Jacking block failure, side skirt destroyed

[Zipperblues]

This morning a few minutes after jacking up my 2003 MINI Cooper S, it fell off the jack. The block, the jacking point, was lying under the car; it fell off, and looks like part of the plastic snapped. After the jacking point fell off the jack tore through my plastic side skirt. It was a miracle no other parts of the car got damaged (and also that nobody was under the car at the time).

Has this ever happened to anyone else? Is it a common fault, or unique to my MINI? How much do you think it will cost to replace the parts? Do you think BMW will bear any responsibility, even though my car is out of warranty?

This always happens at the worst possible time…the dealerships won’t be open until Tuesday

[murmini]

That is some bad luck! but that type of jack can easily roll one way ot the other with this sort of consequence. One should never be under a car that is only on a jack - you should invest in some axle stands before you crawll underneath. Mini Cooper - Jacks & Stands

[Capsaisin]

Quote: Originally Posted by murmini (original)

That is some bad luck! but that type of jack can easily roll one way ot the other with this sort of consequence. One should never be under a car that is only on a jack - you should invest in some axle stands before you crawll underneath. Mini Cooper - Jacks & Stands

What the man said!!!!!

[Zipperblues]

Yeah, you're right, a jack stand is always a good idea. We were just taking off the wheel today, and weren't doing anything underneath.

The most disconcerting part is that it looks like one of the plastic clips that holds in the jackingpoint actually snapped off. Or maybe the post disconcerting part is that the jacking point is made out of plastic in the first place.

[rkw]

Yes it is a known problem. For example see this thread: http://www.mini2.com/forum/maintenan...ng-blocks.html

The question of how to jack the car comes up frequently on MINI2 and NAM because the flimsy jack points do not inspire confidence. It is something that could have been designed better.

[Tonyt3]

He wasnt lying uner the car, the Jack was lying under it after the block failed.....



BMW should pick up the bill for this, as this is a design failure. If the dealership wont entertain it just tell them that your taking them, BMW and Mini to the Citizens Advice Beurau and the Health and Safty executive. Tell them also that your 'brother' works for a top car magazine and you'll be telling him the whole sorry tale unless they repair it for you.....

[obehave]

This is a pretty nice solution

Many of us made blocks years ago because of this. Mine fit right around the lift point.
I also have a jack that fits right inside the lift point so it pushes on the body and not that lame block.

Sorry this has happened to you.

[Zipperblues]

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave (original)

This is a pretty nice solution

Many of us made blocks years ago because of this. Mine fit right around the lift point.
I also have a jack that fits right inside the lift point so it pushes on the body and not that lame block.

Sorry this has happened to you.

How do you "make blocks"? I'd be interested in doing this.

By the way, anyone looking to sell a stock side skirt? I'm going to post this in the classifieds when I know if I'm going to need to get my own for sure.

I'll call the daelership as soon as they open tomorrow... Thanks for the replies and keep them coming if you have anything to add.

[obehave]

Quote: Originally Posted by Zipperblues (original)

How do you "make blocks"? I'd be interested in doing this.

By the way, anyone looking to sell a stock side skirt? I'm going to post this in the classifieds when I know if I'm going to need to get my own for sure.

I'll call the daelership as soon as they open tomorrow... Thanks for the replies and keep them coming if you have anything to add.

The blocks work best if you have a large lifting pad like on a floor jack.
I made mine out of pressure treated lumber. Cut ~6" square blocks from 2x6 stock and then cut a rectangle in the middle that fits around the lift block. This way all the stock block does is keep it located when you're jacking the car.
I will make some new ones but use something without a grain like the plastic decking lumber or MDF. A little less likely to split along the grain.

You may have to do some minor trim to fit stuff but it isn't really hard to make them.

You might find some aero kit take offs cheap. Either at the dealer or on line.

[Zipperblues]

Quote: Originally Posted by obehave (original)

You might find some aero kit take offs cheap. Either at the dealer or on line.

Thats what I was hoping.

Thanks for the information on the blocks.

[BRG/Blk Cooper S]

Hi,
I use a piece of hardwood cut to size so it fits inside the jacking block itself, the trolley jack then goes directly under this block and all lifting pressure is placed where it should be.
Axle stands then immediately go under the car as a safety measure.

It has been discussed previously on these forums that the jacking blocks are a guide for placement of the cars "wheel change" jack and aren't fit to actually lift the car.

BMW have I think been very unclear about this and designed these blocks to look as though they are designed for a purpose that they are clearly not.

Some more information in the manual maybe or a redesigned jacking point that can actually be used to lift the car would certainly not go astray - I was nervous as hell the first time I jacked up mine.

Hope the dealership help you out.
Cheers, Geoff.

[Zipperblues]

Quote: Originally Posted by drainaudio (original)

Hi,
I use a piece of hardwood cut to size so it fits inside the jacking block itself, the trolley jack then goes directly under this block and all lifting pressure is placed where it should be.
Axle stands then immediately go under the car as a safety measure.

It has been discussed previously on these forums that the jacking blocks are a guide for placement of the cars "wheel change" jack and aren't fit to actually lift the car.

BMW have I think been very unclear about this and designed these blocks to look as though they are designed for a purpose that they are clearly not.

Some more information in the manual maybe or a redesigned jacking point that can actually be used to lift the car would certainly not go astray - I was nervous as hell the first time I jacked up mine.

Hope the dealership help you out.
Cheers, Geoff.

Thank you, I'm going to make so blocks immediately.

And the dealership did help me out. The took care of everything in a very timely manner. I can not thank the people at MINI of Peabody enough. For anyone who lives anywhere near Massachusetts, I suggest going there for service, even if it is out of your way.