Building a Budget-Friendly Wheel Stand

Working on a BMW E30 project can be a frustrating experience, especially when it comes to getting under the car. Even with the vehicle perched on axle stands, the space available can feel incredibly tight, making it difficult to maneuver and work comfortably. The issue is compounded by the limitations of a low garage ceiling, ruling out the possibility of installing a lift. But, as with most DIY projects, there’s always a solution.

The Plan: Taller Wheel Stands

To solve the problem, the goal is to build taller, sturdier wheel stands—also known as wheel cribs—that provide a much-needed lift while remaining budget-friendly. Unlike the previous set of shorter wheel cribs, this new design incorporates an intelligent approach by combining the best aspects of various designs found online. The result? A sturdy, practical solution using affordable materials.

Materials Used

The materials for this project were sourced with cost-effectiveness in mind. Here’s what was used:

16 lengths of timber (basic best-value wood from B&Q)

Box of decking screws (4.5mm diameter, 75mm length)

Basic power tools (circular saw, sander)

The wood used for the stands is slightly smaller than standard 2x4s but has proven reliable in various projects over the years. Each plank measures 2.4 meters in length, 63mm wide, and 38mm deep.

Design Considerations

The wheel cribs are designed to lift the car by 34.2 cm, with each stand measuring:

38 cm in height

48 cm in length

30 cm in width

Additionally, safety was a key factor. The design includes two stop blocks at the top to prevent the wheels from rolling off. Cross supports were also added to evenly distribute the weight.

Cutting and Assembly

The project began with cutting the wood into the required lengths—44 pieces at 48 cm and 44 at 30 cm. While there was slightly more wastage than expected, adjustments were made to incorporate the extra pieces into the design for added strength.

Once cut and sanded, the pieces were assembled using a jig to ensure precise angles. Each joint was secured with two pilot holes and screws, preventing splitting and providing a strong, reliable structure.

Testing the Cribs

With the cribs assembled and in place, the next challenge was getting the E30 up onto them safely. The process involved a two-stage lift:

Using a jack with risers to lift the front from the subframe.

Lifting the rear using the differential, incrementally increasing the height.

The result? A solid, elevated E30 with about 50 cm of clearance underneath—plenty of space to work comfortably and efficiently.

Final Thoughts

The new wheel stands have proven to be a game-changer. The added height makes working under the car much easier, and the investment was minimal compared to professional equipment. For any DIY enthusiast looking to tackle their own projects, these stands are highly recommended.

If you’re interested in following more of our E30 build journey and other automotive projects, be sure to check out our content and stay tuned for more tips and tricks.

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