Front Camber Adjustment

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by White05X3

I do need to get the car to rotate better. Although x-drive allows me to power out of a push I would prefer to have the car rotate a bit more on trail braking. I am having to shave too much speed on turn-in to make the front bite. I think because of the weight of the X3 and the relatively high profile of the tires (50 series) there is this initial pause after the steering input, then a huge weight transfer that unsettles the tires. Once they find grip again the chassis does a great job of utilizing all available grip. It is really well balanced and will rotate a bit with a mid-corner throttle lift but that is obviously not the fast way around a corner. I want it to rotate on turn-in and then be able to use WOT the rest of the way around.

Easy there.....remember the X3 has a higher center of gravity. It's never going to be as tossable as a coupe or sedan. Plus its about 800-1000 lbs more than a 3, and has a substantially slower steering ratio. (Have fun! I'm just reminding you of reality in an SAV versus 330ci)

[vinuneuro]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

Easy there.....remember the X3 has a higher center of gravity. It's never going to be as tossable as a coupe or sedan. Plus its about 800-1000 lbs more than a 3, and has a substantially slower steering ratio. (Have fun! I'm just reminding you of reality in an SAV versus 330ci)

what's your point..

[hayaku]

Originally Posted by White05X3

Great advice! Thank you!!!

I will leave my rear toe alone. It seems like the most negative camber i will be able to get is about -.7 degrees. I will take all I can get! From my last alignment I seem to recall that one of my fronts is actually at slightly + camber. That guy might not have been the most competent tech in the world...he spent 20 minutes trying to convince me that my car is an X5 and that there is no such thing as an X3 (seriously...not kidding). Next time I am taking the car to the shop that did the alignment on my track car and did an awesome job.

I do need to get the car to rotate better. Although x-drive allows me to power out of a push I would prefer to have the car rotate a bit more on trail braking. I am having to shave too much speed on turn-in to make the front bite. I think because of the weight of the X3 and the relatively high profile of the tires (50 series) there is this initial pause after the steering input, then a huge weight transfer that unsettles the tires. Once they find grip again the chassis does a great job of utilizing all available grip. It is really well balanced and will rotate a bit with a mid-corner throttle lift but that is obviously not the fast way around a corner. I want it to rotate on turn-in and then be able to use WOT the rest of the way around.

I tried playing with tire pressures with the only resulitng change being more or less squeal. I don't want to go with a bigger rear sway bar because that would take me out of the stock class. Disconnecting the front bar for auto-x seems like an awfully bad idea to me...Whats left??

i don't think camber plates or adjustable sway bars are allowed in stock class?

i would disconnect my rear sways if i was only allowed stock parts to try to get more rotation on turn in.

good luck

[AzNMpower32]

Originally Posted by vinuneuro

what's your point..

He's expecting a bit much outta an SAV.

[White05X3]

Originally Posted by AzNMpower32

He's expecting a bit much outta an SAV.

Think so?? It seems to me that based on my results the X3 is delivering more than most sedans. I mean, let's be real... it is a SAV. I am NOT talking about a supercharger, nor coil overs, nor r-compound tires. All I am trying to do is to maximize the X3's potential. I am trying to get all there is to get out of the X3.

Camber plates would definitely kick me out of stock class. They would also seriously deteriorate the ride further. I think I need to stick with whats there already.

And AzNMpower32...please keep in mind that what I am doing is in a safe, controlled environment. I seem to recall a post or two of yours about you sliding your X3 around on the street. I think your own personal experiences will support the notion that the X3 does damned well for a SAV and is far more nimble than it has any right to be.

[noego]

I had a Z4 and the X3 is way better. In the hands of a good driver...white05X3 comes to mind (see his videos) an X3 is not going to tip over. Even at 4,100 lbs!

Get your camber set and post another vid. Make those non-SAV drivers dread to see you on the course.

[White05X3]

Originally Posted by noego

I had a Z4 and the X3 is way better. In the hands of a good driver...white05X3 comes to mind (see his videos) an X3 is not going to tip over. Even at 4,100 lbs!

Get your camber set and post another vid. Make those non-SAV drivers dread to see you on the course.

Thank you for the kudos! I just need to make an appointment for the alignment. The next event is in December so I have a while to wait.