Project E36 323is: Building the Poor Man’s M3, Part 2 – Suspension Overhaul Completion

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E36 rear end alignment
Most non-M E36s only allow for toe adjustments in the rear, while the M3s have an eccentric bolt on the control arm for making camber adjustments.  One of the many benefits of our recent bushing overhaul was that we installed some Whiteline control arm bushing which offer similar adjustments. 

 

Rear end alignment jig
Darin was getting jiggy with the alignment jig to finish dialing in our rear specs, which ended up being set to -1.75° of camber with 1/8″ of toe in.  The less aggressive camber setting in the back not only helps us to put the power down out of corners and in straight lines, but also helps getting the car rotated with the crisp turn-in the front now has.  A little bit of toe-in keeps it all drama-free.

 

E36 on track at Willow Springs
Our first outing in the 323is project was on the big track at Willow Springs International Raceway.  The car was confidence-inspiring and very responsive to driver input. 
 
 
Front KW V2 coilover installed
One last shot of our new KW V2s, only something seems to be missing.  Why would the rotor be removed?  Must be something in store for a future installment…
 
 
 
 
 
MotoIQ Project E36 323is
 
 

 

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