I think this is one of the other 2:



It worked for me.

 

I was taught that the proper way to get a whole car up on jack stands is to do one end then the other end, never side to side.

I haven't had to do this with our MINI, but I'd like to know the best places to put my floor jack when doing it.

 

That's how I used to do it... and after a couple of sketch-moments (jack stand shifted when lowering) I decided $1500 for a lift was cheaper than having a car fall off a stand... but most people aren't the tool-junkie I am... and/or have 8 cars to maintain... The 2x4 method has been around for awhile. Guys on VW boards do something similar. German cars seem to be a PITA to lift (the old M3 was even worse than the MINI).

 

I've done the 2x4 under the sill method on my car DOZENS of times over the past two years, often up to the full height of my jack stands, with zero problems, no shifting, no damage, no scary moments. Seems pretty easy, painless and safe to me...

 

There is a post somewhere here showing a point inward and just behind the front wheels to use to lift the entire side of the car up. That's what I've been using. Then I put the jack stands under the jack points.

When I need to put the car up on 4 stands, I usually lift up one side, then the other. Then I come back to the first side and lift it just a little and slightly reposition the jack stands. I do this because when you are lifting the second side, the car is pivoting on the 1st sides jack stands and that can cause a bit of movement and that can make things a bit less secure. The higher you lift, the worse it gets. Anyway, it is an extra step, but I think it makes things more secure.

 

I realize this is an old thread, but I wanted to say "thank you" to all who posted suggestions and particularly to BlimeyCabrio for the step-by-step blog with pics. The 2 X 4 and jack stand method worked perfectly on our '08 S coupe.

 

WARNING....WARNING. The 2x4 method is NOT safe.

I had a jacking accident a while back when was trying to lower me car just a little bit more. Long story short I ripped one of my side skirts open with a jack stand. When I removed to replace I got to see what I had done to my car with this method. There is no support there at all just sheet metal....pushed up where the 2x4 bent under pressure. Dont do this to your car

 

Please see post #4 from this thread https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ck-points.html
This method will work on R53 or R56. By using a 4 X 4 to span both jacking points you put your racing jack under the middle of the 4 X 4 and lift one side of the car and then put the jack stands under the jacking points below the 4 X 4. Then do the other side of the car. Using this method you are only lifting by using the jacking points and their is no danger of deforming the sheet metal or side skirts.
Also note that on lowered cars you may not be able to get the 4 X 4 and racing jack under the jack points. On my GP I remedied this problem by putting the front wheels on ramps to get the needed clearance.
Steve

 

I've never gone with a 4X4 ... always used a 2X4, spanning a short area between the two jack points - leaving the jack points free to place the jack stands. Also, on my '02, I run the 2x4 inside the frame edge under the door.
I've been jacking my car this way since I got the car (in '02) and haven't had a problem.

T

 

Take your side skirt off and you'll see the problem. You can ignore my warning if you want but its not safe.

 

Here is a page that shows the jack point I was talking about http://webbmotorsports.com/index.php...&id=11&catid=2

 

Paul,

Love the method...thanks for the great photos on your blog.

One question: it looks like you are putting your jack stands directly on the plastic jack points, as opposed to putting a wood spacer like some other folks have recommended. I was just a little concerned about the u-shaped top of my jack stands interfacing with the plastic jack points. Can you comment?

Keith

 

I never had any issues related to jack stand top shape vs. block shape. No, they don't match perfectly. No, I don't care if the plastic jack point got deformed a bit.

I'm now using the TSW alloy jack points. Just because they're cooler and prettier. :-)

 

this thread would rock with a picture or two

Thanks

 

I thought this might help with folks nervous about using either 2x4 or 4x4. This looks like the safest and most secure method of placing jackstands.

http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti..._Your_MINI.htm

I hope this is helpful.