2 Post Lift Positioning for 50/50 Weight Distribution BMW

[steve88]

I just had the realization that my 2004 BMW 330xi has a 50/50 weight ratio. I am planning on buying a 2 post lift later this year (most likely a Bendpak GP7-LC) which can be used both asymmetrically and symmetrically.

I feel like I've seen BMWs (with claimed 50/50 weight ratios) lifted asymmetrically in shops, etc... But isn't that very unsafe considering the weight would be unevenly distributed to the rear in that case?

 

[Lucid Moments]

I don't think so. Remember that you aren't lifting from a single point in the middle of the car, but from two points (four really) that are several feet apart. Perfectly even weight distribution is ideal, but not absolutely necessary.

 

[rburke65]

Could be just me but I fail to see an issue here.

 

[MrSurly]

This (in my opinion) is a prime example of an irrational concern.
First, the nominal weight distribution numbers are based on the tire contact points on the ground, not on the car’s lift points. Are the lift points equidistant from the front and rear axle centers?
If not, in which direction are they skewed?
Does the weight distribution on a VW beetle require a backwards lift?
Do you truly believe that if you position your car a foot or two either way, that it will create havoc?
I mean if you only have perfectly balanced cars I guess you could make a case for getting a symmetrical lift; but then you’d never be able to lift a front wheel drive car I guess.


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[thin_concrete]

I think you’re overthinking this one. You should be good to go if you know where the car’s jack points are and you’ve put a car on a lift before.

 

[MrSurly]

I would like to [seriously] explore this idea a little bit. You said that you thought it would be *dangerous* to lift the Beemer asymmetrically. Let’s consider that for a moment, I mean how much ‘weight error’ would be dangerous?
Say a 9000 lb rating.
The arms aren’t even the issue, as they’ll each have a quarter of the load but the posts would need to be the focus if we’re talking about too much rear weight. I guess in the extreme case (let’s say you put a pickup on the lift backwards) if there was enough weight bias and total weight to cause a failure, the failure point might be expected where? The anchors in the concrete? I mean, how much weight bias and total weight might be needed?
I’m thinking that number would be greater than the entire weight of the Beemer.



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[pbon]

Don’t worry about it. Distribution does not have to be perfect and your car is half the lift weight limit.

 

[CraigStu]

The shop I retired from 6 yrs ago had 45 Rotary 9000# asymmetric lifts. We lifted 5800# SUVs regularly. No problem.

 

[jonshonda]

And people wonder where the BMW owner reputation comes from!

 

[kumquat]

Try here: https://www.bendpak.com/support/products/training/balancing-safety/

 

[tff]

I think a simple response to your concern is that an asymmetric lift is actually designed so that the center of gravity of the car being lifted is to the rear of the 2 posts. So no issues in your scenario.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

As previously stated- 50/50 is at the tire patch- not your lifting points.

 

[K'ledgeBldr]

And people wonder where the BMW owner reputation comes from!

Reminds me of the porcupine/BMW joke!

Of course I too, am a BMW owner- E36 (soon to be 4door slamming track car; maybe)

 

[SJW]

My understanding with asymmetric lifts is that while there appears to be more vehicle on one side than the other (30 front/70 rear or around that), the vehicle itself is balanced because the pads on the ends of the arms are hitting the manufacturer's recommended lifting points.

So for your situation, the vehicle would be balanced, it just wouldn't look balanced if you were looking at the columns.

 

[steve88]

Thanks everyone for the replies, even the haters

I was under the impression that its best to try to distribute the weight equally on the lift -- thats why I thought asymmetric lifts were usually good for most passenger cars (as they usually have more weight in the front), while symmetric lifts are better for trucks and vans as their weight is more evenly distributed.

Anyway, the BendPak GP-7 that I'm planning on buying is rated for 7k lbs and can be used both symmetrically and asymmetrically. While I'm sure my (sub 4k lbs) car would be fine on the lift asymmetrically, I think I'll have a little more peace of mind if I position it more symmetrically.

I'm definitely NOT concerned about the load on the arms. The thought that just makes me slightly uncomfortable is the car being off center to the rear and the forces that that would place on the anchor bolts...But, i guess that's what the bolts are there for and assuming the concrete is to spec, then it should be all good.

I found a video on youtube where (at 1:08) this guy suggests not to "max out" the lift while loading asymmetrically / off-center, but its fine if the load is significantly less than the rating.

 

[AXDB]

No big deal. Have my m3 on the lift. Have plenty of “wiggle room” from to back but I typically park it about at the rear view mirror in line with the posts.



In terms of capacity on asymmetric posts I’ve had my duramax on the same 10k lift and it had no issues. Just make sure you concrete and anchors are good.

 

[PoorOwner]

I think it's great to think about lifting vehicles with an optimal position, instead of not think about it.
You are doing this at home, not getting paid, no one's watching you use the lift, etc with only several cars, it makes sense to get the best positioning you can come up with.

 

[pbon]

Once you actually get the lift and start fiddling around with setting the lift arms on the car’s lift points while still being able to get in and out of the car, you will reach a compromise that works for each car you have. Mechanics work on many cars and don’t have time to fiddle, but get a sense of what works pretty quickly.