Jack pads are a must-have safety add-on every BMW owner should install. These guards protect your ride’s body when using a jack for service or tire changes. Properly fitted jack pads shield your BMW delicate aluminum or steel panels from dents, scratches, and damage. This guide will walk you through installing your BMW jack pads correctly.
The original plastic jack pads are easily damaged during operation. If the jack is improperly positioned, the subframe may be overstressed or even fall off the jack pivot due to structural failure of the original jack pads, posing a significant safety risk to DIY car enthusiasts. Therefore, some brands, like Bevinsee, have introduced aluminum jack pads to improve the quality of these accessories. The 40MM height is high enough to protect your car side skirts.
Required Tools and Materials
Before beginning installation, gather the following essential tools (if needed):
- Socket wrench (metric sizes - typically 10mm, 13mm, and 16mm)
- Ratchet handle
- Torque wrench
- Slotted and Phillips screwdrivers
- Clean cloth or microfiber towel
- Isopropyl alcohol (for cleaning surfaces)
- New jack pads (Bevinsee jack pads)
- Threadlocker (blue strength - optional)
Safety Precautions
Important Safety Tip: Never work under a vehicle supported solely by a jack. Always use a suitable jack stand/crane when performing any work under a BMW.
Other Safety Measures:
Park the vehicle on a level, stable surface. Set the parking brake. Let the engine and exhaust fully cool down. Wear safety glasses and gloves if you've got them. Make sure your workspace has good lighting and airflow.
Installation Instructions
Installation Object:
For BMW 1 Series E81/E82/E88 2005-2013
For BMW 1 Series F20/F21 2012–2019
For BMW 2 Series F22/F23 2012-2015
For BMW 3 Series E90/E91/E92/E93 2005-2013
For BMW 3 Series F30/F31 2012-2019
For BMW 4 Series F32/F33/F34/F36 2013-2020
For BMW 5 Series F10/F07 2010-2016
For BMW 6 Series F12/F06 2012-2017
For BMW 7 Series F01/F02 2007-2015
For BMW X1 Series E84 2010-2015
For BMW X1 Series F48 2016-2020
For BMW M2 Series F87 2016-2018
For BMW M3 Series E90/E92/E93 2006-2013
For BMW M3 Series F80 2012-2018
For BMW M4 Series F82/F83 2014-2020
For BMW M5 Series F90 2016-2019
Fits 2020-current Supra
Step 1: Preparation
- Prepare your new jack pads.
- Raise your vehicle to the appropriate height using a crane.
- Thoroughly clean the designated jack points with isopropyl alcohol to remove dirt, grease, and debris.
- Inspect any existing jack pad hardware or the jack point area for damage.
- Make sure all tools and the new jack pads are easily accessible.
Step 2: Remove the existing jack pads.
- Some BMW models come with factory jack pads or threaded inserts:
- Removing the factory pads: If present, carefully remove the existing jack pads using the appropriate tools.
- Cleaning the threads: First, address any rust or corrosion.
Step 3: Install the new jack pads
- Take the new jack pads, install the green rubber rings, and screw in the provided screws. Make sure the small center spacer is aligned 90 degrees and screwed securely onto the screws. Align the new jack pads with the jack pad holes on the vehicle.
- Make sure the pads are flush and properly aligned with the mounting holes.
Step 4: Final Action
- Use a screwdriver to tighten the center screw to confirm that all threaded installations are properly tightened.
- Test for stability: Shake the installed pads to ensure they are securely attached.
- Use a crane to align the new jack pads and repeatedly lift them to ensure there are no problems.
Conclusion
Installing jack shims on your BMW is a simple yet crucial modification. Follow this guide and take the time to properly install high-quality aluminum jack shims, and you won't have to worry about plastic shims sagging and damaging your modified side skirts when you use the jack.
