The Best Coilovers for E36: Upgrade Your Suspension for Maximum Performance

Why Upgrading to Coilovers for E36 is Essential

The BMW E36 is one of the most popular platforms for drifting, track racing, and spirited street driving. However, to truly unlock the full potential of this iconic chassis, upgrading to high-performance coilovers for E36 is a must. Factory suspension, while decent for daily driving, lacks the adjustability, stiffness, and response needed for performance applications.

If you're looking to enhance handling, control body roll, and fine-tune your ride height, investing in coilovers for E36 is the best suspension upgrade you can make. This guide will cover why coilovers are better than stock suspension, how to adjust them properly, and which E36 coilovers provide the best performance for your needs.

What Are E36 Coilovers and Why Are They Better Than Stock Suspension?

A coilover suspension system replaces the factory struts and springs with a fully adjustable shock absorber wrapped in a coil spring. This provides better handling, superior adjustability, and improved weight transfer—all crucial factors for drifting, track racing, and aggressive street driving.

Key Benefits of Coilovers for E36:

✔ Adjustable Ride Height – Lower or raise your car for better weight distribution and aerodynamics.
✔ Damping Adjustability – Fine-tune compression and rebound settings for optimal grip and handling.
✔ Stiffer Spring Rates – Reduces body roll and increases mid-corner stability.
✔ Improved Chassis Feedback – Enhances steering response and driver control.
✔ Better Weight Transfer for Drifting – Provides superior chassis balance and traction.

Best Coilovers for E36: Top Choices for Performance

1. SLR E36 Drift Spec Coilovers – Best Overall

For drivers looking for the best coilovers for E36 drifting and performance driving, the SLR E36 Drift Spec Coilovers are the top choice. Unlike repurposed track coilovers, these are engineered specifically for drifting, with drift-optimized spring rates, race-grade damper oil, and custom valving to enhance chassis stability and transition control.

Why SLR E36 Coilovers Stand Out:

✔ Drift-Specific Spring Rates – Maximized for better grip, weight transfer, and stability at high angles.
✔ 32-way Adjustable Damper - For precise damper adjustments.
✔ Single or Double Adjustable - Compression and Rebound can be single way or double adjustable.
✔ Race-Grade Damper Oil – Prevents shock fade during extended drift sessions.
✔ Adjustable Compression & Rebound – Fine-tune suspension settings for ultimate chassis control.
✔ Seamless Integration with SLR Angle Kit – The best combination for high-angle drifting.
✔ Monotube Gas-Charged Dampers – Provides consistent damping performance under extreme loads.

If you want to take your E36 to the next level, these coilovers provide the most predictable, grippy, and high-angle capable suspension setup available.

2. BC Racing BR Series – Best Budget Coilovers for E36

For those looking for affordable E36 coilovers, BC Racing’s BR Series provides solid adjustability and entry-level performance for drivers who want basic height and damping adjustments without breaking the bank.

✔ 30-way damping adjustability
✔ Independent ride height and preload adjustments
✔ Good for street and occasional track driving

3. KW Variant 3 – Best for Street & Track Performance

If you're looking for E36 coilovers that deliver exceptional comfort for daily driving while being track-capable, KW’s Variant 3 Coilovers offer excellent adjustability and durability.

✔ Two-way adjustable damping for precision tuning
✔ Stainless steel construction for long-term reliability
✔ Great for mixed-use street & track builds

How to Adjust Coilovers on an E36 for Maximum Performance

Tuning your E36 coilovers correctly ensures optimal handling, grip, and ride quality. Here’s how to set up your suspension for different driving styles:

Ride Height Adjustment

• Lowering the car improves aerodynamics and weight balance, but too low can lead to bump steer issues.

• A slight rake (front lower than rear) improves cornering grip and steering response.

• Always get a professional alignment after lowering your car.

Damping Adjustments for Different Driving Styles

• For Drifting: Soften rear compression for better weight transfer, and keep the front slightly stiffer for quick steering response.

• For Track Use: Increase rebound damping to reduce body roll and improve mid-corner stability.

• For Street Driving: Keep damping on the softer side for a smoother ride while maintaining handling precision.

Camber and Toe Adjustments

• Front Camber: -3° to -5° for drifting, -1.5° to -2.5° for track use.

• Rear Camber: -1° to -2° for better traction and stability.

• Toe: Slight toe-out in the front for drifting, neutral toe for track setups.

Which E36 Coilovers Should You Choose?

Final Thoughts: The Best Coilovers for E36 Performance

Choosing the best coilovers for your E36 depends on your driving goals. If you’re looking for the most drift-optimized coilover setup, the SLR E36 Drift Spec Coilovers stand out with precision damping, superior grip, and seamless angle kit compatibility. For those seeking budget-friendly options, BC Racing and KW offer alternatives for street and track applications.

If you’re serious about drifting or performance driving, SLR’s E36 coilovers provide the ultimate handling upgrade for your chassis.

Upgrade your suspension today with SLR’s E36 Drift Spec Coilovers—order now here!