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Description

DriftMax Pro lock adapters E36 (BMW 3 Series) up to 60° steering angle

With the DriftMax Pro lock adapters E36 you get up to 60° of steering angle out of your BMW 3 Series E36. The Pro version is heavy-duty and built for intensive track use and competition, where the front axle takes a real beating.

The adapters fit between the knuckle, the control arm and the tie rod. This changes the geometry of the front axle: you get more steering lock, the roll centre is corrected and bump steer, the unwanted change in toe as the suspension compresses and rebounds, is reduced.

This is not a set for a standard front axle. You fit the adapters together with extended control arms, adapted tie rods and E46 tie rod ends. Below you will find exactly what you need, so you can plan the build properly in one go.

Key benefits

• Up to 60° steering angle for your E36
• Roll centre correction for a more stable front axle at full lock
• Less bump steer as the suspension compresses and rebounds
• Robust Pro version for track and competition
• Supplied as a pair, for left and right
• Made in Europe by DriftMax
• Optional 3D top mounts and reinforced control arm bushes

Fitment

BMW 3 Series E36 (1990 to 2000)

• E36 with the standard E36 knuckles
• Not suitable for the knuckles of the E36 M3
• For a build with 30 to 60 mm extended control arms

What you need for installation

• Control arms extended by 30 to 60 mm (do not use E46 control arms for this)
• Original tie rods with control arms that are up to 30 mm longer
• BMW E90 tie rods with control arms that are 30 to 60 mm longer
• BMW E46 tie rod ends
• 17 inch wheels, 7.5 or 8 inches wide, with an offset (ET) of around 30 to 35, so the wheels stay clear of the control arms at full lock
• Tyres in 205/40, 205/45, 215/40 or 215/45

The length of your control arms determines which tie rods you need. With extended control arms we recommend 3D adjustable top mounts, so you can move the top of the shock absorber outwards and slightly forwards. Also reinforce the control arm bushes: Powerflex Black Series with caster offset gives extra adjustment range, solid bushes are the sturdy basic choice. You can add both as an option when you order.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: DriftMax
• Part number: R4DP-LOCK-DMAX-PRO-E36
• Version: Pro steering lock adapters
• Steering angle: up to 60°
• Position: between knuckle, control arm and tie rod
• Fits: standard E36 knuckles, not the E36 M3
• Supplied: per pair
• Made in: Europe
• Options: 3D top mounts E36, Powerflex Black Series control arm bushes with caster offset or solid eccentric control arm bushes

Recommended drift alignment

DriftMax gives these values as a starting point. They have been tested by DriftMax and its drivers and also work well on other drift cars. Fine-tune them to your weight, power, tyres, driving style and the track.

• Front axle toe-out: 10 to 30 minutes of arc
• Front axle caster: 4 to 6°
• Front axle camber: -3 to -1.5°
• Front axle springs and dampers: set stiffer
• Rear axle toe-in: 10 to 20 minutes of arc
• Rear axle camber: 0°, or slightly positive on a car with more power than stock, so the tyres sit flat on the tarmac under hard acceleration
• Rear axle springs and dampers: set softer

Installation and delivery

First get the control arms, tie rods and tie rod ends ready, because without those parts the adapters will not fit an E36. Then fit the adapters between the knuckle, control arm and tie rod. After fitting, redo the wheel alignment using the values above as a starting point. The Pro lock adapters E36 have a lead time of 4 to 7 days.

The Pro lock adapters E36 are the sturdy foundation for anyone converting their E36 step by step to a front axle with competition steering angle.

Why choose these Pro lock adapters E36?

If you want a lot more steering angle without buying a complete lock kit straight away, these adapters are a strong choice. They correct the roll centre, limit bump steer and can handle competition use. Prefer everything in one box? Then take a look at the complete DriftMax lock kit for the E36.

Frequently asked questions

Do the adapters fit my standard front axle?

No. You need control arms extended by 30 to 60 mm, matching tie rods and E46 tie rod ends. With those parts added, the Pro lock adapters E36 do fit.

Do they fit an E36 M3?

No, they only fit the standard E36 knuckles. For the M3, DriftMax has separate lock adapters.

Which wheels and tyres do you recommend?

17 inch wheels, 7.5 or 8 inches wide, with an offset (ET) of around 30 to 35, with tyres in 205/40, 205/45, 215/40 or 215/45.

What is the lead time?

The lead time is 4 to 7 days.

Delivery outside the European Union: different shipping costs may apply. Don’t worry: we will email you as soon as possible after your order and agree the shipping with you. You are not committed to anything without your consent.