BMW introduced the M3 with it’s E30 series cars and that version continues to be a model that is much sought after. Today the next generation of the “3” series was brought into the shop. It is the E36 M3 and a really beautiful example.
The owner has already invested a lot of time and money with well chosen enhancements to a car that was exceptional when it left the factory. Some great ‘coil-over’ shocks and a set of adjustable rear control links.
Here you can see the factory arms that were replaced. 
We would also add a set of camber plates to the front struts. From the factory, the strut mounts come with a good amount of caster and camber built in, but these new camber plates would allow for a precise alignment that would allow for adjustments that would provide greater grip and an enhanced track-day experience.
Camber is the tilt of the wheel and negative camber describes where the top of the tire tilts in toward the chassis and the bottom of the tire is out father than the top. Properly done this setting provides added grip and stability. Much like going from standing with your ankles together to having your feet spaced apart. Done badly and you end up with unwanted tire wear, stress on suspension components, and a tail happy car.
Caster is a measurement of the tilt of the front spindle as seem from the side of the car. Positive caster describes where the top pivot point it closer to the firewall than the bottom.
What this tilt does is to add camber to the front outside wheel in a turn as well as aid the steering to return to center as you come out of a turn. When caster is equal side-to-side the car tracks nicely. One other benefit of increasing caster is that it acts as an invisible ramp that resists the normal dive of the front end as you apply your brakes when trying to stop. When done correctly this enhances handling.
The strut assembly is placed in our strut compressor and the spring is locked in and compressed so that the stock strut mount can be removed.
Then the camber plate is bolted in place of the factory strut mount. With its adjustable sliding plates it not only provides the function of a top strut mount, but it allows the technician to finely adjust the alignment.
With the strut assembly together the technician bolts the strut back in place and orients the new camber plate in the strut housing.
With an understanding of what the customer wants for handling the technician was able to provide an alignment to fit the owner’s needs. These modifications to the car would provide maximum grip and precise handling without compromising tire wear or ride comfort.
We at AP&C enjoy working in partnership with our customers to help them meet their performance goals and avoid problems that can come with after-market parts.
We can also provide service and advice on the maintenance of your daily driver. Helping you to schedule appropriate service maintenance and evaluating the health of your transportation. Give us a call.