How It Works

Jack Pad Tools for Mercedes-Benz

Most Mercedes vehicles introduced after the 2000 model year incorporate a combination jack point which can be used with either the vehicle jack or the dealer service department lift. The vehicle jack is designed to fit into the pocket of the jack point. The service department lift typically makes contact with the rim around the pocket of the jack point. Older Mercedes models have jack points under the chassis for the service lift and separate jack points for the vehicle jack which are accessed through covers in the side skirts.

On cars with the standard body side skirts, the jack points typically extend slightly below the side skirts. The side skirts on cars with AMG body kits normally hang below the jack points making these cars even more of a challenge for DIY mechanics. Most floor jacks cannot be used directly with the jack points along the side skirts without risking some damage to either the undercarriage, the side skirts, or the jack point itself.

The Jack Pad Tool leverages the small notch in either end of the jack point pocket in most Mercedes vehicles introduced after 2000. The spring loaded bullet latches in the ends of the Jack Pad Tool block are positioned to snap into these notches and temporarily suspend the Jack Pad Tool while a floor jack can be positioned beneath the jack point.

The Jack Pad Tool separates the side skirts and undercarriage vehicle parts from the floor jack head to eliminate damage to the vehicle from the floor jack while still providing enough ground clearance to position the floor jack.

Mercedes uses a few different jack point part numbers across almost its entire model range. Part number 203-997-01-86 is for the W203 C-Class, W209 CLK, W211 E-Class, W219 CLS, and the front of the R171 SLK. Part number 171-998-00-50 is only used on the rear of the R171 SLK. Part number 221-998-00-50 is for the W221 S-Class, W216 CL, W251 R-Class, W164 M-Class and the X164 GL-Class. Part number 164-690-05-09 is an upgraded jack point that replaces the W221 part. Part number 000-998-67-50 is used in the new W204 C-Class.

The dimensions for the various jack point parts are sufficiently different that Reverse Logic Limited offers separate model Jack Pad Tools for the W203, W221, and W204 jack points. The W203 Jack Pad Tool will fit into the front jack point of the R171 SLK and the W221 Jack Pad Tool will fit into the rear jack point of the R171. The R171 Jack Pad Tool will work in both the front and rear jack points of the R171 SLK.

Jack Pad Tools for BMW/Mini Cooper

BMW began using jack points with an integrated pocket for the vehicle jack a few years before Mercedes-Benz adopted this approach. At least ten unique jack points are available for BMW and Mini Cooper chassis. All Mini Coopers share the same jack point part number, 51-71-7-039-760. With the exception of the E88/E93 convertibles and the Z3 roadster, late model BMW chassis use one of the following jack points 51-71-7-189-259, 51-71-7-001-650, 51-71-7-164-761, 51-71-7-065-919, 51-71-7-123-311, or 51-71-8-268-885. The E88/E93 chassis use jack point part number 51-71-7-169-981. The Z3 chassis use either the 51-71-8-398-169 (up to 08/1997) or 51-71-8-407-559 (from 08/1997).

There are slight variations between the various jack point part numbers listed above. There are a few different heights and three different mounting approaches. However, the pocket is sufficiently similar across the range of jack point numbers that we can offer one tool to fit most of the vehicles. The exceptions are the E88/E93 convertibles and the Z3 roadster which have slightly shorter pockets.

Four silicone plugs extend from both ends of the Jack Pad Tool block to provide a friction fit in the OEM jack pad receptacle. No modifications to the jack pad receptacles on your car are required to use the Jack Pad Tool. The silicone plugs are compressed slightly when the tool is inserted into the jack point.

To use the jack pad adapter tool, simply press it into one of the four jack pad receptacles where the spare tire vehicle jack is normally positioned. The jack pad adapter will be suspended by the tension from the silicone plugs until you can position your floor jack beneath the adapter. You can now safely lift the car without damaging the side skirts or undercarriage.

The Jack Pad Tool is intended to be used with a floor jack with a flat bottomed cup that is at least 3-inches in diameter and no more than 5/8-inch deep. The Jack Pad Tool should be removed after use since the tool is not designed to remain in place while the car is in motion.