Sim Racing has been on my radar for over a decade, but it really got under control in December 2019 when I took part in a BMWSport event at BMW Welt in Munich. That was the moment when the racetrack bitten me deeply, and since then I have longed for my own Sim -Rennr.
Why I finally built a sim -racing at home
The “why” behind this dream completely depends on who listens. When my wife is nearby, my explanation is shifted towards parenting: Sim Racing is a great way to introduce our children to driving and racing and to steer them on iPads and smartphones from endless hours. Admittedly, replacing the screen time with a different type of screen time may not be ideal, but it was the best reason that I could think of. After all, she often reminds me that the room is tight and I don’t need another hobby.
But if we are honest, my own reasons are a little more personal and more practical. First, as an automotive journalist, the Track Time is valuable and limited. During a recent BMW M event on the F1 route from Abu Dhabi, I hardly had time to learn the circuit. A home SIM rig lets me practice extensive tracks in advance and significantly improve my real mileage. After talking to professional SIM racing drivers, I also learned how realistic modern simulators really help to improve the skills of the real world.
Oh, and I mentioned that it is fun? (Just don’t say to my wife that I said that.) To have a committed Simpor in your own “man’s cave” is a dream that is shared by countless automotive enthusiasts, including me.
Select the right SIM -Rig: Compact without compromise
However, the challenge was to compensate for the performance with the practicality. After extensive research, including the insights into the complete aluminum 8020 setups, I decided on the Trophy Theater. Compact and yet robust enough to master a powerful direct drive wheel stand, it was the ideal compromise to keep the performance of high and domestic harmony intact. A friend, Nate, chose the Playseat Challenge X, a foldable option that offers us an excellent basis for comparison in the future.
The PlaySeat -Trophy is spring (~ 16 kg), compact (138 × 58 × 101 cm), yet robust enough for 12 -nm -Direkt -Drive -and can be moved with simple hiding place or, which confirms the practicality of your setup.
The fanatec setup-a BMW-inspired SIM racing experience
The selection of the wheelbase and the steering wheel was just as important. I have always admired Fanatec, especially since BMW Motorsport events have been met for the first time. The fanatec podium BMW M4 GT3 Wheel noticed years ago when BMW integrated it directly into its real GT3 racing cars and enabled racing drivers to literally carry their SIM bike to actual races. Of course, it felt like it was to choose the same steering wheel, coupled with the fanatec club sports -DD wheelbase. The latter provides a real and stable torque of 12 Nm, fast reaction (high iron) and reliable cooling – everything to maintain performance over long bits.
The Fanatec Podium BMW M4 GT3 Wheel offers carbon build, several buttons and encoders and magnetic paddles with racing strengths.
To round off the package, I added the CSL pedals from Fanatec and the CSL load cell kit. Precise braking is of crucial importance in the SIM racing, and these pedals offer a nuanced feedback, improve control and realism. Although advanced options may be available, this setup matches my current skills perfectly and connects directly to BMW’s own motorsport initiatives. In total, this rig will definitely get a serious investment in just under 3,000 US dollars, but certainly not at the highest end of the SIM racing spectrum.
Cost creation – what this Sim Racing Rig really costs
- Playseat trophy: $ 599.00
- Fanatec Clubsport DD wheelbase: $ 999.99
- Fanatec Podium BMW M4 GT3 steering wheel: $ 1.599.99
- Fanatec CSL pedals: $ 139.99
- Fanatec CSL Load Cell Kit: $ 174.99
Total costs: approx. 3,513.96 USD
Set up – installation tips and insights
The compilation of the Playseat trophy was uncomplicated and initially took about two hours, with my seating position and ergonomics finished for a few hours. A short tip: Update the pedal firmware on your PC before installing it on the RIG. Trust me; It will save some frustration.
The trophy turned out to be impressively rigid and treated the power of the wheelbase without bending. Surprisingly, my wife’s approval was even won, which now seems to be fascinated by this new hobby. How for the children? They are enthusiastic and excited about their first steps to race.
The installation of the fanatec equipment was uncomplicated, but exciting. The assembly of the pedals and the wheelbase required a careful setting, but after voting, the experience was phenomenal. The BMW M4 GT3 steering wheel is not only beautifully designed, but really feels like a real racing bike – inappropriate because it is officially approved for the global racing series.
I hardly scratched the surface at all configurations and buttons, but if you want to learn more about it, we have made some great videos in the past, in which serious racing drivers explained his functions.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9yayds2cihy
Play on – my first steps in Assetto Corsa Competizione
Before that, before the World Cup in Riad, Saudi Arabia, I took part in a BMW -ESPORT -Board camp -an event by Team Redline, led by none other than Max Verstappen. I spent time with Pro -SIM racing drivers and learned setups, equipment and decisive SIM platforms for newcomers. While Iracing is highly recommended, I chose Assetto Corsa Competizione (ACC) as a beginner-friendly but realistic alternative. I started with basic GT3 cars, but I already have additional bundles and DLCs in mind and immerse yourself deeper into Sim Racing Acronymes and Community resources.
The use of a PC-based setup ensures flexibility and enables growth. I quickly became familiar with platforms and tools such as Steam, Fanalab, Content Manager, custom Shaders patch and various community tuning profiles. The goal is pleasure and gradual development of skills, not to perfectionism.
A funny, functional rig with space for growing
Hopefully, if you want to convince your own partner via a SIM -Renn -Setup for home polishing. It is compact, uses existing TV setups and offers endless enjoyment and practical skills. At the moment I am taking my beginner status, but I quickly learn.
Stay tuned – I will soon share a detailed video that shows this setup together with regular updates to my progress and discoveries. Let the race start!
Disclaimer: Fanatec provided the equipment for review purposes with the understanding that it was returned after testing. Playseat delivered the trophy seat for checking and does not have to be returned.
