Installing drift coilovers on your BMW E36 is a rewarding project that can elevate your car's handling and performance. While the job may seem daunting, with proper preparation and the right tools, you can tackle it yourself, saving both time and money. This guide walks you through the installation process step-by-step and provides tips to ensure a smooth and efficient install.

Preparation Is Key

Before you start wrenching on your E36, preparation can make all the difference. A little planning goes a long way in preventing frustration and costly mistakes.

1. Know Your Coilovers

Different coilover systems have unique features, such as adjustable damping or camber plates. Skim through the manual included with your coilovers to familiarize yourself with their components. Make sure you know how to adjust ride height, preload, and damping settings before installation.

2. Gather the Right Tools

Having the correct tools on hand will streamline the install process. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Jack and jack stands (or a hydraulic lift if available)
• Lug wrench or impact gun
• Socket set (including deep sockets)
• Wrenches (spanners, preferably ratcheting)
• Torque wrench
• Allen keys
• Coilover spanner wrenches (often included with the coilovers)
• Breaker bar
• WD-40 or a similar penetrating spray
• Mallet or rubber hammer
• Spring compressors (optional but helpful for disassembly)
• Anti-seize lubricant
• Zip ties

3. Prepare the Workspace

Make sure your workspace is clean, well-lit, and safe for lifting a vehicle. You’ll need enough room to maneuver around each wheel. Raise the car securely using a jack and support it with jack stands on solid ground before beginning the installation. Always ensure that the car is stable before lying underneath it.

4. Inspect the Suspension Components

Before installing the coilovers, check your E36’s suspension components for wear and tear. Look for cracked bushings, worn ball joints, or rusted hardware. Replace any damaged parts to ensure your suspension operates smoothly after the installation.

Step-By-Step Installation Guide

Follow these instructions to remove the old suspension and install your new drift coilovers.

Step 1: Remove the Existing Suspension

1. Loosen Lug Nuts

   • Before jacking up the car, loosen the lug nuts on all four wheels using a lug wrench.

2. Raise the Car

   • Lift your E36 using a jack and secure it with jack stands. Remove the wheels to expose the suspension.

3. Front Suspension

   • Start with the front suspension. Spray all bolts and nuts with WD-40 to break loose any rust.
   • Disconnect the sway bar link from the strut assembly using a wrench or socket.
   • Remove the brake line and ABS sensor brackets if attached to the strut. Use zip ties to secure the brake caliper or lines to avoid putting stress on them.
   • Loosen the top strut mount bolts (accessed under the hood) but leave them threaded in partially to prevent the strut from falling.
   • Locate the lower strut bolts that attach the assembly to the knuckle. Break them loose with a breaker bar, then remove them completely.
   • Finish unthreading the top strut mount bolts and carefully remove the whole strut assembly.

4. Rear Suspension

   • Move to the rear and remove the rear shock absorbers. Start by locating the upper shock mount bolts inside the trunk or cabin (depending on your E36 model). Loosen and remove these bolts.
   • Remove the lower shock bolts that attach the shock to the control arm. Compress the shock slightly if needed, and remove it.
   • If your E36 uses separate springs (common in the rear), use a spring compressor to safely remove them.

Step 2: Install the Coilovers

1. Prepare the Coilovers

   • Adjust the coilover spring preload, ride height, or camber (if applicable) before installing the units. Refer to the manufacturer's instructions for proper measurements and starting settings.

2. Front Coilovers

   • Fit the front coilovers by positioning the lower mount onto the knuckle. Insert the lower bolts and loosely tighten them to hold it in place.
   • Align the top strut mount with the mounting holes and thread the bolts by hand.
   • Attach the sway bar end link, brake line bracket, and ABS sensor to the new coilover mounts. Use the provided hardware if necessary.
   • Torque all bolts to the manufacturer’s recommended specifications using a torque wrench.

3. Rear Coilovers

   • Insert the rear coilover shock into the upper and lower mounts. Hand-tighten the bolts before torquing them down.
   • If your coilover system replaces the rear springs, ensure proper alignment of the adjustable spring perch in its seat.
   • Reattach the sway bar or any additional brackets, ensuring everything is secure.

Step 3: Reinstall Wheels and Test Fitment

• Reinstall the wheels and lower the car from the jack stands.
• Bounce the car gently to settle the suspension, then check the ride height on all four corners. Make adjustments to achieve the desired height.

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

Even simple mistakes can lead to costly or time-consuming issues. Avoid these pitfalls for a smooth install process:

• Overtightening Bolts: Use a torque wrench to tighten bolts to the manufacturer’s specs. Overtightening can strip threads or damage components.
• Skipping Preload Adjustment: Spring preload affects handling and ride quality. Adjust it as specified in your coilover manual to avoid uneven suspension behavior.
• Neglecting Alignment: After installing coilovers, your suspension geometry will change. Schedule a professional alignment to ensure proper handling and avoid uneven tire wear.
• Forgetting to Check Brake Lines: Ensure brake lines and ABS sensor wires are not stretched or pinched during installation. Use zip ties to secure them.

Tuning Coilovers for Drifting

To get the most out of your drift coilovers, spend time fine-tuning them to match your driving style.

• Ride Height: Lower the car enough to improve the center of gravity but not so much that you lose suspension travel or ground clearance.
• Damping Settings: Start with a medium setting, then stiffen or soften the damping based on driving feedback. Stiffer settings are preferred for drifting to minimize body roll and maximize control.
• Camber and Toe Adjustment: For drifting, negative camber on the front wheels improves grip in turns, while slight toe-out enhances steering response. Rear camber and toe can also be adjusted to influence grip and slide angle.

Cost-Saving and Time-Efficient Tips

• Reuse OEM Hardware: If your stock bolts and brackets are in good condition, reuse them to cut costs.
• Buy Used Tools: Check online marketplaces for affordable tools instead of buying everything new.
• Enlist a Friend: Having someone help you with tasks like holding components in place can save hours of work.
• DIY Alignment Check: Use DIY alignment tools to get the car drivable before visiting a shop for a professional alignment.

Properly installing drift coilovers E36 on your E36 not only saves you money but also gives you the satisfaction of upgrading your car on your own. Take your time, double-check your work, and your E36 will be ready to dominate the track!