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Rocking Front Seat

My driver's seat rocks very slightly and I have spent a few minutes looking for an obvious problem but it appears to be inherent in the design.  I suspect they do this from new but it takes further wear to become objectionable. 

Many people complain of this problem.

Jacking Points

Documentation of jacking points in the owner's manual is one area that BMW need to improve, especially as it's a safety issue.  There don't seem to be any intentionally-designed jacking points present except for the four tire jack points near the wheels, which are only safe to use for tire changing, and only with the factory jack.  Perhaps it's a matter of liability.  Likewise, my advise here does not guarantee your safety, you are solely responsible for your actions.  I recommend wheel ramps for any time you will be working under the car.  Bentley does not recommend any place other than the four factory locations for jacking, although they vaguely allude to the problem of using standard jacking tools at these points.

Keep in mind that the body weight normally rests on the tops of the four struts, not via any suspension members.  The latter are for lateral wheel control only and are not designed to support the body weight.

At the front, neither of two crossmembers appear sturdy enough for a center jack, nor flat enough for side-positioned jacks.   Behind each front wheel a body gusset provides a suitable front-side jacking points but be sure to use a piece of hardwood to prevent the gusset from collapsing under the metal cup of the jack.

To rotate the tires front to back, use the factory jack at the rear point and a trolley jack at the front gusset.  Raise the whole side of the car evenly and swap your tires.  Be sure loosen the lug nuts a little first.

I've read somewhere that you can place a trolley jack under the rear differential housing.  This may be true and just fine for a wheel change but you will be hard-pressed to find any safe place for jack stands.  Don't be tempted to use the suspension crossmember.

  Front-Side Gussets, suitable for a trolley jack when changing a tire.

A Few Safety Tips:

1.  Use wheel ramps if you are working under the car.

2.  Do not rely on jacks and/or jackstands while working under the car.   Jack stands are less than reliable as there are multiple ways they can slip out of place.  In addition, the E34 has no suitable places for jackstands at the rear, as best as I can tell.

3.  If you are using jackstands, be sure to use them only on concrete and use no more than two at a time with the other two car wheels still on the ground or on ramps.

4.  Do not jack suspension arms or crossmembers.

5.  Only use the factory jack at the factory jacking points.

6.  Chock the wheel(s) remaining on the ground.