The BMW E36, produced between 1991 and 1999, has long been a favorite among enthusiasts for its balance of power, handling, and tunability. Whether you're looking to enhance your E36's daily driving comfort, cornering ability, or overall suspension performance, upgrading the suspension system is one of the most impactful improvements you can make. Among the various suspension upgrades, camber plates stand out as a critical component for those looking to fine-tune the car’s handling characteristics.
In this article, we’ll explore what camber plates are, how they benefit the E36, how to install them, and the overall advantages they bring to your driving experience. Camber Plates E36
What Are Camber Plates?
Camber plates are adjustable components installed in the upper strut mounts of a vehicle’s suspension system. They allow you to adjust the camber angle of the wheels, which is the angle at which the wheels tilt relative to the ground when viewed from the front of the car. In simpler terms, camber plates allow you to tweak the alignment of the wheels to improve handling, tire wear, and performance.
While the E36 comes equipped with factory strut mounts that offer a fixed alignment, camber plates allow you to dial in the exact camber angle based on your driving needs and style. This is especially beneficial for enthusiasts and those who frequently track their E36, as precise suspension tuning is essential for optimal performance.
Why Upgrade to Camber Plates on the E36?
Upgrading to camber plates on your BMW E36 brings several significant performance benefits, particularly for those who want to maximize handling precision and improve tire contact under aggressive driving conditions. Here are the key reasons why camber plates are a great upgrade for the E36:
1. Enhanced Cornering Grip and Control
One of the primary reasons for installing camber plates on your E36 is to improve cornering performance. During high-speed turns, the tires experience significant lateral forces. Without proper camber, the outside edge of the tire may lose contact with the road, reducing grip and control. By adjusting the camber with camber plates, you can ensure that the tire’s contact patch remains optimal during cornering, resulting in better grip and more precise control. This makes a noticeable difference on twisty roads or on the track, where sharp cornering is essential.
2. Improved Steering Response
A properly adjusted camber angle contributes to more direct and responsive steering. With camber plates, you can fine-tune the alignment to suit your driving style, whether you’re seeking a more neutral feel or a slightly more aggressive setup. This improvement in steering precision is particularly useful in motorsport applications, where every fraction of a second counts.
3. Minimized Tire Wear
The E36, like most vehicles, can experience uneven tire wear if the camber is off. This is particularly noticeable with aggressive driving or track use, where the tire contact patch is continuously subjected to high forces. Installing camber plates allows you to adjust the camber angle to prevent excessive wear on one side of the tire, especially the inner edge. With proper alignment, you can maximize tire life and get the most out of your rubber, saving money in the long run.
4. Customizable Suspension Setup
Every E36 owner has different needs depending on their driving style, whether it's daily commuting, spirited street driving, or track racing. Camber plates provide flexibility in adjusting the suspension setup to suit your specific preferences. By altering the camber angle, you can optimize your E36’s handling for different driving conditions. For example, a more aggressive negative camber setup is ideal for track days, while a less aggressive angle may be better for street driving, offering a balance between comfort and performance.
5. Reduced Body Roll and Improved Stability
Camber plates also contribute to the overall stability of the vehicle, particularly in high-speed turns. A well-adjusted suspension system with camber plates reduces body roll, allowing the tires to maintain better contact with the road. This helps maintain a more planted and stable feel, especially during hard cornering, enhancing the driver’s confidence in the car’s handling.
Types of Camber Plates for the E36
When it comes to upgrading the E36’s suspension with camber plates, there are a few different options available, each offering varying degrees of adjustability, build quality, and performance benefits. Here’s a breakdown of the types of camber plates commonly used on the E36:
1. Street Camber Plates
For daily drivers or those who want a mild performance upgrade without compromising ride comfort, street camber plates are a popular choice. These camber plates typically offer limited adjustability but allow for basic fine-tuning of the camber angle. They provide an ideal balance between performance and comfort, ensuring that the E36 remains practical for everyday use while still offering some benefits in terms of handling and tire wear.
2. Track-Specific Camber Plates
For drivers who frequent the track or are looking for maximum performance, track-specific camber plates are the way to go. These camber plates are highly adjustable, allowing for precise control over the camber angle. They typically offer a higher level of stiffness and are built to handle the demands of motorsport driving. Track-specific camber plates also tend to feature more robust materials, such as aluminum or billet steel, to withstand the added stresses of aggressive driving.
3. Coilover-Compatible Camber Plates
For those who have upgraded their E36 with coilovers, you can find coilover-compatible camber plates that work in conjunction with the coilover system. These camber plates often come with additional adjustments for ride height, dampening, and camber, allowing for a more comprehensive suspension upgrade. Coilover-compatible camber plates are designed for those who want full control over their car's suspension settings, making them perfect for enthusiasts who want the ultimate in handling and performance.
How to Install Camber Plates on an E36
Installing camber plates on your E36 is a moderately advanced DIY project, but with the right tools and guidance, it can be accomplished in a few hours. Here's a general overview of the installation process:
1. Prepare Your Tools and Materials
To install camber plates on your E36, you will need the following tools:
- A jack and jack stands
- A socket wrench set
- A spring compressor (for removing the struts)
- Alignment tools (for final adjustments)
- New camber plates and any necessary hardware
2. Lift the Car and Remove the Struts
Start by safely lifting your E36 and securing it with jack stands. Remove the wheels to access the strut assemblies. Depending on your suspension setup, you may need to remove the brake lines or any other components that are obstructing the strut removal.
3. Remove the Strut Assemblies
Once you’ve freed up the strut assemblies, use the spring compressor to compress the coil spring. This will relieve the tension on the strut, making it easier to remove. After compressing the spring, remove the strut from its mounts and set it aside.
4. Install the Camber Plates
Place the new camber plates onto the top of the strut, ensuring that they are aligned correctly with the mounting points. Tighten the hardware securely, but be careful not to overtighten and damage the components. Once the camber plates are installed, reassemble the strut, coilover, and spring, and mount them back into the suspension tower.
5. Adjust the Camber
Before reattaching the wheels, adjust the camber plates to the desired angle. Use an alignment tool to check the camber angle and ensure that it is set to your specifications. If you are installing coilovers, make sure the height and damping are adjusted as well.
6. Reinstall the Wheels and Perform an Alignment
Once everything is reassembled, reinstall the wheels and lower the car. Finally, take the E36 to a professional alignment shop to ensure that the camber, caster, and toe are properly set. Accurate alignment is crucial for optimal handling and tire wear.
Conclusion
Upgrading your E36’s suspension with camber plates is a powerful way to improve its handling, cornering, and overall driving performance. Whether you're a weekend track warrior or simply want to enhance the driving dynamics of your daily driver, camber plates provide the adjustability and control you need to unlock your car’s full potential.
By allowing you to fine-tune the camber angle, camber plates help maximize tire contact with the road, minimize tire wear, and improve steering response. With the right setup, your E36 will feel more connected, responsive, and stable—whether you're carving through tight corners or cruising down the highway.