When it comes to improving the handling of your BMW E36, one of the most effective upgrades you can make is installing an angle kit. Whether you’re a seasoned drifter or a street enthusiast looking to enhance cornering performance, an angle kit can take your driving experience to the next level. In this guide, we’ll explore what E36 angle kits are, why they’re so beneficial, and how they can transform your car’s performance on the track or street.
What Is an E36 Angle Kit?
An angle kit for the BMW E36 is a collection of suspension components designed to increase the steering angle of the front wheels. This is particularly important for motorsports like drifting, where higher steering angles allow for greater control during slides and longer drifts E36 angle kits. These kits typically include parts like modified steering knuckles, control arms, tie rods, and sometimes additional components such as bump steer kits and spacers.
Why Is Steering Angle Important?
In drifting, the ability to control your car during a slide is crucial. More steering angle means you can maintain your drift for longer and have greater precision when transitioning between corners. This helps the car rotate more quickly and allows for smoother, more controlled drift angles.
Aside from drifting, increased steering angle improves handling on tight, twisty roads or autocross courses. It enhances the car’s responsiveness during sharp turns and allows for better overall cornering performance.
Key Benefits of Installing an E36 Angle Kit
- Increased Steering Angle for Drifting: The most obvious benefit is the enhanced steering angle. E36 angle kits typically offer anywhere from 40 to 60 degrees of steering angle, allowing you to hold a drift longer and maintain better control over the car. For drifters, this can make the difference between a clean drift and a spin-out.
- Improved Handling and Precision: The increased steering angle also translates to more responsive handling on tight corners. Whether you’re on the track or carving through twisty backroads, an angle kit helps your car’s front end respond more directly to steering inputs, allowing for quicker and more precise turns.
- Better Control in High-Speed Maneuvers: A well-tuned angle kit reduces the risk of understeering, which is common in cars with limited steering angles. This means you’ll experience less of that dreaded “push” when you’re pushing the car to its limits on the track.
- Enhanced Stability During Transitions: In drifting, transitions from one side to another can be difficult, especially if your car doesn’t have the steering angle to keep up. With a more aggressive angle kit, these transitions become smoother, allowing you to flow from one slide to another without losing momentum or control.
Types of E36 Angle Kits
There are several angle kits on the market for the BMW E36, each with different components and features:
- Basic Angle Kits: These are typically the most affordable option and usually involve slight modifications to the existing suspension components. They can provide a small but noticeable improvement in steering angle without drastically altering your car’s setup.
- Complete Angle Kits: A complete angle kit includes all the necessary components to dramatically increase the steering angle. These kits often come with steering knuckles, control arms, and tie rods, along with other modifications designed to ensure the car performs well under higher stresses.
- Adjustable Angle Kits: These kits allow you to adjust the steering angle based on your driving style and preference. This is ideal for those who want to fine-tune their setup or switch between street and track driving.
- Aftermarket vs OEM Angle Kits: Some E36 enthusiasts prefer aftermarket angle kits from well-known brands like GKTech, Wisefab, or Maxx Performance, which offer more advanced features and higher-quality components. Others may choose OEM-style kits for a more conservative approach that maintains the original characteristics of their car.
Installation and Tuning
Installing an E36 angle kit is not a beginner DIY project. It requires some mechanical knowledge and the right tools to ensure the suspension geometry is correct. Some kits require additional modifications, such as adjusting camber or bump steer, to ensure the car handles properly after the upgrade.
If you’re not comfortable with suspension work, it’s best to have the kit installed by a professional who understands the setup for drifting or performance driving. After installation, a proper alignment is crucial to ensure the car handles well and doesn’t suffer from excessive tire wear.
Final Thoughts
Upgrading to an E36 angle kit is one of the best ways to unlock the true potential of your BMW in terms of handling and drifting. Whether you’re looking to dominate the drift track or improve your car’s response on the streets, the benefits of added steering angle are undeniable. By improving control, stability, and precision, an angle kit helps you push your car to its limits while enhancing your overall driving experience.