Can someone explain to me how to properly jack up my car for repairs (not to change a tire).

1) Where to jack up the car using a hydraulic floor jack.

2) Where to place axle stands.

The service manual shows a "jacking-up shoe", which has a rod that sides into the support tubes on the side of the car and a platform to jack up. Problem is that they are about $137 each from the dealer.

Thanks,

Steve

Yes the " jacking up shoe" is $137 each. Maybe thats why the dealers don't even use them. When I was in Germany I didn't see the dealers there use them either.
So how do I jack up my car. I use the engine crossmember in the front if I want to put the front on 2 jack stands. I use the differential for the rear. If I'm just doing a side I use the frame section next to the hole for the car jack ( the one that comes with the car and is used to change a flat). Jack it up and then place the jack stands under the frame just next to the same hole.
When I place the cars on 4 jackstands I use the previous mentioned location, crossmember and differential, and place the jack stands under the frame near the hole for the car jack.

Dave

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1970 220D, owned 1980-1990
1980 240D, owned 1990-1992
1982 300TD, owned 1992-1993
1986 300SDL, owned 1993-2004
1999 E300, owned 1999-2003
1982 300TD, 213,880mi, owned since Nov 18, 1991- Aug 4, 2010 SOLD
1988 560SL, 100,000mi, owned since 1995
1965 Mustang Fastback Mileage Unknown(My sons)
1983 240D, 176,000mi (My daughers) owned since 2004
2007 Honda Accord EX-L I4 auto, the new daily driver
1985 300D 264,000mi Son's new daily driver.(sold)
2008 Hyundai Tiberon. Daughters new car

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i use the same technique, but i use the "frame" rails on the sides for jackstands.

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1984 380SL-driving and service privileges.

I will take your advice and skip the shoes.