BMW has long been a dominant force in the drifting world, with several models becoming fan favorites for their balance, rear-wheel-drive layout, and precision handling. From the classic E30 to the modern F80, BMW offers a range of platforms that are well-suited for drifting. But when it comes to choosing the best BMW for drifting, one model consistently rises above the rest: the E36 BMW.
In this blog, we’ll explore the key factors that make a BMW a great drift car—such as chassis stiffness, rear suspension geometry, cost, and traction—and explain why the E36 BMW is considered the “cheat code” in drifting.
What Makes a Great Drift Car?
Before diving into the specifics of the E36, it’s important to understand what characteristics make a BMW (or any car) ideal for drifting. Here are the key variables:
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Chassis Stiffness: A stiff chassis is crucial for maintaining control and feedback during a drift. Cars with a more rigid frame allow for better handling and response, giving drivers more control over the car’s slide and overall balance.
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Weight Distribution: Having a 50/50 weight distribution is ideal for drifting because it allows the car to rotate easily around its center, making it more predictable when the rear end breaks loose. Many BMWs, especially older models, offer near-perfect balance.
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Rear Suspension Geometry: The rear suspension plays a critical role in how much traction the car can put down while drifting. A well-designed suspension ensures better grip and control, which can be the difference between spinning out and smoothly holding a drift.
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Cost and Availability: For many drifters, cost is a significant factor. Affordable entry prices and readily available aftermarket parts are key considerations, especially for those getting started in the sport.
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Traction: In drifting, traction is everything. While it may seem counterintuitive, having forward traction during a drift allows you to accelerate through corners, helping you maintain speed and angle. A car with great forward traction can run smaller tires while still achieving more grip, which is a huge advantage in competitive drifting.
The Contenders: Popular BMW Drift Models
BMW E30
The BMW E30 is one of the most iconic BMWs in drifting. Its lightweight chassis and rear-wheel-drive layout make it a favorite among enthusiasts, and its affordability has made it a go-to for grassroots drifters. However, the E30’s older suspension design and somewhat limited rear grip can be a challenge when compared to newer models. While still an excellent choice, it requires more work to match the traction and stability of later generations.
BMW E46
The BMW E46 is a highly regarded drift platform, especially among professional drivers. With its well-balanced chassis, powerful engine options, and extensive aftermarket support, the E46 can be built into a high-performance drift machine. However, the cost of building an E46 for drifting is often higher than other models, and while it’s an amazing car, it’s not the easiest to work with when on a budget.
BMW F80 and Newer Models
The newer generations of BMWs, such as the F80 M3, offer advanced technology and impressive power right out of the box. These cars have incredible chassis dynamics, but they come with a hefty price tag, and the complexity of their electronic systems can make them difficult to modify for drifting. For most grassroots or amateur drifters, these models are overkill and come at too high a cost to be practical.
Why the E36 Is the Best BMW for Drifting
Now that we’ve considered the competition, let’s talk about why the BMW E36 is often hailed as the best BMW for drifting.
1. Cost-Effective
One of the biggest advantages of the E36 is its affordability. Compared to newer models, the E36 is relatively inexpensive to purchase and modify, making it accessible for beginner and intermediate drifters. Not only is the initial investment lower, but the E36 also benefits from a vast aftermarket scene, meaning parts are readily available and affordable.
2. Chassis Stiffness and Durability
The E36 boasts a stiffer chassis compared to the E30, which contributes to better handling and control in a drift. While not as stiff as modern BMWs, the E36 provides enough rigidity to deliver excellent feedback and responsiveness. The chassis can be easily reinforced with aftermarket braces and cages, which makes it a great platform to build upon as your drifting skills progress.
3. Best Rear Suspension Geometry for Forward Traction
What truly sets the E36 apart is its superior rear suspension geometry, specifically its ability to deliver more forward traction than almost any other BMW platform. The E36’s semi-trailing arm suspension allows it to generate impressive grip during a drift, which means you can run smaller tires than many other cars and still achieve better traction. This is why the E36 is often referred to as the “cheat code” in drifting—its ability to put power down more effectively allows drivers to carry more speed through corners and transitions.
In fact, the E36’s forward traction is so good that it can compete with cars running larger tires, giving it a significant advantage in competitions. This rear grip makes the E36 incredibly easy to control during drifts, providing a smoother experience for both beginners and pros.
4. Balance and Weight Distribution
The E36 offers near-perfect weight distribution, with most models achieving a 50/50 balance. This balance allows the car to pivot smoothly through corners, making it predictable and easy to control during oversteer. The combination of weight balance and rear grip allows drivers to maintain control even during aggressive, high-angle drifts.
5. Easy to Modify and Tune
The E36 is a modder’s dream, with an endless supply of aftermarket parts available to improve its drifting capabilities. From angle kits to increase steering lock to toe plates for fine-tuning alignment, the E36 can be easily modified to suit any drifting style. The availability of SLRspeed angle kits, toe plates, and other performance parts makes it simple to optimize your E36 for the track.
6. Ideal for All Levels of Drifters
Whether you're a beginner looking to learn the basics or a seasoned drifter competing in events, the E36 has something to offer everyone. Its forgiving nature, easy-to-access parts, and incredible grip make it a great platform to learn on and grow with, while its ability to handle advanced modifications makes it a serious contender at higher levels of competition.
Conclusion: The E36 BMW Is the Drift King
When it comes to drifting, the BMW E36 truly stands out as the best option, thanks to its affordability, chassis stiffness, rear suspension geometry, and impressive forward traction. While other BMW models like the E30 and E46 are excellent platforms in their own right, the E36 strikes the perfect balance between cost, performance, and modifiability. Its ability to put down more grip with smaller tires than its competitors makes it a game-changer in the drifting world, earning it the title of “cheat code” for drifting enthusiasts.
If you're serious about getting into drifting, or looking for the best BMW to build into a drift machine, the E36 is your ultimate choice. Equip it with an SLRspeed angle kit, adjust your alignment with toe plates, and take advantage of low profile car ramps to keep your build in peak condition.
