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If you’re looking to improve handling performance, these G81 M3 Touring suspension upgrades will deliver a new level of driving enjoyment. Reduce understeer, improve steering feedback, increase chassis response and enhance braking stability with the following M3 suspension upgrades from Suspension Secrets.
In this G81 M3 Touring suspension upgrades guide, we’ll cover the car’s handling flaws and detail how to fix them with a select range of suspension mods. We’ll also explain which Suspension Secrets handling packages are best suited for fast road and track driving.
Model Overview
The G81 is BMW’s first ever M3 Touring and debuted at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in June 2022. As standard it came in Competition spec with 510hp/650Nm turbocharged straight-six engine, and BMW’s M xDrive all-wheel-drive system.
As well as a 500 to 1,510-litre boot, the G81 M3 Competition Touring also packs Adaptive M suspension at both the front and rear. Up front it uses a lightweight aluminium double-joint spring strut axle, while the rear has a five-link axle made from a lightweight aluminium and steel mix. The rear subframe is rigidly bolted to the body for extra stiffness, and both ends are tuned with M-specific suspension geometry and bushing setup for sharper handling and improved control.
Production of the G81 M3’s mid-life facelift began in June 2024, the in-line six-pot motor receiving a bump in output to 530hp while linked to the same eight-speed automatic gearbox as before. The M3 Competition Touring’s 19-inch front and 20-inch rear wheel setup was also unchanged at the model refresh.
G81 M3 Handling Issues
Like those on the M3 Saloon and M4 Coupe, the G81 M3 suspension is compromised by design in the interests of capping manufacturing costs and catering to a broad range of driving abilities. This creates a number of problems including…
- Mid-corner understeer
- Steering low on feedback
- No front camber adjustment
- Limited rear camber adjustment
- Rubber bushings that flex
However, handling and communication can be dramatically improved with a range of bolt-on Suspension Secrets upgrades that require no changes to bodywork.
Common Handling Problems (And How to Fix Them)
BMW intentionally sets up the G81 M3 to understeer at the limit. While safe, this compromises driver confidence and engagement.
The most effective fixes are:
1. Increasing front camber to reduce understeer
2. Improving rear toe control to enhance traction
3. Lowering the centre of gravity to reduce pitch and roll
4. Correcting geometry with a professional alignment
Together, these upgrades completely transform how the M3 and M4 respond to steering, braking, and throttle inputs.
Suspension Geometry & Alignment Setup (Top Tip)
A full suspension geometry alignment is essential after installing new suspension parts.
By correctly adjusting camber, toe, and caster (where available), alignment ensures you maximise grip, stability, and tyre life.
Benefits of Proper G81 M3 Geometry Setup
- Sharper steering response
- Increased cornering grip
- Improved rear traction
- Enhanced braking stability
A professional alignment is the single most cost-effective handling upgrade you can make.
Essential Suspension Upgrades for BMW G81 M3 Touring
These are the best suspension upgrades for the BMW G81 M3 Touring, offering the greatest performance gains per pound. They also form the foundation of all Suspension Secrets handling packages.
Front Lowering Springs
Aftermarket front lowering springs are a superb first suspension upgrade for the G81 M3 Competition Touring.
Benefits:
- Lowered centre of gravity
- Less brake dive and acceleration squat
- Reduced body roll
- Improved aesthetics and wheelarch fitment
Lowering springs are typically stiffer than OEM springs, which actually improves refinement by reducing BMW’s characteristic suspension crashiness.
They also introduce a positive rake angle (lower front ride height than rear), which:
- Improves braking stability
- Enhances turn-in response
Adjustable Camber & Caster Plates
A lack of factory camber adjustment is the primary cause of the G81 M3’s understeer.
Adjustable camber plates allow additional negative camber to be dialled in, significantly improving front-end grip and steering feel.
Why Camber Plates Matter on the G81 M3 Touring
- Reduce understeer
- Sharpen turn-in
- Increase steering feedback
- Improve tyre wear on track
Suspension Secrets Adjustable Camber & Caster Plates also increase caster angle, providing dynamic camber gain as steering lock is applied. High-performance Rodobal bearings improve damper response, while toothed adjustment slots prevent settings from slipping under hard use.
These camber plates work perfectly with standard dampers, lowering springs, or coilovers.
Adjustable Rear Toe Arms
With more negative camber dialled into the M3’s front axle, the next step is to upgrade the G81’s rear suspension.
During extensive road and track testing, we identified rear toe instability as the main cause of traction loss and rear-end nervousness on corner exit.
Suspension Secrets Adjustable Rear Toe Arms offer:
- Greater adjustment range than OEM arms
- Independent optimisation of camber and toe
- Solid mounting to eliminate flex under load
Unlike the rubber‑bushed factory arms, our solid-mounted toe arms maintain consistent geometry during acceleration and high-speed cornering.
Suspension Packages Explained
If you’re ready to take handling to the next level, Suspension Secrets offers a range of complete G81 M3 suspension packages for road and track use.
CS+ Handling Pack 1 (Fast Road)
Designed to fix the G81 M3’s biggest handling drawbacks, the CS+ Handling Pack delivers exceptional value.
Includes:
- Adjustable Camber & Caster Plates
- Adjustable Rear Toe Arms
This package provides more camber and caster adjustment than BMW’s own CS/CSL upgrades, significantly reducing understeer while improving rear stability.
Best for: Fast road and occasional track use
Handling Pack 2 (Clubsport)
Handling Pack 2 is a comprehensive Fast Road/Track solution with optional coilovers or lowering springs.
Includes:
- Adjustable Camber & Caster Plates
- Front & Rear Drop Links
- Adjustable Rear Toe Arms (with lockout kit)
- Adjustable Rear Traction Arms
- Front Offset Caster Bushes
- Choice of Springs, HAS kit, or Coilovers
Best for: Enthusiast road drivers and fast road/track combination
Handling Pack 3 (Track)
Designed for drivers seeking maximum adjustability with minimal NVH increase, Handling Pack 3 focuses heavily on rear traction and precision.
Includes:
- Adjustable Camber & Caster Plates
- Adjustable Rear Toe Arms
- Adjustable Rear Camber Arms
- Adjustable Rear Traction Arms
- Front Offset Caster Bushes
- Solid Rear Control Arm Bushes
- Front And Rear Drop Links
- Coilovers or lowering springs
Best for: Regular track driving
Full Kinematics Kit
The ultimate suspension solution for serious circuit use.
Includes:
- Fully adjustable rear toe, camber, and traction arms
- Lockout kits for consistent geometry
- Solid front and rear bushes
Best for: Dedicated track cars and competition use
BMW G81 M3 Touring Suspension FAQ
What are the main handling issues with the G81 M3 Touring?
Factory setup promotes understeer, limited front camber adjustment, and some rear-end instability under hard driving.
What’s the best upgrade to reduce understeer?
Adjustable front camber caster plates - they greatly improve front grip, turn-in and steering feel.
Do rear toe arms make a noticeable difference?
Yes. They improve rear stability and traction by keeping rear geometry consistent under acceleration and cornering loads.
Are front lowering springs worth it on the G81 M3?
Yes. They reduce roll, dive and squat, lower the centre of gravity, and often improve overall control and refinement.
Do I need an alignment after suspension upgrades?
Absolutely. A proper geometry setup unlocks the performance benefits and improves grip, tyre wear and stability.
Tested and developed by Suspension Secrets through extensive road and track evaluation, these BMW G81 M3 Touring suspension upgrades unlock a new level of handling performance.