When it comes to dialing in the perfect suspension setup for your BMW E36, rear upper control arms are a critical component. Whether you're tackling tight corners on a road course or throwing the car sideways on a drift track, the SLR E36 rear upper control arms are designed to deliver precise control and adjustability, tailored to high-performance applications.
What Are Rear Upper Control Arms?
Rear upper control arms are a key part of a car's suspension system, connecting the chassis to the rear wheels and controlling camber, toe, and overall wheel alignment. For enthusiasts focused on E36 drifting or E36 road racing, having the ability to fine-tune rear suspension geometry is vital for performance, grip, and handling.
SLR's BMW rear upper control arms are engineered specifically for the demands of high-performance driving, offering a combination of durability, adjustability, and compatibility with advanced suspension setups like true coilovers.
Why Choose SLR’s E36 Rear Upper Control Arms?
SLR’s control arms are designed to be the ultimate solution for enthusiasts pushing their BMW E36 to its limits. Let’s break down the key features and how they impact performance:
1. Chromoly Construction
The control arms are crafted from high-strength chromoly tubing, known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio. This ensures the arms can withstand the intense forces of E36 drifting and E36 road racing, providing confidence during high-stress maneuvers like hard cornering and weight transfers.
- Why It Matters: Durability is crucial when pushing the suspension system to the edge. Chromoly offers excellent resistance to bending and flexing, ensuring consistent performance under load.
2. Clearance for Low Ride Height
SLR’s BMW rear upper control arms are designed with clearance specifically for low ride heights. This is essential for cars running aggressive suspension setups or slammed stances.
- For Drifters: A low ride height lowers the center of gravity, improving weight transfer and stability during slides. The added clearance prevents suspension binding or interference.
- For Racers: Maintaining clearance ensures smooth suspension articulation, even with stiffer setups typical in road racing.
3. Single Adjuster for Rear Toe-In
SLR's rear upper control arms come with a single adjuster, designed to be set slightly longer than stock. This helps dial in rear toe-in, which is crucial for both traction and stability.
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Toe-In Benefits:
- For E36 drifting, a slight toe-in helps keep the rear wheels planted during transitions, improving control and predictability.
- For E36 road racing, toe-in stabilizes the car at high speeds, particularly during corner exits.
4. Compatibility with True Coilovers
One of the standout features of SLR’s E36 rear upper control arms is their design for use with true coilover conversions. Unlike OEM-style control arms with spring buckets, these arms eliminate the spring bucket entirely, making them ideal for modern suspension setups.
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Why True Coilovers?
- True coilovers centralize weight and provide superior damping control, allowing for precise suspension tuning.
- These control arms work in perfect harmony with SLR’s other suspension components, such as their rear lower control arms, to fine-tune camber settings.
Adjustability and Tuning Benefits
SLR’s BMW rear upper control arms provide the adjustability necessary to optimize rear suspension geometry for different driving styles.
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Camber Adjustment:
While the rear upper control arms help manage toe-in, camber adjustments can be made through the rear lower control arms. Negative camber improves cornering grip and prevents the tires from rolling over during aggressive turns. -
Drift Setup:
- For E36 drifting, a slightly more aggressive camber and toe-in combination ensures the rear tires stay engaged during slides, maximizing grip and control.
- Dialing in the camber allows the rear wheels to maintain even tire wear despite the extreme lateral forces of drifting.
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Road Racing Setup:
- For E36 road racing, the focus shifts to maximizing grip in both straight-line acceleration and cornering. A balanced camber and toe setup provides stability without sacrificing tire longevity.
Why SLR for Your E36 Suspension?
SLR has a reputation for providing top-tier suspension components tailored to both competitive and enthusiast-level drivers. Their E36 rear upper control arms are a perfect example of this ethos, offering high-quality materials, thoughtful design, and real-world performance benefits.
Wide Compatibility
SLR’s control arms fit the entire E36 chassis, making them a go-to choice for anyone with a coupe, sedan, or compact E36. Whether you’re a seasoned drifter, a track day enthusiast, or simply looking to upgrade your suspension for spirited driving, these control arms will elevate your BMW's performance.
Final Thoughts
For anyone serious about E36 drifting or E36 road racing, upgrading your suspension with SLR’s BMW rear upper control arms is a game-changer. Their robust construction, adjustability, and compatibility with true coilovers make them a must-have for extracting maximum performance from your E36.
Ready to take your E36 to the next level? Check out SLR’s full range of suspension components, and start building a car that dominates both on the track and at the drift pad. With SLR, precision and performance come standard.
