Are camber/caster plates necessary?

[electric zounds]

So I'm new to bimmer suspension. I want to go with a ground control/ koni or bilstein setup but I'm just not sure about the camber/caster plates. Are they necessary, my driving consists mainly of daily driving/highway and the occasional autox during the summer.

[PeaveyBassist]

Not nessescary. GC has adapters that adapt the stock strut bearing to the 60mm or whatever size spring it is.

Will

[jlevie]

Whether adjustable camber plates are necessary of what is essentially a daily driver depends on how much you lower the car and how much tire wear you find to be acceptable. As the ride height is lowered front camber increases. If the car is really low you can wind up enough camber to fairly rapidly wear the front tires. Adjustable camber plates can allow that excess camber to be dialed back out.

[Mystikal]

Don't bother. Slammed E30's wear tires evenly if you drive them right.

[Erick]

FWIW, Camber/caster plates allow for more shock travel, which in the end, helps out with handling. (Not to mention the camber/caster adjustments). So it's up to you how much handling you need and if it's worth the cost.

[StereoInstaller1]

I have KYB struts/shocks and B+G springs.

I ran a set of Yoko ES100s in 215/40/17 to cords in 8,000 miles. Plenty of tire left on the outside edges...all camber wear. I rotate regularly, every 3,000 miles or so.

I will be doing IE camber/toe kit in the rear. I still do not know what I want to do for the front. Fixed would be OK, as long as I can pull a bit of negative camber out.

Luke

[backtrail69]

My 325 4 dr with Kmac plates, H&R race, M3 Cabs in the front have worn out my front tires very rapidly. It was alligned before I bought the car at a speed shop for a high performance allignment... It probably has 2-3 degrees neg camber. I would have to look at the printout, but its at my moms house...an hour away along with my 325is and my 2002.

[Erick]

What tires though? If they were Azenis, that's completely understandable.... low treadwear tires dont last anyways.

[BimmerToad]

For the occasional AutoX and normal driving, don't bother with them. If you start tracking the car more often, then consider them. They have the potential for making unsettling clunks and take a bit of maintenance to keep in good shape. They really improve front grip by increasing the camber, and add a feeling of more direct steering, but at the cost of noise, additional maintenance, and cost.

[Mystikal]

For the occasional AutoX and normal driving, don't bother with them. If you start tracking the car more often, then consider them. They have the potential for making unsettling clunks and take a bit of maintenance to keep in good shape. They really improve front grip by increasing the camber, and add a feeling of more direct steering, but at the cost of noise, additional maintenance, and cost.

Best answer to date.