**Title: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Coilovers for Your E36: Enhance Performance and Drifting Experience**
The BMW E36 is a legend among car enthusiasts, particularly those who love drifting, track racing, or simply enjoying a well-balanced ride. One of the most popular upgrades for the E36 is installing coilovers. Coilovers offer unparalleled adjustability, allowing drivers to fine-tune their car’s suspension for the perfect balance between performance, comfort, and style. In this article, we’ll explore everything you need to know about E36 coilovers, why they’re essential, and how to choose the best setup for your needs. Whether you’re looking for E36 drift coilovers or just want to enhance your daily driving experience, this guide has you covered.
## What Are Coilovers?
Coilovers are a type of suspension system that combines a shock absorber with a coil spring in one compact unit. They offer a range of adjustability, including ride height, damping, and sometimes camber settings. This adjustability makes them ideal for enthusiasts who want to customize their car’s handling characteristics.
For the BMW E36, coilovers are particularly popular because they allow owners to unlock the full potential of this chassis. Whether you own an E36 3 Series sedan, coupe, or convertible, coilovers can transform your driving experience.
## Why Upgrade to Coilovers for Your E36?
There are several reasons why upgrading to coilovers is a smart choice for your E36:
### 1. **Improved Handling**
The E36 is already known for its balanced handling, but coilovers can take it to the next level. By allowing you to adjust the suspension setup, you can minimize body roll, improve cornering stability, and optimize grip. This is especially important for E36 owners who participate in drifting or track events.
### 2. **Adjustable Ride Height**
Coilovers let you lower your E36’s center of gravity, which improves aerodynamics and enhances stability. Plus, a lowered stance gives your car a more aggressive and stylish appearance.
### 3. **Better Drifting Performance**
For E36 drifting enthusiasts, coilovers are a game-changer. They allow you to adjust the damping and spring rates to suit your drifting style. A stiffer setup can make it easier to control slides and transitions, giving you an edge in competitive drifting events.
### 4. **Customizable Comfort**
Not all coilovers are about maximum performance; some are designed with daily driving comfort in mind. Many coilover systems offer adjustable damping, so you can switch between a softer ride for commuting and a firmer setup for spirited driving or track days.
### 5. **Durability and Longevity**
High-quality coilovers are built to withstand the rigors of performance driving. They often feature corrosion-resistant materials and robust construction, ensuring they last longer than stock suspension components.
## Key Features to Consider When Choosing Coilovers for Your E36
With so many coilover options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the right set for your E36. Here are some key features to consider:
### 1. **Spring Rates**
Spring rates determine how stiff or soft the suspension is. Higher spring rates are better for performance driving and drifting, while lower rates are more suitable for comfort-oriented setups. Make sure to choose spring rates that match your driving style and intended use.
### 2. **Damping Adjustability**
Adjustable damping allows you to control how quickly the suspension compresses and rebounds. This is a critical feature for fine-tuning your E36’s handling characteristics. Some coilovers offer single adjustment (compression and rebound combined), while others provide independent adjustment for greater flexibility.
### 3. **Ride Height Adjustment**
Most coilovers allow you to adjust your E36’s ride height. This is essential for achieving the perfect stance and optimizing performance. Look for coilovers with a wide range of height adjustability.
### 4. **Camber Plates**
Some coilovers come with adjustable camber plates, which allow you to fine-tune the camber angle of your wheels. This is especially useful for track and drift setups, where precise alignment can significantly impact performance.
### 5. **Build Quality**
Investing in high-quality coilovers ensures better performance and durability. Look for brands that use premium materials, such as aluminum or stainless steel, and feature corrosion-resistant coatings.
### 6. **Price**
Coilovers come in a wide range of prices, from budget-friendly options to high-end systems. While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, it’s important to balance cost with quality and features. Consider your budget and prioritize the features that matter most to you.
## Top Coilover Brands for the E36
Here are some of the most popular and trusted coilover brands for the BMW E36:
### 1. **BC Racing**
BC Racing coilovers are a favorite among E36 enthusiasts for their affordability and performance. They offer a wide range of adjustability, including ride height and damping, making them suitable for both daily driving and drifting.
### 2. **KW Suspension**
KW is known for its premium coilover systems, offering excellent build quality and performance. Their Variant 1, 2, and 3 coilovers cater to different needs, from basic height adjustment to advanced damping control.
### 3. **H&R**
H&R coilovers are designed with a focus on performance and reliability. They’re ideal for drivers E36 drift coilovers who want a sporty setup without sacrificing too much comfort.
### 4. **Fortune Auto**
Fortune Auto offers custom-built coilovers tailored to your specific needs. Their 500 Series coilovers are a popular choice for E36 owners who want a high-performance, fully customizable suspension system.
### 5. **Tein**
Tein coilovers provide a great balance between performance and comfort. Their Flex Z and Street Advance Z coilovers are excellent options for E36 owners who want a versatile suspension system.
### 6. **Bilstein**
Bilstein’s coilovers are known for their durability and performance. Their B14 and B16 coilover kits are well-suited for track enthusiasts and aggressive drivers.
## Installing Coilovers on Your E36
Installing coilovers on your E36 is a straightforward process for experienced DIYers, but it can also be done by a professional mechanic. Here are the basic steps involved:
1. **Prepare Your Tools**: Gather the necessary tools, including a jack, jack stands, socket wrenches, and a coilover spanner wrench.
2. **Remove the Stock Suspension**: Start by safely lifting your E36 and removing the wheels. Then, disconnect the stock shocks and springs.
3. **Install the Coilovers**: Mount the coilovers in place of the stock suspension, ensuring all bolts are properly tightened.
4. **Adjust the Settings**: Set your desired ride height, damping, and other adjustable features.
5. **Perform an Alignment**: After installing coilovers, it’s crucial to have your E36 professionally aligned to ensure optimal handling and tire wear.
## Tips for Maintaining Your E36 Coilovers
To get the most out of your coilovers and ensure they last, follow these maintenance tips:
- **Clean Regularly**: Dirt and debris can accumulate on the coilovers, leading to corrosion. Clean them periodically to keep them in good condition.
- **Inspect for Damage**: Check for signs of wear or damage, such as leaking shocks or bent components. Replace any damaged parts promptly.
- **Lubricate Threads**: Apply anti-seize lubricant to the threads to make height adjustments easier and prevent corrosion.
- **Adjust Settings Carefully**: Avoid making drastic adjustments without understanding their impact on handling and performance.
## Final Thoughts
Upgrading to coilovers is one of the best modifications you can make to your BMW E36. Whether you’re aiming for improved handling, a lower stance, or better drifting performance, coilovers offer the versatility and performance you need. By choosing the right coilovers for your E36 and maintaining them properly, you’ll unlock the full potential of your car and enjoy a more engaging driving experience.
With options ranging from budget-friendly to high-end, there’s a coilover setup for every E36 owner. So, start exploring your options and take your E36 to the next level!