2009 328i Tore off jack pad on curb

[ftdlaks]

Life sucks. Got a bimmer last week (upgrade from a 1997 corolla after paying off student loans).

I took my baby and turned into a tight parking spot which was beside a curb, was slowly negotiating it when I heard a gut wrenching metal screeching sound. I hit the breaks, paused for a minute in confusion and anger and then slowly pulled out before starting to yell at myself in frustration.

I parked into another parking spot and there seemed to be no outside damage. Since it was late at night I did not notice the broken jack pad lying beside the parking spot I attempted turning into earlier. I found that the next day (which is today), took me a while to figure out what it was. It had broken off pretty bad (but very clean cut at the latch). I was surprised that these things are made of plastic (its a heavy car for God's sake :) )

Is this a common problem? Can I DIY replace it? Any suggestions welcome. (I am still covered by warranty)

[menewtobmw]

Is this a common problem? (I am still covered by warranty)

Hitting curbs common? Not so much.

I doubt the warranty would cover you running into the curb. I don't see any plastic on my jack stands, strange - they are metal.

[ftdlaks]

AFAIK the jack pads are plastic for a 328i 2009 model. Could post pics here, but I am new so....... :shifty :(

[FlyLow]

Life sucks. Got a bimmer last week (upgrade from a 1997 corolla after paying off student loans).

I took my baby and turned into a tight parking spot which was beside a curb, was slowly negotiating it when I heard a gut wrenching metal screeching sound. I hit the breaks, paused for a minute in confusion and anger and then slowly pulled out before starting to yell at myself in frustration.

I parked into another parking spot and there seemed to be no outside damage. Since it was late at night I did not notice the broken jack pad lying beside the parking spot I attempted turning into earlier. I found that the next day (which is today), took me a while to figure out what it was. It had broken off pretty bad (but very clean cut at the latch). I was surprised that these things are made of plastic (its a heavy car for God's sake :) )

Is this a common problem? Can I DIY replace it? Any suggestions welcome. (I am still covered by warranty)

When I bought my 2006 325i my mechanic noticed that there's one missing lifting block. I went to the BMW dealer and bought one for $16. I used a rubber mallet to put it in. Very easy. You don't need to raise the car up. It's a snap on hard plastic kind of material. Make sure you hear a click to assure that it seated properly and tight.

[Level1Tech]

dont feel bad just about every bimmer on the road is missing at least one lift pad. mine included!

[ftdlaks]

dont feel bad just about every bimmer on the road is missing at least one lift pad. mine included!

:D that makes me feel better lol.


When I bought my 2006 325i my mechanic noticed that there's one missing lifting block. I went to the BMW dealer and bought one for $16. I used a rubber mallet to put it in. Very easy. You don't need to raise the car up. It's a snap on hard plastic kind of material. Make sure you hear a click to assure that it seated properly and tight.

That makes me feel even more better :). This is the first thing I would be doing after being back from vacation.