The BMW E30, a beloved classic from the 1980s, has long been a favorite among car enthusiasts, especially those passionate about drifting e30 drifting. Its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive layout, and ample aftermarket support make it the ideal candidate for mastering the art of drifting. Whether you’re a seasoned drifter or a newcomer to the sport, the E30 offers endless opportunities to enhance your drifting skills. In this blog post, we’ll dive into some tips, modifications, and techniques to help you achieve ultimate control and precision when drifting your E30.
1. Understand the Basics of Drifting
Before diving into the modifications, it’s crucial to understand the fundamental concept of drifting. Drifting is the art of intentionally oversteering a car, causing the rear wheels to lose traction while maintaining control through a corner. In an E30, this means balancing throttle, steering, and braking inputs to slide through a turn with precision.
Key Drifting Terms to Know:
- Oversteer: The condition where the rear tires lose grip faster than the front tires, causing the car to slide.
- Countersteering: Turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the slide to maintain control.
- Throttle Control: Using the accelerator to manage the angle and speed of the drift.
- Clutch Kick: A technique where you disengage and re-engage the clutch to break traction.
2. Essential Mods for E30 Drifting
To really get the most out of your E30 drifting experience, a few upgrades can make a world of difference. These modifications can help with control, stability, and power, ensuring you have the right setup for optimal drifting performance.
a) Suspension Upgrades
Upgrading your suspension is essential for a more responsive and stable drift. For the E30, a good set of coilovers will provide adjustability, allowing you to lower the car, stiffen the suspension, and fine-tune the handling to your liking. Consider options like BC Racing or KW coilovers for a solid setup.
- Strut Braces: Reinforce the front and rear suspension to reduce chassis flex, which improves stability during high-speed drifts.
- Sway Bars: Upgrade to stiffer sway bars to reduce body roll and improve cornering response.
b) Limited Slip Differential (LSD)
A limited-slip differential is arguably one of the most important upgrades for drifting. The factory open differential in the E30 can cause one wheel to spin faster than the other, making it difficult to maintain a smooth drift. Installing an LSD will lock the rear wheels together, providing more consistent power to both wheels and allowing for better control during slides. A 3.73 or 4.10 gear ratio is a popular choice for drifters looking for a balance of acceleration and top-end speed.
c) Steering Angle Kit
One of the limitations of the E30’s stock setup is the steering angle. To make tight, controlled drifts easier, a steering angle kit can be installed. This kit increases the steering angle, allowing the front wheels to turn further and giving you more control when initiating and maintaining a drift.
d) Tires
Tires play a crucial role in drifting. For optimal performance, you want a combination of tires that are durable but allow for some slip. Generally, a hard tire compound on the rear provides a good balance between control and longevity, while a grippier compound on the front can help with steering precision.
e) Weight Reduction
Reducing weight can improve the car’s balance and responsiveness. Removing unnecessary components such as the rear seats, sound deadening material, and the spare tire can make a noticeable difference in handling. Just be mindful not to remove too much weight from the rear of the car, as it could affect the car’s stability during a drift.
3. Drifting Techniques for Ultimate Control
Now that your E30 is prepped and ready, it’s time to focus on the techniques that will help you master drifting. These methods will allow you to control your E30 in a way that makes drifting smoother and more predictable.
a) Clutch Kick
The clutch kick is one of the most effective ways to initiate a drift in the E30. By quickly depressing and releasing the clutch, you upset the balance of the car, causing the rear tires to break traction and the car to slide. This technique works well in tight corners or when you need to add extra power to break the rear loose.
b) Handbrake Turn
The handbrake turn is a great way to initiate a drift in low-speed situations. By pulling the handbrake (also known as the e-brake) at the right moment, the rear wheels lock up and allow the car to slide sideways. It’s important to release the handbrake as soon as the rear starts to slide, and immediately apply throttle to maintain the drift.
c) Throttle Control
Throttle control is essential for maintaining a drift. Once you’ve initiated a slide, using the throttle to adjust the angle and speed of the drift is crucial. A light tap of the throttle can help you maintain a small angle, while applying more throttle will increase the drift angle, causing the car to slide even further. Getting the balance right will take time, but mastering it will give you ultimate control.
d) Countersteering
Once the car starts to slide, countersteering is vital to regain control. Turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction of the slide helps you balance the car and keep it in a controlled drift. You’ll need to make quick adjustments to countersteer as the drift angle changes, but with practice, you’ll be able to keep the car sideways with precision.
e) Feathering the Throttle
Feathering the throttle refers to making small adjustments to the accelerator while in a drift. This technique helps you manage the car’s rear-end without losing control. If you apply too much throttle, the rear tires may spin too much, causing the car to lose traction entirely. Conversely, too little throttle could cause the car to straighten out. Finding the sweet spot is key.
4. Practice and Patience
Mastering E30 drifting doesn’t happen overnight. It takes time, practice, and patience to become proficient behind the wheel. Start on a skidpad or an empty parking lot, gradually increasing your speed and drift angles as you gain confidence. Remember, drifting is about feel and timing. Don’t be discouraged if things don’t go perfectly at first—consistency comes with repetition.
5. Safety First
Always keep safety in mind. Drifting can be intense, and it’s easy to get carried away. Make sure you’re driving in a controlled environment, like a track or drift event, and always wear proper safety gear, including a helmet, racing gloves, and a harness if possible. You should also ensure your E30 is in good mechanical condition, especially the brakes, suspension, and tires, to handle the stresses of drifting.
Final Thoughts
The BMW E30 is a legendary car in the world of drifting, thanks to its balanced chassis, rear-wheel drive layout, and abundance of aftermarket support. By following these tips, making key modifications, and practicing your drifting techniques, you’ll be well on your way to mastering the art of E30 drifting. Remember, the ultimate goal is control—perfecting your skills and finding that sweet spot between power and finesse. With time and dedication, you’ll be able to slide with the best of them. Happy drifting!