This is a tutorial on how to lift your E46 safely and securely. Never perform any work or lift your vehicle without reading your vehicle's owner's manual first. Always use quality jacks, jackstands, and other miscellaneous equipment and ensure it is in fully functioning order before proceeding.
Always follow the directions of the manufacturer of the equipment you are using.
Follow these directions at your own discretion according to your comfort and/or skill level.
I am not responsible for any damages to people or property.
Warning: Jacks should only be used to lift a vehicle, not support it for any extended amount of time. Never get under a vehicle supported by only a jack.
For extra security, place your wheels under rigid body sections of the vehicle.
Always work on level ground.
Okay so basically if your E46 has a front reinforcement plate as follows:
You can follow my method of supporting the vehicle safely on four jackstands and a high quality low-profile jack. I got mine from Harbor Freight.
The picture explains it all, but basically you are lifting the side-rear high enough to get a jackstand under the front-side jackpad you are lifting. Repeat on the other side. Then lift the vehicle by the rear subframe (never the aluminum support) and then place jackstands under the rear-side jack pads.
You will then have a jackstand under each jacking point. Lowering the car is reversed process.
The following photo is of an E46 M3 convertible. Same concept applies to this photo for your non-M cars.
E46 M3s and earlier non-Ms have a front-central jacking point on the front subframe reinforcement. That can be used in a similar manner as the rear subframe lift point.
Good luck and again, use common sense and safety!
To clarify: USE JACKPADS AND REAR SUBFRAME TO LIFT VEHICLE ONLY. DO NOT USE "FRAME RAILS," OR THE FRONT ALUMINUM REINFORCEMENT PLATE FOR NON-M VEHICLES. THE JACKPAD LIFT POINTS ARE REINFORCED PARTICULARLY FOR LIFTING. I RECOMMEND TO HAVE A FRIEND WATCH THE JACKSTAND AS YOU LOWER THE VEHICLE BACK DOWN TO ENSURE IT DOESN'T SLIDE OFF.
Always follow the directions of the manufacturer of the equipment you are using.
Follow these directions at your own discretion according to your comfort and/or skill level.
I am not responsible for any damages to people or property.
Warning: Jacks should only be used to lift a vehicle, not support it for any extended amount of time. Never get under a vehicle supported by only a jack.
For extra security, place your wheels under rigid body sections of the vehicle.
Always work on level ground.
Okay so basically if your E46 has a front reinforcement plate as follows:
You can follow my method of supporting the vehicle safely on four jackstands and a high quality low-profile jack. I got mine from Harbor Freight.
The picture explains it all, but basically you are lifting the side-rear high enough to get a jackstand under the front-side jackpad you are lifting. Repeat on the other side. Then lift the vehicle by the rear subframe (never the aluminum support) and then place jackstands under the rear-side jack pads.
You will then have a jackstand under each jacking point. Lowering the car is reversed process.
The following photo is of an E46 M3 convertible. Same concept applies to this photo for your non-M cars.
E46 M3s and earlier non-Ms have a front-central jacking point on the front subframe reinforcement. That can be used in a similar manner as the rear subframe lift point.
Good luck and again, use common sense and safety!
To clarify: USE JACKPADS AND REAR SUBFRAME TO LIFT VEHICLE ONLY. DO NOT USE "FRAME RAILS," OR THE FRONT ALUMINUM REINFORCEMENT PLATE FOR NON-M VEHICLES. THE JACKPAD LIFT POINTS ARE REINFORCED PARTICULARLY FOR LIFTING. I RECOMMEND TO HAVE A FRIEND WATCH THE JACKSTAND AS YOU LOWER THE VEHICLE BACK DOWN TO ENSURE IT DOESN'T SLIDE OFF.