The steering wheel from a genuine BMW M4 GT3

We’re used to seeing replicas inspired by race cars. Here, it’s the other way around. This Fanatec BMW M4 GT3 steering wheel was developed in collaboration with BMW M Motorsport for the actual 2022 M4 GT3, and it transfers seamlessly from the real cockpit to our rig without any modifications. You’re not holding a gaming accessory—you’re holding a homologated racing wheel that you’ve simply plugged into the base, and you can feel the difference the moment you grip it.

Full carbon, zero flex

The rim is made of one-piece forged carbon, weighing approximately 1,700 g including the quick-release mechanism, with a race-approved diameter of 308 mm. Its rigidity is immediately apparent: no play, no twisting, even when applying force to the rim. The grips are molded from a firm, grippy rubber that holds the palms securely without sticking, and the shape fits naturally under the fingers. The only downside is that these grips collect dust quickly and require regular wiping.

Once it's launched, everything becomes legible

It’s on the track that this stiffness really comes into its own. Since nothing flexes between our hands and the base, every micro-variation in force feedback is transmitted intact. Going into a turn, you can precisely feel the front end loading up and then starting to lose traction, and the transition between grip and slide becomes very clear. Under braking, the onset of lockup is just as quick to detect, which allowed us to push our braking points back with confidence. On long stints in GT3, the feedback remains sharp and precise; you find new reference points, and the lap times follow suit. It’s a steering wheel that communicates a lot—almost demanding—and rewards clean driving.

The cockpit

The shift paddles are made of carbon fiber; they are wide and slightly adjustable, with a crisp magnetic release and no dead zone. Below them, two metal clutch paddles offer a longer, firmer travel, ideal for controlling the start. There are twelve buttons on the front, two on the back, three central rotary encoders, and rubberized thumb encoders with excellent tactile feedback; the backlit buttons are easy to distinguish by touch without taking your eyes off the track. The central BMW logo conceals a four-way directional pad, and a small display shows the essentials. Two minor drawbacks: the rear buttons are positioned a bit too far back, requiring you to reposition your fingers, and the plastic central encoders clash with the rest of the unit, which is otherwise very high-end.

What does he use to film with?

The steering wheel attaches to the Fanatec ecosystem via Fanatec’s proprietary quick-release system: QR2 Pro on recent models, QR1 on older ones, with both remaining interchangeable using the appropriate adapter. It works with the Podium DD1 and DD2, ClubSport DD and DD+, and CSL DD bases. In terms of platforms, it’s compatible with Windows PCs, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5—provided the base itself is PlayStation-compatible. One thing to check before buying: it’s not Xbox-compatible. If your setup is Xbox-based, look elsewhere.

For whom, and at what price?

This steering wheel is designed for intermediate to advanced drivers who already use Fanatec Direct Drive systems, primarily race in GT, prototype, or modern GT3 cars, and want a driving experience as close to the real thing as possible. A beginner can use it, but the unit is almost intimidating, and some of its potential will remain untapped on a small base. You also have to accept a very high price tag, especially since it lacks a full-size display and features some components (plastic encoders) that we would have liked to see be more premium. That said, in terms of authenticity, rigidity, and feedback quality, this is still one of the most refined GT3 steering wheels on the market.