True direct drive without breaking the bank

The BMW Ready2Race is no longer just a starter kit that you replace after six months. What you have here is a complete and cohesive direct-drive system, designed to help you make the leap from a belt-driven or gear-driven steering wheel without getting lost in haphazard combinations. Everything arrives in the same box, plugs in within minutes, and works right out of the box—which is still rare when you’re assembling the base, steering wheel, and pedals à la carte. The difference you feel immediately is the nature of the connection between your hands and the car. You go from a steering wheel that simulates forces to a system that transmits them, and the act of turning becomes a tool for precise control rather than just a simple movement to navigate a turn.

What's in the box

The package centers around the CSL DD QR2 base unit, which comes in a 5 Nm version but includes the Boost Kit 180—the 180 W power supply that unlocks the 8 Nm of peak torque. No software configuration is required—simply plug in the high-power power supply, and the base delivers its full power. The shaft is made of carbon-fiber-reinforced composite, the aluminum chassis acts as a passive heat sink, and the rotation angle reaches up to 2,520 degrees, electronically adjustable. Added to this are the 300-mm BMW CSL steering wheel and the CSL two-pedal set, all connected via the QR2 Lite quick-release mount already installed on the base.

8 Nm—what a difference it makes once it's up and running

This is where the package really shines. The 8 Nm isn’t meant to tear your shoulders off—it expands the dynamic range. The base model excels at conveying the track’s texture and grip feedback. The slippage of a tire, the texture of a rumble strip, the precise moment a front wheel loses traction—all of this is transmitted through the steering wheel instead of having to be guessed by sound or on-screen visuals. On the Long Beach Super Formula circuit, you feel the rumble strips more clearly and distinctly, and the bumps really throw you off your line. At the corner entry, the steering wheel pushes back with enough authority that you can feel the car loading the front end, and this increase in resistance becomes a reliable cue for gauging how aggressively to attack the corner. During braking and weight transfers, the feedback becomes more direct without ever becoming harsh. The major benefit of the 8 Nm over the base 5 Nm is the reduction in clipping. The feedback remains clean under load; the engine no longer seems to be constantly pushed to its limits, and the whole experience feels more controlled and lively. During long endurance sessions, the torque remains perfectly manageable, and the fear of getting hurt—which is often felt by those coming from a belt-driven system—doesn’t materialize.

The BMW Steering Wheel: Lightweight and Feature-Packed

Weighing just 1.2 kg, the BMW rim is very lightweight, and that pays off: it conveys a maximum amount of force feedback detail. The rubberized coating provides a secure grip, even when your palms get a little sweaty, and it remains comfortable over time without any annoying pressure points. We still recommend wearing gloves during long sessions, though, as that same grip can make your hands sweat. The twelve front buttons fall naturally under your fingers and are quickly memorized by muscle memory, while the copper-finished metal paddles, supported by a metal dome, offer a crisp, positive click. You can sense the CSL positioning in certain details—a rim that’s slightly hollow in places and clicks that aren’t as premium as on a ClubSport—but the build quality remains good, and the readability of the LEDs and the three-digit display is excellent. Note that the buttons, which are smaller than on other Fanatec steering wheels, prevent the use of customization covers.

The pedal set: a sturdy one without a load cell

The CSL pedal set does the job for its price range. It’s all-metal construction—except for the footrests—and the whole unit feels solid. The throttle offers a long, smooth travel, though we would have liked just a touch more resistance. The brake uses a stiffer spring and PU foam to create progressive resistance—a surprisingly effective solution for getting started. The contactless 12-bit Hall effect sensors ensure precise and long-lasting readings without mechanical wear. However, it’s important to be clear about the limitations: this isn’t a load cell, and the precision of modulation during hard braking can’t match that of a pressure-based brake. The good news is that you can switch to a three-pedal setup and add a braking kit later, without having to start from scratch.

The Limits We Accept

Two limitations become apparent with use. First, the rim: at less than 8 Nm of torque at full lock, it can flex and produce some creaking noises during intense driving sessions—a known flaw in CSL steering wheels. Second, the motor itself. When pushed hard in a heavy single-seater or an LMP with force feedback set to maximum, it eventually lacks authority. For the vast majority of road cars and GTs pushed to their limits, 8 Nm is more than enough, but drivers who demand a lot during hard driving will eventually start looking for something more. Nothing deal-breaking—these are the logical trade-offs at this price point.

Who, in the end,

This bundle is perfect for anyone upgrading from a belt- or gear-driven steering wheel and looking for their first true direct-drive system, or for beginners who don’t want to have to buy a new one in a year. You can use it as your main setup for a long time, then gradually add a load-cell pedal set, a more specialized steering wheel, a handbrake, or a sequential shifter over time thanks to the Fanatec ecosystem. As for platforms, the system runs on PC; the base and the BMW steering wheel are also compatible with Xbox One and Series X and S, but none of this works on PlayStation—something to check before ordering.