There's no doubt that the G8x and even prior F8x generation M cars need more front camber. This includes the M2, M3, M4, and CS models. Not only does this let the driver fit wider wheels and tires up front, but it significantly improves tire wear as many of these vehicles are pushing around 4000lbs with well over 500 hp so they absolutely destroy tires. With extra front negative camber, these vehicles turn in a lot more willingly, making both the job of the driver and the tires a lot easier. Typically we see stock cars around -1.8 to -2.0 front camber depending on whether they're on springs, while a -2.8 to -3.0 front camber is where we prefer to be for a mix of street and track use.
We recently installed and aligned the Suspension Secrets Camber Plate for G8x BMW and found that the design definitely has its pros and cons. The lockout design with the bolts are great as they provide great security from slippage on track so from a motorsports standpoint it does offer a fairly useful feature in keeping camber/caster consistent. Unlike other camber plates they also gain caster WITH camber which can further improve handling. They're a beautiful piece and the price tag can be justified based on the build quality and lifetime warranty
However, customers must understand that in order to adjust these, they must be removed from the vehicle to gain access to the bolts and adjustment. To further explain, the alignment process is essentially trial and error. With this vehicle, we found the baseline to be -2.2 on one side and -2.8 on the other side, while the client wanted a target around -2.5. To even find out this number, you need to put the vehicle on the alignment rack, roll it, and see where you're at. Once you find out this number, you then move the vehicle to a traditional 2-post lift where you can remove the front wheels and remove the strut to adjust the camber plate. One side of the camber plate adjustment is keyed so there are fixed adjustment points so you can't be too specific with your adjustment either. There's only 5 holes to play with so essentially we look at the holes and choose whether to increase by one hole or decrease by one hole.
Keeping in mind that the labour cost to remove one corner strut on a G8X BMW (especially with AWD) is about an hour per corner. Initial alignment rack roll + strut removal and adjustment + re-roll is already 4 hours of labour charged, before making any rear arm adjustments or tie rod adjustments. If after the first adjustment, the spec is still not in the desirable range, another 3 hours are needed. Essentially this is your heads up that your alignment could easily reach 8 hours of labour and exceed the cost of these camber plates themselves. We also find Suspension Secrets's description of this product a little disingenuous "The different camber settings available in the adjustment allow for optimum setups for fast road use, occasional track use and full track use meaning that you switch between camber settings with ease if you change how you are using your car. ". In no world is dropping a strut and adjusting these blindly in the realm of your average DIY enthusiast. We also NEVER recommend adjusting camber and caster without correcting for toe as this is one of the worst things you could do for tire wear.
Yes the design is great if you're racing a lot and need camber to be fixed, you essentially pay one time for a very expensive alignment job but you shouldn't need to worry about it again and would only need to make small toe corrections after a few events (<1 hour job). However, for those looking for an arguably more practical camber solution, we recommend the AST Camber Plates (PN: TMA-B20-A2-20F) which can be adjusted ON the car simply by loosening the upper strut bolts accessible from the engine bay. Typically alignment on a car INCLUDING camber adjustment for a vehicle equipped with these plates is only going to run the customer 1 to 1.5 hours of labour. We've tested these plates on our own G80 M3 at the VIMC curbs and even down at Laguna Seca and found no issues with slippage when torqued to spec. Some NVH is gained however with the pillowball design.
Contact us today if you are considering handling or fitment upgrades for your BMW!