The BMW E36 is a versatile platform that can thrive as both a daily driver and a drift machine. Whether you’re cruising through city streets or throwing your car sideways on a track, upgrading to coilovers is a proven way to enhance performance, handling, and overall ride quality. But how do you choose the right setup that balances everyday comfort with drifting capability? This guide will walk you through the essential factors to consider when selecting coilovers, helping you make the best choice for your E36.

Understanding Coilover Features

Coilovers combine a coil spring and damper into a single adjustable unit. This design allows for more flexibility compared to traditional suspension systems. They offer a variety of features that cater to both performance and comfort, making them an ideal choice for enthusiasts who want the best of both worlds.

Key Features to Look For:

• Adjustability: The ability to tweak ride height, damping, and spring stiffness lets you fine-tune your suspension to suit different driving needs. This is essential for balancing street comfort and drifting performance.
• Spring Rates: The stiffness of the springs plays a key role in how your car handles. Softer springs offer a smoother ride, while stiffer ones enhance responsiveness and reduce body roll.
• Durable Materials: Drifting and spirited driving put a lot of stress on your suspension. High-quality construction, such as forged aluminum or stainless steel, ensures longevity and consistency.
• Camber Plates: Some coilovers come with built-in camber plates, allowing you to adjust the camber angle for better cornering grip and tire wear during drifting.

Balancing Performance and Comfort

Finding the right balance between performance and comfort is critical, especially if your E36 is a dual-purpose car for daily driving and drifting. Here are some factors to consider:

Ride Height Adjustability

Coilovers allow you to lower your car’s ride height, which lowers the center of gravity and improves handling. However, going too low can sacrifice ride comfort and make navigating speed bumps or uneven roads a hassle. Look for coilovers with enough ride height adjustment to find a sweet spot between aesthetics and practicality.

Damping Adjustment

Damping controls how quickly your suspension reacts to bumps and road irregularities. Adjustable dampers allow you to switch between softer settings for daily drives and firmer settings for improved handling and drift performance. Many coilovers offer 16 to 32 levels of damping adjustment, making it easy to adapt to different situations.

Spring Rates for Versatility

When choosing spring rates, think about your primary driving needs. For a comfortable daily driver, prioritize softer spring rates that absorb minor road imperfections. If drifting is your focus, stiffer rates will help maintain stability during high-speed transitions and reduce body roll. Some brands offer the ability to customize spring rates based on your specific needs.

Tips for Selecting Coilovers Based on Driving Style and Budget

Buying E36 coilovers is an investment, so it’s important to ensure the setup suits your driving style and budget. Here are some tips to help you make an informed decision:

Know Your Primary Use

Define how you primarily use your E36. Are you mostly driving on the street and occasionally hitting the track for some drift sessions? Or are you building a track-dedicated drift car? Your answer will guide your choice of coilovers. For dual-purpose cars, look for versatile setups that cater to both driving styles, such as BC Racing BR Series or TEIN Flex Z.

Determine Your Budget

Coilovers come in a wide price range, from budget-friendly options to premium setups for professional use. Affordable choices like Megan Racing or ST Suspension are ideal for entry-level drivers, while brands like KW Suspension and Ohlins cater to those with higher budgets and competitive goals.

Prioritize Adjustability

If you participate in both driving and drifting activities, opt for coilovers with adjustable features. Damping and ride height adjustments ensure your setup can cater to shifting priorities without requiring constant hardware changes.

Look for Drift-Friendly Features

If drifting is a significant part of your driving, prioritize features such as:

• Camber Adjustability: Helps improve tire contact during cornering in drifts.
• Stiff Rear Spring Rates: Allows for better control during weight transfer and throttle-induced slides.

Research Proven Brands

Stick with trusted manufacturers known for quality and reliability. Popular brands for the E36 include BC Racing, KW, Ohlins, TEIN, and Fortune Auto. These companies have a strong reputation for producing performance-oriented, long-lasting suspension systems.

Seek Advice from the Community

Online forums, social media groups, and local car clubs are excellent resources for finding recommendations and firsthand experiences. E36 enthusiasts often share reviews, installation tips, and setup advice, which can help narrow down your options.

Consider Professional Installation

Installing coilovers involves more than just bolting them onto your E36. Proper alignment, corner balancing, and adjusting damping settings are critical to getting the best performance and comfort. Unless you’re confident in your mechanical skills, have them installed by a professional.

Importance of Durability

Daily driving and drifting push coilovers to their limits, so durability is crucial. Here’s why it matters:

• Withstand Hard Driving: Coilovers for drifting must absorb the extreme lateral forces that occur during slides. High-strength materials and quality seals are a must.
• Long-Term Reliability: Rust, wear, and degradation can reduce performance over time. Look for models with corrosion-resistant coatings and rebuildable designs to extend their lifespan.
• Consistent Performance: Durable coilovers maintain consistent damping levels and handling characteristics, even under heavy use.

Upgrading your E36 suspension with the right coilovers will provide the perfect mix of performance and versatility, allowing you to enjoy spirited drives while fine-tuning your car’s setup for drifting. With careful consideration of your driving style, budget, and the features that matter most to you, you’ll find a coilover system that makes your E36 a joy to drive, whether hitting the streets or sliding sideways at the track.