Hey guys, if you're into the sweet smell of burnt rubber and the sideways dance of a powerful rear-wheel-drive car, then you've probably dabbled in drifting. And if you're a fan of Assetto Corsa, you're in for a treat! Today, we're diving deep into the world of drifting the BMW E60 in Assetto Corsa. We're talking about the iconic 5 Series, a car that, when set up right, can be an absolute beast on the track. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know, from the initial car selection and setup to mastering the techniques needed to slide your way to glory. So, buckle up, because we're about to get sideways!

Why the BMW E60 for Drifting in Assetto Corsa?

So, why the E60? Well, first off, it's a BMW. BMWs, especially the rear-wheel-drive ones, are practically born to drift. The E60, in particular, offers a fantastic blend of power, balance, and a forgiving chassis, which is ideal for beginners and experienced drifters alike. In Assetto Corsa, the E60 translates this real-world charm beautifully. The game's physics engine allows you to feel every nuance of the car's movements, making it a genuinely immersive experience. Furthermore, the E60's engine, typically a straight-six or a V8, provides plenty of grunt to get those rear wheels spinning. The relatively long wheelbase also contributes to predictable and controllable drifts, making it a great car to learn with. The car's weight distribution plays a crucial role too. BMWs generally have a good balance, aiding in initiating and maintaining drifts. The car's inherent responsiveness allows for quick corrections, making the whole drifting process a lot more fun and less frustrating. Overall, the BMW E60 is a great choice because of its well-balanced chassis, its responsiveness and its easily controllable characteristics in drift. With the right setup, you can learn all the basic techniques as well as develop advanced skills in a very accessible way.

E60 Model Variants and Their Impact on Drifting

Now, there are different versions of the E60, and each one has a slightly different impact on your drifting experience. Consider the engine options; the 525i, 530i, and 540i (or the more powerful 545i and 550i) all offer varying power levels. A more powerful car, like a 550i with its V8, will be more challenging to control but will also allow for longer, more dramatic drifts. The weight of the car also plays a role; a heavier E60 might require a bit more effort to initiate a drift, but it can also be more stable once sideways. And of course, the suspension setup that each car comes with can differ depending on the trim level and options. Some might be stiffer, making the car feel more direct, while others might be more compliant, offering better feedback through the tires. When choosing your E60 in Assetto Corsa, take some time to experiment with the different models available. Try out a few different setups, and see which one feels best to you. Different setups can cater to various skill levels and drifting styles. For example, a beginner might prefer a slightly less powerful car to get a feel for the basics, whereas an experienced drifter might opt for a more powerful model for a more exciting experience. Ultimately, the best E60 for you is the one that you find the most enjoyable and which allows you to express your drifting skills in the best way possible.

Assetto Corsa Drift Setup: The E60 Drift Spec

Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty: the Assetto Corsa drift setup for your BMW E60. This is where we fine-tune the car to make it a drift machine. There are several aspects to focus on: the suspension, the differential, the tires, and the alignment. Getting these right can transform your E60 from a street car into a drift monster. It's all about finding that sweet spot where the car is controllable, predictable, and, above all, fun to drift. We'll break down each area, providing some basic settings to get you started and tips on how to adjust them to your liking. Remember, the perfect setup is subjective, so don't be afraid to experiment and find what works best for you. What makes the E60 such a great drifting platform in Assetto Corsa is how it responds to changes. You'll feel every adjustment, and you can really dial in the car to match your driving style. Don't be afraid to take your time and learn about what the adjustments change in the handling characteristics of the car.

Suspension Setup for Drifting

First up, let's talk about the suspension. This is crucial for controlling weight transfer and keeping the car balanced during drifts. Here's a basic starting point:

• Ride Height: Lowering the car slightly can improve handling and reduce body roll. But don't go too low, or you might struggle with grip.
• Spring Rate: Stiffer springs will help control body roll and make the car more responsive. Start with a moderate increase and adjust from there.
• Damper (Bump/Rebound): Adjusting the dampers controls how quickly the suspension compresses and rebounds. Stiffer settings help control the car's movements during transitions. Try increasing both bump and rebound slightly.
• Anti-Roll Bars: Stiffening the anti-roll bars can reduce body roll. Start with the rear bar a bit stiffer than the front to encourage oversteer.

Experiment with these settings on a test track. Make small adjustments, and see how they affect the car's behavior. For instance, if the car feels too loose, you might want to stiffen the rear springs or anti-roll bar. If it feels too stiff and unmanageable, soften them slightly. Fine-tuning the suspension is a process of trial and error, so be patient and persistent.

Differential Settings

The differential is essential for getting the rear wheels spinning. Here's a starting point:

• Lock: A higher lock value will help lock the rear wheels together, making it easier to initiate and maintain drifts. Aim for a lock value of around 75-90%.
• Preload: This setting determines how much force is required to get the differential to lock. A higher preload can help initiate drifts but may make the car more difficult to control. Start with a moderate preload.

Adjust the lock and preload to find the right balance between initiating drifts and maintaining control. A fully locked differential can be challenging for beginners, so start with lower settings and increase them gradually.

Tire Pressure and Choice

Tires are your only point of contact with the track, so they are crucial. Here's what to consider:

• Tire Compound: Choose a drift-specific tire compound. These tires are designed to break traction easily and provide predictable behavior. Select a suitable compound from the available options in Assetto Corsa.
• Tire Pressure: Lowering the tire pressure can increase grip and improve the contact patch. Start with a slightly lower pressure than the default setting, but don't go too low, or you might damage the tires. Experiment with different pressures to see what works best.

Alignment Adjustments

Alignment can significantly affect the car's handling characteristics. Here's what to look at:

• Camber: Negative camber can improve grip in corners, but too much can reduce grip during drifts. Start with a moderate negative camber on the front wheels and a slightly lower value on the rear. Avoid excessive camber, as it can hinder your ability to initiate drifts.
• Toe: Adjusting the toe can influence the car's turn-in behavior. Experiment with slight toe-out in the front for quicker turn-in and toe-in in the rear for added stability during drifts. However, don't overdo it, as it can make the car unpredictable.

Drifting Techniques in Assetto Corsa: Mastering the E60

Now that you've got your car set up, it's time to learn how to drift it! Drifting in Assetto Corsa is all about controlling the balance of the car and using the throttle, steering, and clutch to keep the car sliding. Here are some key techniques to master:

Initiating the Drift

There are several ways to initiate a drift in Assetto Corsa:

• Clutch Kick: This involves revving the engine and then quickly releasing the clutch while steering into the turn. The sudden burst of power will break the rear tires loose.
• Braking Drift: Brake hard, and then turn into the corner. As the weight shifts forward, the rear tires will lose grip, and you can begin your drift.
• Power Over: Use the throttle to induce oversteer. As you approach the corner, apply the throttle, and steer into the turn. The rear tires will lose grip, and you can control your drift.

Practice these techniques on a track with plenty of space. Start slowly and gradually increase your speed as you become more comfortable. Getting the initiation right is the key to a good drift.

Controlling the Drift

Once you're sideways, controlling the drift is all about managing the throttle and steering:

• Throttle Control: Use the throttle to maintain the angle of the drift. More throttle will increase the angle, while less throttle will reduce it. Use gentle throttle adjustments to make the car's movements predictable.
• Countersteering: Turn the steering wheel in the direction of the drift to maintain the slide. The amount of countersteering will depend on the angle of the drift and your speed. As the car rotates, make subtle adjustments to keep the front tires in the opposite direction. Countersteering is key to controlling the drift.
• Weight Transfer: Using the throttle and steering, you can shift the weight of the car and control your drifts. Remember, in Assetto Corsa, you want to be smooth and consistent with your inputs. Any sudden movements will likely upset the car's balance and cause you to spin out.

Transitions and Linking Corners

Once you have mastered the basics, it's time to start linking corners. This involves transitioning from one drift to another without losing control. Here's how:

• Transition: As you approach the end of a drift, steer and countersteer in the opposite direction. Then, apply throttle to initiate the next drift.
• Linking: Combine the techniques, such as clutch kicks, braking drifts, and power over, to smoothly flow through a series of corners. The goal is to make it look effortless, even though it takes a lot of practice.

Practice Tracks and Tips for Drifting in Assetto Corsa

Alright, you've got the setup and the techniques down – now it's time to practice. Here are some tracks in Assetto Corsa that are perfect for honing your drifting skills, plus some handy tips to get you sliding like a pro.

Recommended Drift Tracks in Assetto Corsa

• Ebisu Circuit: A classic for drifting. It offers a variety of corners, from tight hairpins to long, sweeping turns. This track is ideal for developing your skills. Both the School and Drift Land courses are excellent for practicing different drifting techniques. The Ebisu Circuit is a must-try for any drifting enthusiast.
• Okayama International Circuit: A more technical track that challenges your drifting skills. It features a good mix of corners, including a fast entry and tricky mid-corner transitions. It is an excellent place to practice high-speed drifting and linking multiple corners together.
• Brands Hatch: A great track for beginners and experienced drifters alike. The track has a good flow, making it easy to link corners and practice transitions. Try the Indy circuit for tight turns or the full track for a bigger challenge.
• Drift Playground Tracks: Several dedicated drift playgrounds in Assetto Corsa provide a safe and controlled environment to practice. These tracks often have a variety of layouts and obstacles to help you develop your skills.

Essential Drifting Tips

• Start Slow: Begin at a low speed and gradually increase it as you become more confident. This helps you get a feel for the car's behavior and avoid spins.
• Smooth Inputs: Avoid sudden steering or throttle movements. Smooth and gradual inputs are key to maintaining control. Practicing smooth inputs will make your drifts more consistent and enjoyable.
• Look Ahead: Focus on where you want the car to go, not where it is. This helps you anticipate corners and make the necessary adjustments.
• Practice, Practice, Practice: Drifting takes time and effort. Don't get discouraged if you don't get it right away. The more time you spend practicing, the better you'll become.
• Use Telemetry: Assetto Corsa has a telemetry feature that you can use to analyze your driving. Look at your throttle, steering, and other inputs, and see where you can improve.
• Find a Comfortable Setup: Adjust the car's setup to your liking. Every driver has a different preference, so don't be afraid to experiment with different settings.
• Watch Drifting Videos: Watching videos of experienced drifters can give you inspiration and help you learn new techniques. See how the pros handle their cars and try to incorporate their methods into your driving.

Conclusion: Embrace the Slide!

There you have it, guys! Your complete guide to drifting the BMW E60 in Assetto Corsa. The E60 is an excellent car for drifting, offering a fantastic blend of performance, balance, and a rewarding driving experience. Remember, it's all about finding the right setup, mastering the techniques, and, most importantly, having fun. So, get out there, tweak your setup, practice your skills, and embrace the slide! Keep practicing and experimenting, and soon you'll be able to link corners like a pro and feel the satisfaction of a perfect drift. Happy drifting!