When Fanatec signs a partnership with an automaker, it’s often the promise of good products. And surprisingly, the Fanatec CSL BMW steering wheel is currently one of the least expensive steering wheel models in the Fanatec ecosystem. With this low-priced model, we have the pleasure of finding BMW steering wheels in all 3 Fanatec ranges:
- CSL BMW (which we’re testing today)
- Clubsport BMW M2 GT2 (formore info, click here)
- Podium BMW M4 GT3(find all the info on this model here)
So how come this Fanatec steering wheel is one of the least expensive in the BMW range? Does it hide compromises in wheel design? What can we really expect from this steering wheel? Let’s find out in this test!
The Fanatec CSL BMW steering wheel from a technical point of view
- Compatibility Bases: Fanatec CSL DD, GT DD Pro, CSL Elite, Clubsport V2.5, DD1 and DD2 with limited torque.
- Console compatibility: PC, Playstation
- Vibration: No
- Wheel diameter: 30cm
- Materials: Rubber, aluminum, plastic
- Paddles: 2 metal paddles
- Customizable buttons: 12 customizable buttons, 1 button to access force feedback settings, 1 clickable 4-position joystick.
- Rev counter : 1 multicolor LED at top of wheel
- Display: 3-digit LED
- Connections: Fanatec QR1 Lite
- Weight: 1.23Kg (QR 1 Lite included)
Design and ergonomics
Right out of the box, I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the wheel’s finish. I’d like to make it abundantly clear that this is an entry-level model. That this is the least expensive model in the entire Fanatec range, and that it should be judged accordingly.
The BMW graphics painted in dark orange on the wheel, I admit, you either like it or you don’t. In any case, it’s well finished. In any case, it’s well done. The BMW logo glued to the center of the wheel flatters the ego. And the metal paddles, also orange, are nice and easy to reach.
The rubber grip is lightly textured. I’ll tell you right off the bat, don’t forget your gloves if you want to avoid sweaty hands during long play sessions. Rubber makes you sweat.
At the top of the wheel is the plastic module housing the 3-digit LED display, topped by a multicolored LED that serves as a lap counter.
I’m a little disappointed with the buttons, however. The Fanatec CSL BMW, like the CSL WRC, has smaller buttons than other Fanatec steering wheels. Why is that a problem? Well, you won’t be able to use custom covers to customize your wheel. Too bad, even for a budget wheel!
Size-wise, we’re talking about a 30cm-diameter wheel. It’s a decent size, which makes it suitable for all types of vehicle. And it’s the weight that makes this steering wheel such a pleasant surprise: 1.2Kg! It’s very light, which promises to transmit to your hands maximum detail in the force feedback from your base.
Installation, settings and compatibility of the Fanatec CSL BMW
Let’s get down to installation! At the rear of the steering wheel we find the Quick Release QR1 Lite. If you’ve read my article on the Quick Release war, you’ll know that I don’t like this model. But you have to think in economic terms. So I’m doing myself an injustice, bearing in mind that this is Fanatec’s cheapest wheel.
As on all Fanatec wheels since 2021, the Quick Release can be changed for a real aluminum QR1. This is essential if you want to enjoy the full power of the Direct Drive bases in the Podium range, for example.
But if you’ve chosen this wheel, you’re far more likely to have a CSL DD or GT DD Pro, aren’t you? In that case, rest assured, the QR1 Lite will do the job “adequately”.
Why “suitably”? Well, don’t expect a perfect Quick Release that doesn’t leave any flexibility between the steering shaft and the steering wheel. There’s bound to be a little flexibility due to the materials used. Well, we’re not talking about Logitech or Thrustmaster flexibility 😉 But it’s a point that had to be made.
Okay, I’ll stop complaining. Tighten the ring and off you go.
For settings, as always with Fanatec, you have access to your 5 force feedback backups. To access them, use the dedicated button and navigate through the settings with the stick. The LED display also makes it easy to navigate through the menus, perfecting your settings on the fly.
Finally, in terms of compatibility, you’ll be able to use it on PC and Playstation. For X Box players, check out the CSL WRC steering wheel. You’ll see that it’s very, very similar to the BMW CSL.
Bridged for life
Another point I’d like to mention is that this steering wheel will clamp the DD1 and DD2 bases to preserve the plastic QR1 Lite. You might say to yourself “that’s okay, we can change the QR and it’ll unclamp”. Big mistake! Unlike the Fanatec CSL McLaren, changing the QR1 Lite for an aluminum QR1 will not debride the wheel. The wheel simply doesn’t have the system to tell it that it’s changed Quick Release.
Comfort and feel
Once on the track, this is where the true potential of this steering wheel comes to the fore. With its featherweight design, it lets a huge amount of detail pass through from the force feedback. Details that, with the same settings, I’d miss on a heavier wheel.
Buttons are well positioned and accessible for the most part without letting go of the grip. Speaking of the grip, without gloves it’s quite pleasant, the rubber gripping well. On the other hand, the diameter of the grip is rather small, which doesn’t help immersion… But at least little hands will be happy.
And while the metal paddles aren’t magnetic, the feel is nice. On the other hand, I find the gearshifts lacking in “directness”. It’s a bit soft, if you know what I mean. But maybe my experience with magnetic paddles makes me a bit too demanding.
What are the differences with the Fanatec CSL WRC?
In Fanatec’s CSL range, there’s another steering wheel that’s very close in price. It’s the CSL WRC, already mentioned earlier in the article. If you’re hesitating between the two, here’s a little table summarizing their major differences.
My verdict on the Fanatec CSL BMW
