Jacking tips
 

Well was gonna make some progress on my 3.0 headgasket replacement today since the weatherman said it was gonna be 60 and sunny today. (My Car is outdoors). Un, uh. 50’s and raining, next few days in the 30’s and below.

Crap.

Got me to thinking about how I’m going to get the head off and such and I’m short with not long arms. I was thinking that once I got the exhaust out if I could get the front to “kneel” a bit, might be able to get at it better.

Currently it’s on a pair of those plastic ramps, wheels and tires intact. Wondering if I pull the front wheels would it be smart to drop it until the rotors rested close to the ground or on a wood block or something so I can reach all the way to the back of the engine without pulling a muscle.

Not looking for a “hold my beer, watch this” experience. Would it be worth trying, any good support places for a short Jack? Or better ideas?

Thanks

Seems like a stool would be far safer, and easier than making the front squat.

Call a friend. Two people reduce the risk of a disaster. If that won't work then put the rear wheels on your ramps and let most of the air out of the front tires. If more is needed stand on something that gets you where you want to. Can also remove the hood to make it easier.

Excellent ideas.
Thanks.

I seem to remember something in the tis about there being a service position to the hood as well. Brings it to a more vertical position I believe. Can anyone confirm this?

Pop the hood struts and raise it right up. Make sure to secure it as it is really heavy and not stable...

Yea Benz has service position where the hood will stay vertical. In our x5 I agree, “service” position can knock you out. Better off removing hood.

Don’t think I want to do that. Not wanting to be overly dramatic but I’m outdoors, a good gust of wind could potentially be fatal.

I pulled my head out last summer on my 2001 3.0i. The hood was not in the way at all. I did remove the cowl and all the stuff below that. Like you, I was willing to take my time and do things carefully and patiently, so removing easy stuff was not an issue.

I don't think I could have done lifted the head out without at least one helper. I might have had two. My son and I lifted it out, while my daughter was checking for things getting hung up and directing traffic. I think there was something un-done on the back side - a piece of sheet metal attached to the block and the head with 10mm screws, I think.

Putting it back in - same thing - me + my son + air traffic control.

Once it's out, it's not so heavy. I would lift it with my son for convenience, but could do it myself when needed, like when taking it to the machine shop. But carefully lifting it out while leaning over the engine front or the fender is so much harder.

Does the E53 X5 have the similar setup like E38 as below?

https://www.bimmerforums.com/forum/s...vice-Hood-Mode