Will appreciate additional info on the subject; the subject of raising vehicle has been covered, but didn't address some features.
I have the latest Bentley (up to 2010) BMW 3 Series Service Manual. Section on Maintenance, page 020-17 covers topic on Raising Vehicle, and identifies the four jacking points; this section applies also to the subject 2011 BMW. I have two good, standard quality, highly reliable floor jacks, and four (same quality) jack stands. My terminal objectives are (1) to raise the vehicle with the floor jacks using the identified jacking points, and then support the raised vehicle with jack stands; the floor jacks will not be in use when the jack stands are placed, and the vehicle is raised. (2) After performing whatever service work, e.g., change engine oil, would then like to use the floor jacks, remove the jack stands, and return vehicle to un-raised condition, i.e., tires in contact with ground/floor. Please, the following questions apply:
Q1: I understand the subject BMW vehicle does NOT have designated floor jacking points in the front & rear centers; e.g., I have the Bentley Service Manual for my 1987 SAAB, and this SAAB has reinforced designated central locations (under the vehicle) in the front & rear, and the floor jack is used to raise front & rear, and four jack stands can be placed at the four designated locations (sides) on the SAAB.
Q2: For the subject BMW, if I use the floor jack at the four designated jacking points (page 020-17), how & where should I place the jack stands?? Note: I cannot place the jack stands at the same location(s) as the floor jacks since the jacking points are already taken by the floor jack.
Q3: Can I do as follows: Raise the subject BMW vehicle as in Q2, and place each jack stand next to the floor jack contact point (as close as possible, because the jack stands require space on the floor). Would this create problems to the vehicle structure: violate any warranty, hidden damage to structure, hidden structural weakening, etc.??
Other considerations: I prefer not to use ramps (don't have any either) as I would like to drain, e.g., engine oil, with the vehicle on the same level (raised at all four jacking points). This will ensure complete drain.
Thank you.