Lifting the rear end of a w124 - need straight answer

[smp]

I have searched and have not found a straight/solid answer to this question.

I brought a w124 e320 wagon home yesterday and I want to get all four wheels off the ground, no ramps. With my 201 I lift the rear using my hydraulic jack under the differential, place the jack stands under the lift pads, drop the car onto the stands. Move to the front and do the same with the cross member. I've done some searching and it seems that lifting by the differential is not recommended. (actually I lift the front first then go to the back)

What is the best way to accomplish this without using the jack holes? I don't want to use them because they are rusty. If I put the lift under the jack points where can I put the jacks? That's something I don't know because I'm used to putting them under the pads (you know, how the mechanic lifts the car with the big lift).

I need to have a good look over everything under the car and I need to take the wheels off to have a good look at the brakes and all. Car needs to be up a few days for me to get to it all because I don't get large chunks of time to mess with the car.

Can I lift the car by the differential? My searching has yielded mixed results and mostly in really old threads.

Thanks