Drifting has become one of the most thrilling and popular motorsports in recent years. Whether you’re a beginner excited to burn rubber or a seasoned pro looking to refine your technique, the BMW E36 is an excellent car to dive into the world of drifting e36 drifting. Known for its rear-wheel-drive setup, balanced chassis, and lightweight design, the E36 is a perfect platform to master the art of controlled slides. In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about drifting the E36, from beginner basics to pro-level techniques.
Why the BMW E36 is Ideal for Drifting
Before we get into the techniques and tips, it’s essential to understand why the BMW E36 is a favorite among drift enthusiasts.
- Rear-Wheel Drive: The E36, like most drift cars, is a rear-wheel-drive (RWD) vehicle. This allows for better control over the rear tires when initiating a drift, which is essential for mastering the sport.
- Balanced Chassis: The E36 is known for its near-perfect weight distribution, which makes it more predictable during drifts. This balance allows the driver to easily control the car during both low and high-speed drifting.
- Affordable Mods: Compared to newer BMW models, the E36 is relatively affordable. This makes it accessible for beginners and pros alike to modify and tune their cars without breaking the bank.
- Solid Aftermarket Support: Due to the popularity of the E36 in motorsports and drifting communities, there’s an abundance of aftermarket parts available to upgrade suspension, steering, and engine components for improved drifting performance.
Getting Started with E36 Drifting: A Beginner’s Guide
If you’re new to drifting, it’s important to take things step-by-step. Here’s a simple guide to getting started with drifting in your E36.
1. Understand Basic Drifting Terminology
Before you hit the track, it’s helpful to familiarize yourself with some drifting terminology:
- Initiating the Drift: The action of getting the car sideways, usually through techniques like the handbrake pull, clutch kick, or feint.
- Countersteering: Turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction to control and maintain the drift.
- Throttle Control: Modulating the accelerator to keep the car balanced in the drift and adjust the angle.
- Oversteer: When the rear of the car loses traction, causing the car to slide.
2. Learn the Basics of Car Control
Before attempting a drift, practice basic car control. You’ll need a solid foundation in handling your car in a variety of conditions, including:
- Steering input
- Brake control
- Throttle modulation
- Weight transfer (how the car shifts its weight during acceleration, braking, and cornering)
3. Find an Empty Parking Lot or Track
As a beginner, safety is paramount. Find an empty parking lot or a dedicated drift track where you can practice without risk to yourself or others. Make sure you have plenty of space to practice initiating drifts and controlling the car.
4. Practice the Basic Drifting Techniques
There are a few core methods to initiate a drift in an E36:
- Handbrake Drift: Pulling the handbrake while turning causes the rear tires to lock up, letting the rear end slide out. It’s a simple but effective technique for beginners.
- Clutch Kick: Depressing the clutch and quickly releasing it while turning will momentarily disconnect power to the wheels, creating a sudden loss of traction and initiating the drift.
- Feint Drift: By steering away from the turn and then quickly steering into it, you can unsettle the rear of the car, leading to a drift.
5. Focus on Countersteering and Throttle Control
Once you’ve initiated the drift, the next key skill is managing the slide. Countersteering (turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the slide) is essential to maintain control. In tandem with countersteering, you’ll need to control the throttle to modulate the angle of the drift. Too much throttle, and the car will spin; too little, and the drift will stall.
Leveling Up: Advanced Techniques for Pros
As you become more comfortable with basic drifting, it’s time to refine your skills and explore more advanced techniques.
1. Clutch Kick at High Speeds
To maintain a drift during high-speed sections of a track, you’ll need to master the art of clutch kicking while moving fast. This technique helps you maintain momentum while entering sharper corners and prevent the car from losing its drift.
2. Throttle and Brake Modulation
Pro drifters often use a combination of throttle and braking inputs to adjust the car’s angle mid-drift. This allows them to execute more controlled slides, adjust drift angles, and smooth out transitions between corners.
3. Linking Drifts
Linking multiple drifts together in a series of corners (called a “cloverleaf” or “chicane”) is a critical skill for advanced drifters. It requires perfect timing, throttle control, and steering coordination to transition seamlessly from one drift to the next.
4. E-Brake and Reverse Drift
For advanced maneuvers like reverse entry or advanced angle drifting, the use of the e-brake and car control in reverse (before initiating a drift) can add a creative flair to your driving style.
Modding Your E36 for Drifting
One of the best parts of drifting the E36 is the ability to modify and fine-tune the car. Here are some common mods that can improve your drifting performance:
- Suspension Upgrades: Stiffer springs, upgraded shocks, and adjustable coilovers will help you maintain better control over the car during drifts, especially at higher speeds.
- Limited Slip Differential (LSD): An LSD ensures that both rear wheels spin together, giving you better traction and making it easier to initiate and maintain a drift.
- Steering Angle Kit: Adding a steering angle kit will increase the steering lock, allowing for more extreme angles in your drifts.
- Weight Reduction: Drifting requires quick transitions and agile handling. Reducing weight by removing unnecessary interior components or installing lightweight body panels can help the car become more responsive.
- Tires: Your choice of tires will directly affect your drifting performance. Softer tires provide more grip, which can make it easier to control drifts, while harder tires will break loose more easily and give you more control in aggressive slides.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re a beginner just learning to drift or a pro looking to push the limits, the BMW E36 is an excellent platform for mastering this exciting motorsport. With its balance, rear-wheel-drive dynamics, and ample aftermarket support, it provides a fun, responsive experience on both the street and the track.
By practicing essential skills like car control, initiating drifts, countersteering, and modding your E36 to suit your needs, you’ll gradually improve your drifting ability. Keep honing your skills, respect safety guidelines, and above all, enjoy the thrill of drifting.