[Scubudo]

I have seen a lot of discrepancy in how much negative camber can be achieved when swapping out the front wishbone and pulling the pin. It seems like most are only getting about -1.3, but I found one person who claimed to have gotten >-2.

I have already upgraded with M3 parts and pulled the pins to max out the front camber. I would like -1.5 camber and since many have reported not being able to reach -1.5, I decided to order the Dinan fixed plates, which are supposed to add and additional -0.7 degrees. However, I have performed a string alignment but was getting inconsistent camber measurements using a HF angle finder, so I don't know how much front camber I currently have. I intend to get a full alignment, but since I have the camber plates in hand, was debating adding them now before doing so.

So, my question is: If I add the camber plates and overshoot the -1.5 target, how much positive camber can I expect to be able add by pulling the strut all of the way to the outside?

[bmw335ie90]

on my 2011 335i using the same hunter alignment machine with the same technician:

M3 Front Arms Min Camber (struts all the way out): -0.8
M3 Front Arms Max Camber (struts all the way in): -1.4
M3 Front Arms & Dinan Fixed Camber Plates and struts maxed: -2.5
M3 Front Arms & Dinan Fixed Camber Plates and struts in middle: -2.1

I saw accelerated inner tire wear with both 0.2 degrees and 0.05 total front toe and my camber maxed (-2.5). Since going to -2.1 front camber tire wear is perfectly even.

[Scubudo]

I appreciate that info.
Are you what toe settings did use?

[bmw335ie90]

Originally Posted by Scubudo

I appreciate that info.
Are you what toe settings did use?

Depends what you want; minimal front toe makes the car very quick to react and even a bit twitchy. I settled on 0.1 toe in on each side so 0.2 total toe, much less twitchiness but still fairly reactive and also good tire wear.

[Shoooter_j]

Originally Posted by bmw335ie90

on my 2011 335i using the same hunter alignment machine with the same technician:

M3 Front Arms Min Camber (struts all the way out): -0.8
M3 Front Arms Max Camber (struts all the way in): -1.4
M3 Front Arms & Dinan Fixed Camber Plates and struts maxed: -2.5
M3 Front Arms & Dinan Fixed Camber Plates and struts in middle: -2.1

I saw accelerated inner tire wear with both 0.2 degrees and 0.05 total front toe and my camber maxed (-2.5). Since going to -2.1 front camber tire wear is perfectly even.

I’m at -2.5xx deg on both fronts with Dinan camber plates and M3 control arms. Didn’t know you can adjust very slightly with the stock bolt holes - are they slightly ovaled already?

[whyzee125]

Well shoot, you'd have a hard time getting a more detailed answer than @bmw335ie90 already gave. Thanks for sharing that!

Remember OP ride height has an effect on camber too. You'll gain negative camber as you go lower so that could be part of why different people have different results. I'm lowered only slightly and while I haven't tried every combo like he did, my results are similar.

I have M3 arms, Dinan camber plates, and with the struts pulled all the way inward I'm at -2.7 on each side. I was at -1.8 with the struts all the way outward on the same setup.

[Shoooter_j]

Originally Posted by whyzee125

Well shoot, you'd have a hard time getting a more detailed answer than @bmw335ie90 already gave. Thanks for sharing that!

Remember OP ride height has an effect on camber too. You'll gain negative camber as you go lower so that could be part of why different people have different results. I'm lowered only slightly and while I haven't tried every combo like he did, my results are similar.

I have M3 arms, Dinan camber plates, and with the struts pulled all the way inward I'm at -2.7 on each side. I was at -1.8 with the struts all the way outward on the same setup.

Good point on height & camber correlation, will be interesting what I end up with after the e30 spring perches. Will let you all know when they’re installed.