front central jacking point

[gazzamill]

Hi, could someone please confirm that this is the front jacking point - before I do any damage....



also how do you remove the metal guard plate (that has the service hatch for sump access) I changed the oil and some used oil got in there, and getting drips everywhere (as you can see!). I can see 3 small bolts at the front that fasten it to the plastic guard in front of it, but can't see any others.....

thanks in advance

[gannet]

doesn't look strong enough to be a jacking point to me

also if you do jack it up from that point then try and remove the part you are talking about - looks to me like it is one and same

[gazzamill]

Ah - I should have said, the plan was to jack it up then lower onto axle stands, as that is the same part I was hoping to remove.

I agree, looks like it would collapse under load, but I read somewhere else (can't find it now) that there is a jack point in that area - seemed to be the only likely candidate...

[Rudd]

Iv jacked my car off it before ant it was fine. i presumed the same as you that it was a jacking point


i wont take any responsibility if it goes horribly wrong though

[Incompatible]

IIRC someone in another thread/forum discussion mentioned that the recess was the correct size for the "puck" which is used to jack up the sides. I tried to find the thread without success. Also IIRC BMW states the the attachment bolts for the reinforcement plate are one time use, although others have reinstalled the bolts without (reported) problems.

[gazzamill]

Thanks for the replies, i'll try it jacking it up there later and let you know how I get on

[christurbo]

This 'point' was widely discussed on the E46 forums. Some people posted pictures of it collapsing, some using the 'puck' method were OK. I personally wouldnt attempt it.

[cj10jeeper]

I would strongly recommend that you do NOT attempt to jack the car on that point. It is a light alloy strengthening plate where it's strength is lateral and would all too easily collapse trying to lift the heaviest part of the car on that components weakest point

Even a slight deflection will put the front suspoension seriously out of alignment.

[gazzamill]

Thanks, changed my mind - I won't try jacking up there later