The BMW E36 is one of the most popular drift chassis of all time—and for good reason. With a near-perfect 50:50 weight balance, RWD platform, and strong aftermarket support, it's the perfect starting point. But if you’re still running stock steering geometry, you’re leaving serious performance on the table.
This deep-dive guide walks you through the world of E36 angle kits, why they matter, how to install them, and what suspension upgrades can take your drift control to the next level.
What Is an Angle Kit?
An angle kit modifies the front suspension and steering geometry of your BMW E36 to dramatically increase the amount of steering lock. This means deeper entries, smoother transitions, and more control during high-angle drifts.
SLR angle kits are engineered for adjustability, strength, and maximum grip. They include everything you need to go from street car to track weapon—without cutting corners.
Key Benefits of an E36 Angle Kit
- 🔥 Up to 74° of steering angle depending on setup
- 🔥 Faster steering response and better countersteer control
- 🔥 Adjustable Ackermann for custom handling feel
- 🔥 Increased clearance for wider wheels and more lock
- 🔥 Stronger components designed for motorsports abuse
SLR E36 Angle Kit Tiers
We offer multiple tiers of angle kits to suit your budget and build goals:
- SLR Ultra Kit: Full Ackermann adjustment, corrected geometry, maximum lock
- SLR Super Kit: Simplified install, 60–65° of lock, excellent mid-tier option
- SLR Mini Kit: Budget-friendly upgrade for mild drift builds or street cars
All kits include revised control arms, tie rods, knuckle adapters, hardware, and optional offset lollipops.
Drift Suspension Upgrades to Pair With Your Angle Kit
To maximize the performance of your E36 angle kit, pair it with proper coilovers and arms:
- Coilovers: Recommended 10K–12K front, 5K–7K rear for drift builds
- SLR Adjustable Lollipops: Add or reduce caster to fine-tune steering feel
- Reinforced Tie Rods: High-strength units designed for repeated hits and lock
- Camber Plates: Dial in -5° to -6° camber for perfect front-end contact patch
Every SLR part is designed to work together—so there’s no guessing, binding, or unpredictable handling mid-drift.
BMW E36 Drift Alignment Settings
| Spec | Front | Rear |
|---|---|---|
| Camber | -5° to -6° | -1.5° to -2° |
| Caster | +7° to +8° | – |
| Toe | 1/4" out | 1/8" in |
Proper alignment is crucial to avoid steering bind and maximize tire life during practice or comps.
Install Tips for Your E36 Angle Kit
- Lift the car and remove the OEM control arms and tie rods
- Install the SLR angle kit arms, knuckle adapters, and hardware
- Confirm there’s no binding at full lock with tires installed
- Torque all bolts, check clearances, and test on a skidpad
- Fine-tune Ackermann and alignment based on driving feedback
Ackermann Adjustment: What It Means
Our kits allow you to adjust Ackermann, the angle difference between the inside and outside wheel during a turn. Lower Ackermann = smoother, more stable high-angle drift control. More Ackermann = quicker initial turn-in for tight tracks.
Real-World E36 Drift Builds
- Grassroots Pro-Am Car: SLR Ultra Kit + 17x9 ET15 wheels + 235/40 tires
- Daily/Track Hybrid: SLR Super Kit + 18x8.5 wheels + adjustable lollipops
- Budget Build: SLR Mini Kit + chopped knuckles and eBay coils
SLR angle kits are proven in grassroots, Pro-Am, and Formula Drift builds worldwide.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Will an angle kit make daily driving uncomfortable?
No—angle kits don’t affect straight-line ride comfort, but they do add faster steering response and tighter geometry. With proper setup, they’re streetable.
Do I need to cut or weld anything?
No cutting or welding required for SLR Ultra and Super kits. Bolt-on install with factory pickup points.
Can I run this with stock tie rods or knuckles?
Not recommended. Our kits replace and correct geometry that OEM parts can't handle under lock or load.
Where can I buy an E36 angle kit?
→ Shop SLR’s E36 angle kit collection now
Conclusion: Your E36 Deserves the Right Angle
If you’re serious about drifting—or just want your E36 to steer like it should—the angle kit is the key. Combine it with smart suspension tuning, proper alignment, and quality parts, and you’ll have a platform that rivals anything on the track.
→ Explore E36 angle kits and SLR drift suspension parts here
