I bought a couple of these; they work great.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Universal-F...4AAOSwceNZV3Av

I have jacked the rear using the differential case but always have a wood block to insulate from the metal jack pad.

I then place the metal jack pads on top of my jack stands and then support the weight on the jack stands at the jacking points on either side of the vehicle

https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/5d8AA...EfQ/s-l400.jpg

These jack pads are also convenient for me in using the trolley jack at the pad locations when I need to jack up just one side of the vehicle quickly without having to dig out the factory jack from the vehicle.

Mike

I want a set of the jack pads. Does that fit into the jack point in the front center?


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No, they only fit the side factory jack positions.

Mike

- In the E39 (5-series) forum, we talked about it, see the thread below. Although I have done this before on the E39 5-series, my advice is don't do it!
If you crack the Rear Diff mount, you will regret.

- Alternative jacking points (subframe) were also discussed in that thread below...

Better jacking point than rear differential? - Bimmerfest - BMW Forums

I would say definelty not lift on the diff. On a solid axle car the mounts can easily support the weight of the vehicle because they need to. With an independant rear suspension the diff mountings are designed to only support the diff and I think it is asking a lot to lift the entire vehicle with them.

I think one should do what they feel comfortable with...but when BMW says that you can (see post #6 in this thread) as long as you lift from beneath the rear diff (making sure you're not putting weight on the diff's cover)...along with looking how the rear diff fits within the rear axle subframe assembly (see pics below). Plus once you lift the entire rear end...you can place jack stands below each rear (left & right) jack pads to rest the vehicle on while doing the work...which would relieve any stress on the rear diff/rear subframe assembly. If one uses common sense...lifting from beneath the diff seems doable. But again, only do what one feels comfortable in doing. :)

It wasn't safety that I am concerned about and lifting from the diff and placing stands is probably the fastest and safest method. It's overstressing the little rubber diff mounts that worries me more. I think it's the E46's that get all kinds of noise issues when those rubbers get even a little bit of wear or degradation. Those mounts are designed only to hold the diff in place as quietly as possible and lifting the whole weight of the car with them doesn't seem like a good idea. Not saying that anyone would ever notice the difference just my opinion.

thanks for the input guys, the diff spot for lifting seems a bit worrisome for the weight of this car but as long as BMW states in the service manual that it's the approved jacking points then it shouldn't be an issue.




https://www.facebook.com/Bmw-e53-2508322126058762/

Never had a problem on any of my BMW's, including the X. As mentioned, just be sure you are not on the diff cover itself. And an insulator on the lifting pad of the jack isn't a bad idea (wood, rubber, etc) though I rarely use one.