Jack placement for 2007 X5

[X5 Meister]

Thanks for the attachment and the tip, however are you sure the attachment is for the E53 X5? I'm not sure about the 1st photo, but I don't think it's an X5 and the 2nd photo definitely isn't. Also you mentioned that the #1 jackpoint is different, but the document also states on page 2 that the rear differential shouldn't be used at all. If the document is for the E53 X5, then that jackpoint also differs from the E70. Please correct me if I'm wrong, I think this is an important topic to get exactly right!

[HaroldC]

That document is from the E53. The four jack points under the sides of the car (#2 on the diagram) are the same as the E70. They do in fact state that the rear differential should not be used.

[X5 Meister]

Gotcha. Now I think I get it. In short:

- The side jack points are the same for the E53 and E70.
- A front jack point exists for both the E53 and the E70, but the location off the front subframe differs slightly between the two model lines.
- A rear jack point exists for the E70 at the differential, BUT NOT FOR THE E53.

[RADRACR]

I've spent almost an hour googling this and keep finding conflicting reports, confusion between E53/E70, etc. Can I get confirmation that it's safe to jack here on the diff on a E70?

Also, can I use a 2-ton jack? I know the X5 weighs more but it's not lifting the entire weight of the vehicle... right?

Lastly, what are those bolt holes? Is my diff missing something?

[seattle]

Originally Posted by RADRACR

I've spent almost an hour googling this and keep finding conflicting reports, confusion between E53/E70, etc. Can I get confirmation that it's safe to jack here on the diff on a E70?

Strange how this came up at the top, I had exact same issue this weekend! Failed to rotate tires because ran out of time (had evening errands).

Originally Posted by RADRACR

Also, can I use a 2-ton jack? I know the X5 weighs more but it's not lifting the entire weight of the vehicle... right?

I had this 2-ton jack for a while and used to lift the X5 on the side a few times. This time, tried using that point right under the engine (see earlier pictures).
That was because I needed to place one side on stands (distrust hydraulic jacks, and also needed to use the same jack for rear wheels).

Because the 2-ton jack arm is too short, it could not lift the vehicle high enough for front tires to clear the ground. So, I placed a block of wood between the jack and the lift point and started to lift. Guess what happened? The jack fluid squirted out on me!

Yes, it could be blamed on simple physics, because due to the wood block, a lot of weight was placed on the jack arm at the very beginning when it is still folded low. Yet, you would think it could lift 2 tons right off the bet as advertised.

Regardless, I trust hydraulic jacks even less now..

Going to be replacing the 2-ton jack with 4-ton one this week.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by RADRACR

I've spent almost an hour googling this and keep finding conflicting reports, confusion between E53/E70, etc. Can I get confirmation that it's safe to jack here on the diff on a E70?

Also, can I use a 2-ton jack? I know the X5 weighs more but it's not lifting the entire weight of the vehicle... right?

Lastly, what are those bolt holes? Is my diff missing something?

According to the BMW service manual, you can lift on the rear differential. You can not contact the differential cover, just the housing (as you have indicated).

Yes, you can use a 2 ton jack. You are lifting approximately half the weight of the vehicle, so about 1.25 tons.

It is better with a long trolley jack, not a compact one, as you need to reach under the vehicle. A compact one works, but you will find yourself reaching under the vehicle to work the handle.

Never get under a vehicle supported only by a jack.

[JCL]

Originally Posted by seattle

Because the 2-ton jack arm is too short, it could not lift the vehicle high enough for front tires to clear the ground. So, I placed a block of wood between the jack and the lift point and started to lift. Guess what happened? The jack fluid squirted out on me!

Yes, it could be blamed on simple physics, because due to the wood block, a lot of weight was placed on the jack arm at the very beginning when it is still folded low. Yet, you would think it could lift 2 tons right off the bet as advertised.

That is a jack failure, not a design failure.