From Novice to Pro: How to Drift E90 Like a Champion
What To Know
- Counter steering is the art of steering in the opposite direction of the slide to control the car’s direction.
- As the car slides through the corner, constantly adjust the steering angle to maintain a controlled drift.
- If the car understeers, meaning it doesn’t turn as sharply as you want, you can use counter steering to help rotate the car.
The BMW E90 3 Series, with its sleek design and powerful engine, is a popular choice for enthusiasts who crave adrenaline-pumping driving experiences. Drifting, the art of controlled oversteer, adds another layer of excitement and skill to the driving equation. If you’re looking to learn how to drift your E90, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and techniques to confidently conquer the track and unleash the true potential of your E90.
Understanding the Basics of Drifting
Drifting is essentially about intentionally oversteering your car, causing the rear wheels to lose traction and slide sideways. This controlled slide requires precise throttle control, steering input, and a deep understanding of your car’s dynamics.
Preparing Your E90 for Drifting
Before you embark on your drifting journey, it’s essential to ensure your E90 is properly prepared. This involves several modifications that enhance handling and safety:
- Suspension: A well-tuned suspension system is crucial for maintaining control during drifting. Consider lowering the ride height, upgrading to stiffer springs and dampers, and adjusting the camber settings for optimal grip and responsiveness.
- Tires: Drifting puts immense stress on tires, so choose tires designed for high-performance driving. Semi-slick tires offer a good balance between grip and slide, while dedicated drift tires provide maximum sideways traction.
- Brakes: Upgraded brake pads and rotors are essential for safe and effective braking during drift sessions. Ensure your brake system can handle the increased heat generated by repeated hard braking.
- Handbrake: A properly functioning handbrake is critical for initiating drifts. Make sure it’s adjusted to provide sufficient braking force without locking the rear wheels.
- Safety Equipment: Always prioritize safety. Invest in a racing harness, helmet, and fire extinguisher for added protection.
The Art of Throttle Control: The Key to Drifting
Throttle control is the cornerstone of successful drifting. It involves maintaining a delicate balance between applying enough throttle to maintain the slide while avoiding excessive wheelspin. Here’s how to master throttle control:
- The Initial Kick: To initiate a drift, you’ll need a quick and controlled burst of throttle to break traction.
- Maintaining the Slide: Once the rear wheels lose grip, gradually increase throttle to keep the car sliding. This requires a delicate touch and constant feedback.
- Counter Steering: As the car slides, you’ll need to steer in the opposite direction to maintain control. This counter steering helps guide the car through the corner.
The Power of Counter Steering: Guiding the Drift
Counter steering is the art of steering in the opposite direction of the slide to control the car’s direction. It’s a counterintuitive technique that takes practice to master.
- Initiating Counter Steering: Once the rear wheels lose traction, steer slightly in the opposite direction of the drift. This helps maintain the slide and prevents the car from spinning out.
- Adjusting Counter Steering: As the car slides through the corner, constantly adjust the steering angle to maintain a controlled drift.
- Overcoming Understeer: If the car understeers, meaning it doesn’t turn as sharply as you want, you can use counter steering to help rotate the car.
Finding Your Drift Zone: The Ideal Angle
The drift angle is the angle at which your car slides sideways. Finding the ideal drift angle for your E90 is a matter of practice and personal preference.
- Starting Slow: Begin by practicing on a closed course or empty parking lot. Start with a gentle drift angle and gradually increase it as you gain confidence.
- Experimenting with Throttle: Vary your throttle input to see how it affects the drift angle. More throttle generally leads to a wider angle.
- Finding the Sweet Spot: The ideal drift angle is one where you have enough control to maintain the slide while still having fun.
Mastering the Transition: From Drift to Straight
Once you’ve successfully navigated a corner in a drift, you’ll need to transition back to straight driving. This involves gradually reducing throttle and steering back to a straight position.
- Easing Off the Throttle: As you approach the exit of the corner, slowly reduce throttle input. This will help the rear wheels regain traction.
- Steering Correction: Gradually steer the car back to a straight position. You may need to make small adjustments as the car regains grip.
- Maintaining Control: Keep a firm grip on the steering wheel and be prepared to make corrections if the car starts to oversteer or understeer.
The Importance of Practice and Feedback
Drifting is a skill that requires constant practice and feedback. Here are some tips to improve your drifting skills:
- Start with Basics: Don’t rush into advanced techniques. Focus on mastering the fundamentals of throttle control, counter steering, and drift angle.
- Find a Safe Environment: Practice in a closed course or empty parking lot where you can experiment without risk.
- Get Feedback: Ask experienced drifters for feedback on your technique. Video recording your sessions can also help you identify areas for improvement.
- Be Patient: Mastering drifting takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see results immediately.
Beyond the Basics: Advanced Drifting Techniques
Once you’ve mastered the fundamentals, you can explore advanced drifting techniques:
- Clutch Kick: This technique involves quickly engaging and disengaging the clutch to initiate a drift. It’s a more aggressive method than using throttle alone.
- Handbrake Turns: Using the handbrake to initiate a drift can be a fun and effective way to create a more dramatic slide.
- Tandem Drifting: This involves two cars drifting side-by-side, often in a synchronized fashion. It requires advanced skills and communication.
The Final Drift: A Farewell to the E90
Mastering the art of drifting in your E90 is a rewarding experience that combines skill, precision, and a touch of adrenaline. As you continue to refine your techniques, remember to prioritize safety and practice in a controlled environment. With dedication and passion, you can unleash the true potential of your E90 and become a skilled drifter.
Top Questions Asked
Q: What are the best tires for drifting an E90?
A: Semi-slick tires offer a good balance between grip and slide for most drifting applications. Dedicated drift tires provide maximum sideways traction but can wear quickly.
Q: Is it safe to drift an E90 on public roads?
A: Drifting on public roads is illegal and extremely dangerous. It’s essential to practice drifting only in a controlled environment with proper safety precautions.
Q: How can I improve my drift angle?
A: Experiment with throttle input and steering angle to find the ideal balance for your E90. Try using a clutch kick to initiate a wider drift angle.
Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when drifting?
A: Overcorrecting, over-using the throttle, and neglecting counter steering are common mistakes that can lead to loss of control.
Q: How can I find a safe place to practice drifting?
A: Look for closed courses, empty parking lots, or drift tracks specifically designed for practicing drifting. Always prioritize safety and obtain permission before using any private property.