I want to buy some ramps to do an oil change. I need some specs to look for (height and/or incline) or brand/model reccomendations from R56 owners.

I know the information must be on the site someplace and if someone wants to let me know how I could have found it, I would gladly take the instruction. (While you're at it, could you direct me to a posting on step by steps for changing the oil.... No, I don't want to get into the never ending debate on oil changes) Thanks!

 

I have non-metallic ramps and they work quite well. I think I bought the ones for the SUV and my car at stock height as no problem going up and down. However, when I lower the car I will have to use the floor jack and jackstands instead.

 

Do I need to worry about height due to the low front skirt?

 

Yes. I have some of the standard steel ramps I bought to use with an Acura Integra. They do not work with the MCS because they don't clear the air dam. I didn't really like using them with the Integra anyway. Driving up them was too scary and too hard on the clutch.

I'm using the MINI jack and jack stands.

In one of the threads on oil changes, some ramps were recommended for the MINI. IIRC, someone said 2x4s were sufficient for a MINI oil change.

 

I tried the MINI jack and was not able to raise it far enough to get the jack stands under the front jack point. Is it just that I am using adjustable jackstands that don't go low enough, or that I'm not doing something right? Lower stands or another jack that lifts a bit more?

 

A very simple solution that is both cheap and easy to do is to go to Home Depot and buy a piece of lumber that is 4" x 4". Have them cut each piece for you about 24" long. Go home, jack one side of the car up, slide the 4x4 under the front wheel, then lower the jack. Do the same to the other side.

Now you're ready to change the oil. Very cheap and easy solution. Good luck!

 

I bought a set of low profile black plastic composite ones from Wallmart for about $37(made in America BTY) Am very happywith them. They are light and easy to store.

 

http://www.rhinoramps.com/home.html

 

cannot be beat!

 

I guess mine are Rhino ramps as well by looking at the picture. A floorjack from Harbor freight is much nicer than the MINI jack.

 

I used some scrap 2x4's from a remodel I did, they had 45 degree cuts at the end, just enough room to slide the oil pan under. Not very professional, but it worked.

 

You do realize your Mini is not made in America...correct?

 

yes, but it's not sold at Wallyworld, which I think was the point

 

Being very proud of my european heritage at least it was not made in China. (not yet anyhow)

 

Try this thread.

 

raceramps.com has some very pricey, but very cool looking low profile ramps. The Rhinos are about 17 degrees. These are about 10 degrees, and go down to about 6 degrees with extenders. Probably overkill.

I just bought some Rhino ramps for $36 and will have them delivered to my local Ace HW for zero delivery cost.

I suspect my E30 M3 with race suspension won't like the Rhino ramps. I've always resorted to a low profile floor jack + jack stands.

 

2" x 4" 24" bottom with anohter 12" long clued and nailed on top, easy to drive up on and light weight, perfect for oil.

Anyother work i have a 24" lift jack and 4 x 2 tonne jack stands.