The Ultimate Guide to Adjusting E90 Coilovers

Unlocking the Full Potential of Your E90 with Drift-Specific Coilovers

The BMW E90 platform is a powerhouse for drifting, but without the proper suspension setup, you’re leaving performance on the table. SLR E90 Drift Spec Coilovers are designed exclusively for the extreme demands of drifting, offering adjustable dampers, ride height control, and camber tuning to give you the best possible handling, grip, and control at high slip angles.

This guide breaks down how to fine-tune your SLR E90 coilovers to optimize performance for the track. Whether you’re dialing in compression and rebound settings, adjusting ride height, or tweaking camber using the included camber plates, these coilovers give you complete control over your E90’s drift setup.

Optimizing Damper Settings for Maximum Control

One of the most critical aspects of fine-tuning E90 coilovers is adjusting the damping settings to control weight transfer and chassis stability during high-speed drifts. The SLR E90 Drift Spec Coilovers feature single-way adjustable dampers, allowing you to fine-tune how your suspension absorbs energy and reacts under lateral loads.

How to Adjust Damper Settings on SLR E90 Coilovers:

1. Compression Damping (Bump Control):

   • Regulates how quickly the suspension compresses under load.

   • For increased grip: Soften the compression to allow better weight transfer to the rear wheels.

   • For sharper transitions: Stiffen compression to reduce chassis roll and increase steering responsiveness.

2. Rebound Damping (Recovery Control):

   • Controls how fast the suspension returns to its normal position after compression.

   • For smoother drift control: A softer rebound setting allows the car to settle quicker after transitions.

   • For aggressive transitions: Stiffen rebound damping to keep the chassis from oscillating excessively.

Pro Tip: If your E90 feels too snappy mid-drift, try softening the rear rebound damping while increasing front rebound damping to stabilize transitions.

Adjusting Ride Height for Drift-Optimized Geometry

Proper ride height tuning is essential for maintaining the correct roll center, weight distribution, and steering response in drifting. Unlike factory-style suspension setups, SLR’s E90 coilovers feature independent ride height and preload adjustment, allowing for precise suspension tuning without affecting spring tension.

How to Raise or Lower Ride Height on SLR E90 Coilovers:

1. Check Preload First:

   • Preload should be just enough to keep the spring seated without excessive compression.

   • Too much preload results in a stiff, unforgiving ride, reducing grip.

2. Adjust Ride Height via the Lower Mounts:

   • Loosen the locking collars at the base of the coilover.

   • Rotate the shock body to raise or lower ride height.

   • Tighten the collars to secure the new setting.

3. Fine-Tune Suspension Geometry After Lowering:

   • Too low: Increases bump steer, reducing steering feedback.

   • Slight rake (front lower than rear): Improves weight transfer and front-end turn-in.

Dialing in Camber with Adjustable Camber Plates

The SLR E90 Drift Spec Coilovers come with fully adjustable front camber plates, allowing for precise alignment settings without the need for additional aftermarket components. Camber adjustments significantly impact how the front and rear tires interact with the track.

Optimal Camber Settings for E90 Drifting:

• Front Camber (-3.5° to -5°):

  • Keeps more tire contact at high steering angles.

  • Improves front-end grip and prevents excessive understeer.

• Rear Camber (-0.5° to -2°):

  • Maximizes rear tire contact patch for better forward bite.

  • Reduces uneven tire wear and excessive oversteer.

How to Adjust Camber on SLR E90 Coilovers:

1. Loosen the three top-mount bolts securing the camber plate.

2. Slide the plate inward (negative camber) or outward (positive camber).

3. Tighten the bolts securely to maintain the setting.

4. Check alignment to ensure toe settings remain correct.

Fine-Tuning Alignment for Maximum Stability

After making height and camber adjustments, a professional alignment is necessary to maintain predictable handling. Below are the recommended alignment specs for E90 drift setups using SLR coilovers:

• Front Alignment:

  • Camber: -4° to -5°

  • Toe: 0 to 1/8" toe out

  • Caster: 7° to 9°

• Rear Alignment:

  • Camber: -1° to -2°

  • Toe: 1/8" toe in

A proper alignment ensures optimal steering feedback, tire longevity, and stability under extreme drift loads.

Why SLR E90 Coilovers Are the Best Choice for Drifting

Most E90 coilovers on the market are repurposed from street or track setups, failing to address the unique demands of drifting. SLR’s Drift Spec Coilovers are designed from the ground up specifically for drifting, making them the best choice for competitive and grassroots drifters alike.

Final Thoughts: The Ultimate E90 Coilover Setup

If you’re serious about E90 drifting, generic coilovers for E90 won’t deliver the chassis control, grip, and adjustability required for high-speed transitions and angle consistency. SLR E90 Drift Spec Coilovers provide the highest level of tuning flexibility, precision handling, and durability, making them the ultimate choice for E90 drift builds.

With their race-proven valving, drift-specific geometry correction, and high-performance adjustability, SLR’s E90 coilovers ensure your BMW remains composed, predictable, and aggressive through every initiation, transition, and exit.