Drifting is a thrilling motorsport technique that has gained popularity worldwide, and BMW enthusiasts are no strangers to the art of sliding through corners. BMW’s rear-wheel-drive models, combined with their precise handling and powerful engines, make them ideal for drifting BMW drifting. If you’re looking to master BMW drifting, whether on the track or at a drifting event, here are some expert tips and techniques that will help you perfect your slide.
1. Understand Your BMW’s Drivetrain
Before you start drifting, it’s important to understand the fundamentals of your BMW’s drivetrain. BMW vehicles, particularly those with rear-wheel drive (RWD), are favored in drifting because the power is sent to the rear wheels, which allows the back end to break free. The balance of the car and its power distribution are key to controlling your slide.
2. Get Comfortable with Countersteering
Countersteering is an essential skill in drifting. It’s the action of turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction to the slide to control the angle and keep the car balanced. In a BMW, this becomes especially crucial when you begin to push the car harder.
Tip: If your BMW starts to oversteer (the back end sliding too much), you must immediately turn the wheel the opposite way to regain control. Practice in a safe environment like a drifting school or at an autocross event.
3. Throttle Control: Modulation is Key
Drifting is not about constant throttle, but rather modulating the throttle to control the rear tires’ spin. This allows you to keep the car in a controlled drift without losing too much speed or grip. BMW’s powerful engines, especially those in models like the M3 or M5, give you the ability to adjust the throttle input for precise control during a drift.
Tip: When initiating the drift, apply quick bursts of throttle to break traction. Once you’re sliding, adjust the throttle to maintain the angle and prevent the car from spinning out. Over-accelerating will lead to loss of control, while under-throttling may cause the car to grip too soon and end the drift.
4. Perfect the Handbrake Technique
Using the handbrake is another crucial drifting technique, especially for initiating the drift or maintaining the slide when necessary. In BMWs, the handbrake (or e-brake) is generally easy to use, and when pulled at the right moment, it can help break traction in the rear wheels to get you into a drift.
Tip: To initiate a drift, quickly pull the handbrake while turning the wheel to the desired direction of the slide. This will lock the rear wheels temporarily, causing the back end to slide out. Once the slide is established, release the handbrake, and use throttle control and countersteering to maintain the drift.
5. Understand Weight Transfer and Balance
A successful drift relies heavily on the car’s weight distribution. BMWs, particularly models like the 3 Series, are known for their near-perfect 50/50 weight distribution, which makes them highly responsive to driver inputs. By understanding weight transfer, you can influence how the car behaves through the corners.
Tip: To initiate a drift, you can use weight transfer techniques like the clutch kick or the Scandinavian flick. The clutch kick involves quickly pressing and releasing the clutch while applying throttle to shift the car’s weight and break traction. The Scandinavian flick is a technique where you momentarily steer in the opposite direction before quickly turning into the corner, shifting the car’s weight to induce a slide.
6. Perfect Your Line and Cornering
Drifting isn’t just about throwing your car into a corner and hoping for the best. To maintain a consistent and smooth drift, you need to understand racing lines. A good drifting line is essential for both performance and safety.
Tip: Enter a corner wide, then initiate the drift early so that you can ride the outer edge of the track with maximum control. Maintain the right angle as you slide through the corner, and be prepared to adjust the throttle to keep the car balanced throughout the slide. Make sure to avoid overdriving, as it can lead to losing control.
7. Practice Makes Perfect
Like any motorsport discipline, drifting requires practice. Start slow, and gradually increase the difficulty level as you become more comfortable with the car’s dynamics and your ability to control it during the drift.
Tip: It’s best to practice in a controlled environment like a drift school, a track day, or a private parking lot. Always ensure that you have plenty of space and a safe environment to practice, as drifting can be hard on your tires and your car.
8. Upgrade and Maintain Your BMW
While BMWs are built for performance, upgrading certain components can take your drifting skills to the next level. Consider upgrading your suspension to improve handling, installing a limited-slip differential (LSD) to improve rear-wheel traction, and making sure your tires are in good condition to prevent unnecessary loss of control.
Tip: Invest in high-performance tires designed for drifting, as they’ll provide the optimal balance of grip and slip during slides. Regularly check and maintain your car’s suspension, brakes, and drivetrain to ensure they’re up to the task of repeated drifting.
9. Respect the Limits of Your BMW
While BMWs are high-performance vehicles, it’s important to respect their limits, both for the longevity of your car and for your own safety. Drifting at high speeds or pushing the car too hard can result in damage or loss of control.
Tip: Keep in mind that drifting is a high-risk activity, and it’s essential to practice in a safe environment, wear the proper safety gear, and respect the capabilities of your vehicle. Don’t push the car beyond its limits, and always have an escape plan if things go wrong.
Conclusion
Mastering BMW drifting is a blend of skill, technique, and understanding your car’s dynamics. With practice and a focus on key techniques like throttle modulation, countersteering, weight transfer, and handbrake control, you can perfect your sliding abilities. Remember, drifting isn’t just about power; it’s about finesse and maintaining control while pushing your BMW to its limits.