioned non-slip surface.
These tire pads also work nicely on the jack stands too, so cut up a bunch while you're at it.

BTW, forget about anything other than a reciprocating saw to cut through tires with steel reinforced belts; I tried them all- the only thing that works is a reciprocating saw.