Advice on workshop jack and axle stands

[Cortez]

Hi everyone. First post but long time lurker. Firstly, thanks to all the great contributors on this site I have successfully completed an Inspection II service on my beloved 2003 3.0d, replaced the drivers side door handle carrier and repaired the left rear brake light. A massive thank you to everyone for their contributions, without which, I wouldn't have known where to start for any of these jobs

My next project is to do the brake pads and rotors and I'm looking for some advice on a workshop jack and axle stands. My questions are as follows:

1) What load rating would people recommend for axle stands?
2) What load rating would people recommend for a workshop jack to lift both front of back tyres off the ground in one go?
3) What is the required jack height required to get the front and rear of the X off the ground?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice that you can offer.

[JCL]

I would look for 2 ton axle stands. You can go heavier, but you don't need to, unless you plan to also use them for other vehicles that are larger and heavier than the X5.

Trolley jacks are commonly available at 2 ton capacity, and up. 2 ton will do it, but those jacks are sometimes built very lightly. A 3 ton trolley jack will often be easier to work IMO. These are still fairly light, home shop jacks, not for commercial use.

Something with a lift height of 16" or 18" should do it. I don't know the specs of my trolley jack, but two on the web that are very similar are in that range.

[Sundayjumper]

My jack is a cheapie one rated at 2.5 tonnes and lifts the car OK, but I'm going to invest in something a bit more substantial soon as it does feel like it struggles a bit. Works fine on my E36 though.

[gerry_miranda]

I have 3 ton cheap jacks. I do however have HIGH quality 3 ton 21" stands. But mostly, I find ramps most useful on things that does not require the wheels to come off..obviously does not apply to break jobs....I also find it safest to only jackup one side of the car.

[fast4d]

the bigger/higher capacity stands can usually go higher. but you'll need a bigger jack to take advantage. I like to jack the vehicle up as high as possible if I'm doing clutch work or getting at the fuel filter on an x5.