The Fanatec BMW GT2 V2 steering wheel is the evolution of its predecessor (the V1, of course…). Still under official BMW license, this model is a replica of the BMW M3 GT2 steering wheel. And on paper, the offer looks pretty tempting.
But with the multitude of steering wheels recently launched by Fanatec, a question arises. Does this V2 BMW steering wheel belong in your simracing cockpit? Let’s find out!
The Fanatec BMW GT2 V2 steering wheel from a technical point of view
- Base compatibility: All Fanatec bases.
- Console compatibility: PC, Playstation
- Vibration: No
- Wheel diameter: 32cm
- Materials: Italian Alcantara, aluminum, plastic
- Paddles: 2 magnetic paddles
- Customizable buttons: 11 customizable buttons, 1 clickable analog joystick, 1 FunkySwitch 7 positions (up, down, right, left, rotate left, rotate right, click).
- Lap counter: 9 LEDs
- Display: 3-digit LED
- Connections: Fanatec QR1
- Weight: 1.66Kg
Fanatec Clubsport BMW GT2 V2 in brief
Design and ergonomics
When I unpacked it, I experienced something of an emotional elevator. The first thing I thought when I took the wheel out of its protective bag was “Wow, that’s pretty! The finish is stunning, and it’s much nicer in person than in videos or photos. So I was delighted!
But when I emptied the box, there was one little thing that bothered me: No covers to personalize the buttons. And how can I put this… I need covers! I don’t want to memorize the placements every time I change wheels.
If you have several wheels at home and change them often, you probably know what I’m talking about. With this V2, I would have found it completely logical for Fanatec to send us a set of caches, even basic ones. So we wouldn’t have to go back to the cash register afterwards.
But hey, I’m not going to complain all day about that detail. Especially since I’ve got quite a stock of wheel covers from all the wheel testing I’ve done 🙂 It’s more for your sake than mine.
Back to the steering wheel!
Getting back to the Fanatec BMW GT2 V2steering wheel itself, it’s beautiful. Very beautiful indeed. The finish is impeccable, theItalian alcantara that surrounds the grip is of the finest quality, and under the fingers it’s a delight.
Of course, alcantara requires gloves. Without them, you’ll ruin the finish in a matter of weeks. In fact, even with gloves on, after a few months (depending on how you use them), you’ll notice marks on your hands. There’s nothing you can do about it. But it’s important to know before buying a steering wheel in this material.
To discover: 3 simracing glove models for less than 40€
The wheel’s 32cm diameter and thick grip make for a natural, secure grip. The magnetic paddles (Clubsport Module) fit snugly under the fingers and are adjustable.
Weight-wise, this Fanatec steering wheel weighs 1.66Kg, the same as the Clubsport RS. Fanatec boasts that it has reduced the weight by 30% compared to the V1, while improving the steering wheel’s rigidity. As a result, we shouldn’t lose too much detail on the force feedback of the low-power bases.
On the other hand, even before placing the steering wheel on my setup, I have the impression that the 11 knobs are a hair’s breadth from the thumbs. But that remains to be verified on the track.
Installation, settings and compatibility of the Fanatec BMW GT2 V2
Here I go, installing the BMW GT2 V2 steering wheel on my Fanatec CSL DD. As usual, installation takes just a few seconds, thanks to the Quick Release QR1. I know that some people find it a bit old-fashioned, and I have to admit that in the Quick Release war, Fanatec is a bit behind. But the QR1 does its job perfectly, and I don’t notice the slightest “play” or flex between the steering shaft and the Quick Release.
Note that the Quick Release is easily detachable and can be changed for a QR2 when Fanatec decides to release it.
For settings, as with all Fanatec steering wheels, you can retrieve your 5 force feedback memories directly via the steering wheel. The LED display also lets you navigate the menus to make fine adjustments on the fly.
I found the approach less effective than the traditional 1″ OLED displays found on many Fanatec wheels. But at least this replica steering wheel remains as faithful as possible to the original.
This V2 BMW steering wheel is compatible with all Fanatec bases. As far as platforms are concerned, however, you’ll have to make do with a PC or Playstation.
Comfort and feel
OK, the wheel is in place on the base, and we’re off for a big driving session on Assetto Corsa! And the first thing I notice is that, as I suspected when I unpacked the box, the buttons are a long way from your thumbs.
If you’ve got big hands, you shouldn’t have too much trouble reaching the 4 buttons at the top of the wheel. On the other hand, all the others require you to let go at least partially of the wheel’s grip to operate them. And that’s not ideal for racing. It’s actually quite surprising when you remember that this wheel is a replica of the original. Are all BMW drivers giants?
As for the paddles, as usual with the magnetic Clubsport module, they’re very efficient. And unlike buttons, the paddles are easy to reach, even in the middle of a bend.
Of course, as with the Clubsport RS steering wheel models and its predecessor Porsche 918 RSR, the 32cm coupled with a weight of almost 1.7Kg… This eats into the precision of the force feedback. But this little loss is negligible when you consider the pleasure and precision with which you can place each stroke of the steering wheel thanks to its large diameter.
To sum up, this Fanatec BMW GT2 V2 steering wheel gives a great feeling. It’s beautifully finished and equally at home in GT racing, rallying and drifting. On the other hand, its buttons are too far from the grip for my taste to make it my daily wheel. My heart remains with the old Porsche 918 RSR wheel.
Customizing the steering wheel
If, like me, you want or need to customize and locate your buttons, then the Button Caps option is a must.
Once again, I would have really appreciated it if Fanatec had delivered the steering wheel with a set of covers.
My verdict on the Fanatec BMW GT2 V2
