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Description

DriftMax Pro lock adapters E46 (BMW 3 Series) up to 60° steering angle

The DriftMax Pro lock adapters E46 give your BMW 3 Series E46 up to 60° of steering angle. They are heavy-duty steering lock adapters in the Pro version, developed for drivers who are often on track or take part in competitions.

You fit the adapters between the knuckle, the control arm and the tie rod. This changes the geometry of the front axle: more steering lock, a corrected roll centre and less bump steer, so less change in toe as the suspension compresses and rebounds.

A standard E46 front axle is not enough for these adapters. You combine them with extended control arms, longer tie rods and E46 tie rod ends. Which tie rod you need depends on how much longer your control arms are; this is explained per size below.

Key benefits

• Up to 60° steering angle for your E46
• Corrected roll centre and a predictable front axle
• Less bump steer under compression
• Pro quality that can handle intensive competition use
• Supplied as a pair
• Made in Europe by DriftMax
• Optional 3D top mounts, Powerflex Black Series bushes or uniball lollipop brackets

Fitment

BMW 3 Series E46 (1998 to 2006)

• E46 with the standard E46 knuckles
• Not suitable for the knuckles of the E46 M3
• For a build with 15 to 45 mm extended control arms

What you need for installation

• Control arms extended by 15 to 45 mm
• BMW E46 tie rod ends
• Original tie rods with control arms that are up to 15 mm longer
• BMW X3 tie rods with control arms that are 15 to 30 mm longer
• BMW E90 tie rods with control arms that are 30 to 45 mm longer
• 17 inch wheels, 7.5 or 8 inches wide, with an offset (ET) of around 30 to 35, so the wheels do not hit the control arms at full lock
• Tyres in 205/40, 205/45, 215/40 or 215/45

With longer control arms we recommend 3D adjustable top mounts to move the top of the shock absorber outwards and slightly forwards. Also reinforce the rear control arm mounting, with Powerflex Black Series bushes with caster offset or with uniball lollipop brackets. You can order all three here as an option.

Technical specifications

• Manufacturer: DriftMax
• Part number: R4DP-LOCK-DMAX-PRO-E46
• Version: Pro steering lock adapters
• Steering angle: up to 60°
• Position: between knuckle, control arm and tie rod
• Fits: standard E46 knuckles, not the E46 M3
• Supplied: per pair
• Made in: Europe
• Options: 3D top mounts E46, Powerflex Black Series bushes with caster offset in Ø60 or Ø66 mm, uniball lollipop brackets

Recommended drift alignment

These DriftMax values are a good starting point, tested by DriftMax and its drivers. Adjust them to your car, 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: 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 for maximum grip under acceleration
• Rear axle springs and dampers: softer

Installation and delivery

Start with the extended control arms and then choose the tie rods based on their length. Then fit the adapters with the E46 tie rod ends and redo the wheel alignment afterwards. The Pro lock adapters E46 have a lead time of up to 30 days.

The Pro lock adapters E46 turn a self-built E46 front axle into a serious drift front axle with up to 60° steering angle.

Why choose these Pro lock adapters E46?

If you would rather build up your front axle yourself than buy a complete kit, these adapters give you the steering angle and geometry of a competition setup. They are robust, correct the roll centre and limit bump steer. Want everything in one go? Then take a look at the complete DriftMax lock kit for the E46.

Frequently asked questions

Which tie rods do I need?

That depends on your control arms: original tie rods up to 15 mm longer, X3 tie rods for 15 to 30 mm and E90 tie rods for 30 to 45 mm. You always combine the Pro lock adapters E46 with E46 tie rod ends.

Do they fit an E46 M3?

No, only the standard E46 knuckles.

Which Powerflex bushes should I choose?

Choose the diameter that matches the rear control arm bracket of your car: Ø60 or Ø66 mm. If in doubt, please contact us.

What is the lead time?

The lead time is up to 30 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.