Camber Plates for E36 for Optimal Suspension Adjustability
The BMW E36, produced between 1990 and 2000, is a revered classic among car enthusiasts. Known for its balanced handling, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and iconic design, the E36 has become a popular platform for both daily drivers and track enthusiasts alike. As with any performance-oriented car, fine-tuning the suspension can elevate its capabilities, and one of the best ways to do this is by installing camber plates.
For E36 owners who want to take their car’s suspension to the next level, camber plates offer an unmatched level of adjustability. Whether you’re looking for optimal handling performance on the track or just want to dial in your fitment for aesthetic purposes, camber plates are an indispensable tool. This article explores the benefits of camber plates for the BMW E36, how they work, and why they’re essential for achieving optimal suspension adjustability. camber plates e36
What Are Camber Plates?
Camber plates are suspension components designed to allow for the adjustment of the camber angle of a car’s wheels. When installed in the front strut towers of a car, camber plates replace the factory upper strut mounts and provide an adjustable range for the camber. The camber angle refers to the tilt of the wheels when viewed from the front or rear of the car. A negative camber means the top of the wheel is tilted inward toward the car, which improves cornering performance by increasing the contact patch on the outside of the tire during a turn.
For performance cars like the BMW E36, camber plates are crucial when it comes to optimizing suspension geometry for various driving conditions—especially if the car is lowered or if the owner wants to fine-tune the car for track events, autocross, or spirited canyon runs.
Why Camber Plates Are Essential for the BMW E36
1. Suspension Adjustability
The BMW E36, like many performance-oriented cars, has a MacPherson strut front suspension. While this is a solid design for handling, it limits the ability to adjust the camber without replacing components or modifying the suspension. With stock suspension components, lowering the car or adding aggressive wheel offsets can result in excessive negative camber, which impacts tire wear and straight-line stability.
This is where camber plates come in. By replacing the factory upper strut mounts with adjustable camber plates, you gain the ability to precisely adjust the camber angle to suit your specific needs. Whether you’re looking for more aggressive negative camber for the track or a more neutral setup for daily driving, camber plates allow you to make these adjustments easily.
2. Improved Cornering and Handling
One of the primary reasons drivers invest in camber plates is to enhance the cornering ability of their vehicle. Negative camber improves grip during hard cornering, especially in rear-wheel-drive cars like the E36, which benefit from more tire contact on the outside wheel during a turn. The ability to adjust the camber allows you to fine-tune the handling characteristics of your E36, improving the car’s overall balance and stability.
Whether you’re engaging in autocross, track days, or just spirited driving, a properly set up camber angle enhances the car's response to steering input and makes the car feel more planted. Camber plates provide the necessary adjustability to optimize the car's performance for any driving scenario.
3. Fixing Tire Wear Issues
When a car is lowered without addressing the suspension geometry, it often leads to excessive negative camber. This results in uneven tire wear, particularly on the inner edges of the tires. For E36 owners who have lowered their car but are experiencing premature tire wear, camber plates provide an easy solution.
By adjusting the camber angle, you can distribute tire wear more evenly, extending the life of your tires while still maintaining performance. For daily drivers who don’t want to sacrifice tire longevity, a more moderate camber setting can be achieved, improving overall ride quality and tire wear.
4. Aesthetic and Fitment Benefits
Beyond performance, camber plates also play a significant role in the stance scene. If you're looking to run a lowered ride height or wider wheels, camber plates can help you achieve the optimal fitment by adjusting the camber angle to suit your desired aesthetic. Many E36 owners, particularly in the JDM-inspired stance culture, use camber plates to create the perfect look for their vehicle.
Having the ability to adjust the camber allows for a more aggressive stance, with the wheels tucking further into the fenders. This level of customization gives your E36 that perfect “flush” look that many enthusiasts desire. While function is important, the aesthetic appeal of a well-adjusted stance can’t be overlooked.
How Camber Plates Work on the E36
Installing camber plates on the BMW E36 is a straightforward process, though it does require some mechanical knowledge. Here’s how the camber plates work and how they are installed:
1. Replacing the Factory Strut Mounts
Camber plates replace the upper strut mounts in the front suspension. In the stock setup, the strut mount is a fixed component, meaning the camber angle of the front wheels is set by the manufacturer. When you install camber plates, the strut mount is replaced by an adjustable plate that can be moved to change the angle of the strut, thereby altering the camber of the wheels.
2. Adjustability Mechanism
Most camber plates allow for adjustments to the camber angle via either a threaded mechanism or by shifting the position of the upper strut mount. The range of adjustment varies depending on the brand and type of camber plate. On the E36, you can typically adjust negative camber between -1° and -3°, though more aggressive options may allow for greater adjustments.
Some higher-end camber plates also offer caster and camber adjustment simultaneously, which allows for even finer tuning of the front suspension. This is particularly beneficial for track-focused E36 builds where both camber and caster adjustments can dramatically affect handling.
3. Installation and Setup
Installing camber plates on the BMW E36 usually involves the following steps:
Lift the car and remove the front wheels.
Unbolt the strut from the lower control arm and disconnect any components attached to the strut, like the brake lines or sensors.
Remove the factory upper strut mounts and replace them with the camber plates.
Reassemble the suspension, ensuring that everything is torqued correctly.
Align the suspension with the desired camber angle and perform a 4-wheel alignment to ensure the correct setup.
Since camber plates alter the geometry of the suspension, it’s important to get a professional alignment after installation to ensure optimal handling and tire wear.
Choosing the Right Camber Plates for Your E36
When selecting camber plates for your BMW E36, there are several factors to consider:
1. Brand Reputation
Look for reputable brands like Ground Control, BimmerWorld, Eibach, and H&R, all of which offer high-quality camber plates specifically designed for the E36. These brands provide durable, performance-oriented components that can withstand the rigors of daily driving and track use.
2. Material and Build Quality
The build quality of the camber plates is crucial, especially for those who plan to use the car on track days or in autocross events. Look for camber plates made from high-strength aluminum or steel for durability. Bearings within the plates should also be smooth and high-quality to prevent any undesirable movement during driving.
3. Adjustability Range
Different camber plates offer different ranges of adjustment. If you’re using your E36 primarily for daily driving, a moderate adjustment range may suffice. However, if you plan on tracking your car, you might want a set that allows for a wider range of camber adjustment.
4. Compatibility with Other Suspension Components
If you’re upgrading other suspension components, such as coilovers or sway bars, ensure that the camber plates you choose are compatible with the rest of your setup. Some camber plates are designed to work specifically with certain coilover kits, so it’s important to do your research before purchasing.
Conclusion: Maximizing Your E36’s Performance with Camber Plates
Installing camber plates on your BMW E36 is a surefire way to optimize suspension adjustability and enhance the car’s handling characteristics. Whether you’re focused on performance, aesthetics, or a blend of both, camber plates give you the flexibility to fine-tune your E36’s suspension to your exact specifications. The result is improved cornering, better tire wear, and a customized look that sets your car apart.
For those looking to push the limits of their E36’s handling on the track or simply achieve a more aggressive stance, camber plates are an essential modification. By choosing the right camber plates and carefully adjusting your suspension, you can unlock the full potential of your BMW E36 and elevate your driving experience to new heights.