How Do I Raise a 1994 BMW 325I?
Because of the manner in which BMW designed the jacking points on their vehicles, it can be difficult to safely lift one with a floor jack, particularly for the inexperienced. This is true of the E36 3 Series generation of cars, which includes the 1994 325i. Whether they’re changing the brakes or installing new wheels and tires, individuals who work on their own car should know how to properly raise their 3 Series.
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Instructions
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1
Park the vehicle on a flat, level surface. Set the emergency brake and put the transmission in gear if it is a manual. Place a piece of wood behind the wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling while you raise it.
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2
Locate the reinforced areas under the car on the edge near the rocker panels for supporting the vehicle on a lift. Pry off the plastic covers with a flat-head screwdriver. Underneath is a hole and a reinforced plate around the hole. This is where the jack stand will be placed.
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3
Pry off the plastic covers that conceal the holes for the jack pads with a flat-head screwdriver. These are located on the outer surface of the rocker panel, which is the area on the lower side of the car between the front and rear wheels. Install the jack pad tool, which is available online (see Resources). This tool slides into the holes that are concealed by the covers and provides a pad for the jack to raise the vehicle.
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4
Place the floor jack under the jack pad after the pad is installed in the hole in the side of the vehicle. Carefully raise the side of the BMW until you can slide the jack stand under the reinforced point under the car. Place a folded newspaper between the jack stand and the BMW to protect it. Lower the car onto the jack stand. Repeat for the other four jacking points.
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Ensure that the car is securely supported on the jack stands by rocking it back and forth on the jack stands. If it moves or feels unstable, do not work underneath it until you have it securely raised.
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