AST 2022+ BMW M2(G87)/2020+ M3(G80)/2021+ M4 (G82) Adjustable Top Mount Camber Plates - OEM Damper
Here’s a clear, technical comparison of AST adjustable top-mount camber plates versus the OEM front strut top mounts for the relevant BMW models:
Applicable models:
- 2022+ BMW M2 (G87)
- 2020+ BMW M3 (G80)
- 2021+ BMW M4 (G82)
ð§ What the Parts Do
- OEM strut top mounts are designed by BMW for everyday use — they give a fixed amount of camber and are optimized for comfort, NVH, and predictable handling in stock form.
- AST adjustable top mount camber plates replace the factory mounts and let you dial in more negative camber or fine-tune camber for alignment — especially when lowering the car or adding stiffer suspension.
ð§ What You Get With
AST Adjustable Top Mount Camber Plates
Here are the key advantages over OEM:
ðŠ 1. Greater Camber Adjustability
- AST plates allow you to increase negative camber beyond OEM limits.
- Useful for:
- Track setups
- Lowered cars that get excessive positive camber at ride height
- Tuning lateral grip at higher cornering loads
- OEM is fixed and can’t be tuned for these conditions.
ðŊ 2. Better Alignment Control
- Fine-tuning camber lets you match alignment to tire choice, track type, and suspension setup.
- More camber = better contact patch in corners and more predictable turn-in.
- OEM values are conservative for comfort and tire wear — not maximum grip.
ð 3. More Responsive Steering Feel
- With proper camber, the front tires load more evenly in hard turns.
- Results in crisper turn-in and improved cornering balance compared with stock settings.
ð 4. Easier Compensation When Lowering
- Lowering springs or coilovers usually change static camber.
- AST plates let you correct that without resorting to extreme caster/camber values at the rear or front alone.
- OEM mounts often limit how much you can correct before hitting alignment limits.
ð 5. Track / Performance Focused
- Especially beneficial if you:
- Use the car on track days
- Push tires hard in autocross or performance driving
- Want consistent front grip at high lateral Gs
- Factory parts are balanced toward everyday use, not performance tuning.
ð§° 6. Durability and Precision
- Well-engineered aftermarket plates like AST often use quality materials and tighter tolerances than stock rubber-mounted top hats.
- OEM bushings can flex under load; adjustable plates stay more consistent during aggressive driving.
⚖️ Trade-offs to Consider
To give a fair picture, here’s what you lose compared to OEM:
- ðŠķ Slightly harsher NVH — adjustable plates often use stiffer bearings/bushings.
- ð§Đ More complex installation — requires proper alignment afterward.
- ⚙️ Not necessary for street-only cars — if you rarely take the car to track or don’t lower it much, OEM is perfectly fine.
- ðļ Higher cost — performance parts add cost compared to stock.
ð Summary: Advantages of AST vs OEM
AST Adjustable Top Mount Camber Plates provide:
- Greater and more precise camber adjustability
- Improved alignment flexibility
- Sharper handling and better cornering performance
- Better support for lowered or track-oriented setups
- More consistent behavior under load
OEM mounts provide:
- Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) tuned for comfort
- Simplicity and reliability for everyday driving
- Zero maintenance and stock alignment ranges


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