Fanatec reliable???

  • Thread starter gtpiero205
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gtpiero205

22
Italy
fl
Hello everyone,
I read a lot of post of people speaking good and bad about fanatec.
I know that the products is good and i was planning to buy a csw o CSR.
But after seeing a old thread here on this forum where thomas (fanatec co worker) saying that they would take care of the customers even when the warranty is expired and after right away another post of a fanatec owner who complains be without warranty and fanatec just wont replace or fix the issues because the warranty its expired without any answer from thomas in that post, also the change of the warranty from 2 years to one years, make me think that this company its not very reliable.
Also lie to customers its really bad.
I see that logitech offer 3 year warranty on the g27 and trustmaster 2 years.
its really like what i hear and see in that post??
Any bad or good experience will be very helpful.
What you guys suggest??
Thanks
 
gtpiero205, Hey Man, I've owned my GT2 wheel and CSP for over 2 years now without any problems at all and they are working as they were when purchased. I did use mine on Xbox and now they are being used on PC for iracing only. I've never used any other type of (expect a Madcatz) piece of junk wheel :-) The GT2 is a very well built wheel and I know of one friend that uses the CSW and he love it also. I've never had to use their warranty service so, I can't talk about that. Also I don't use my wheel real hard, I mean I don't abuse it as I don't abuse anything I have. Hope this helps you.
Stone775
 
I think warranty is 2 years by law in Europe.

I think it may well be fair to deem that Fanatec wheels have a higher fail rate. That said, I own a couple, and would happily buy again. Two years is a long time to work out if there are any issues with a particular specimen.

My two are going strong after several years of use.
 
As you are from Europe, Fanatec offers you two years of warranty, because it is the law in Europe.

I don't see the point of this thread. You say that you have read good things and bad things about Fanatec. What do you expect to hear in this thread? Only praising, so you are definitely going to buy from them or only bad experiences, so you definitely won't buy from them? There will always be people who have had good experience and those who have had bad experience, but it is also clear that there is a lot more happy customers, they just aren't as vocal as those other ones.

I haven't read anywhere Thomas promising fixing their stuff for free when out of warranty. It was probably meant that they could offer repairing service or may sell you the parts you need if they can.
 
I can say that I have had both a CSR Elite and a CSW since basically they first came out (right after the beta was over and they started selling). Both of my wheels had issues with the stock FFB motors more than once and the motors had to be replaced multiple times each wheel. Nothing else has given any trouble at all on either wheel. I've ended up replacing the stock FFB motors with better quality motors and haven't had a single issue since. I'm working on getting some aftermarket motors available for anyone else who wants to get a set too. In my opinion, that's the only weak point on the CSR Elite and CSW. I have had zero other problems that weren't my fault.
 
I have had my Clubsport pedals for three years, and a GT3 RS for a year before I traded up.

I had my CSR Elite for a little under a year before a glitch in game caused the motors to lock up in a menu while I was eating. This caused the motors to overheat. (Beta Unit as well) I contacted Fanatec, sent out my wheel, and had a new CSR Elite very quickly. I've had this wheel for over a year now, and it works just like new!
 
Everyone is different but this is my experience in 2 years and what needed replacing:

2 x load cell
1 x PCB (that motherboard thing)

At a time i desperately tried to get a refund because it was so frustrating. Over time I have learnt how to fix it quite quickly but as a full time father time is difficult.

So overall, I would only suggest their products who :

1. know how to fix things

and

2. have a lot of time on their hands.
 
Here is a list of every one of my Fanatec products since my first purchase in February 2011 and issue that arose(if any)

Feb 2011:
-1st GT2: Power Issue & Main PCB Issue, RMA'd and got replacement

-Porsche Pedals: Gas & clutch pot go after only 2 weeks time. Fanatec offered a $50(price at time) deduction & Free Shipping toward the ClubSport Pedals V1. TOOK IT!!! Threw out PSP upon Fanatec's request.

-Porsche Shifter Set: First 2 H-Patterns have intermittent shifts in the first 3 weeks of use. 3rd H Pattern worked and still works well if I ever call upon it again.


June 2011:

-Replacement GT2 starts to show sings of veering off center. RMA'd, and sent in for repair for a code-wheel sensor. To this day, wheel works perfectly fine that I gave to a good friend of mine.


Nov 2011:

-CSP V1's clutch sensor goes. Gas becomes intermittent. RMA'd, and sent in for repair(could have done myself, just wasn't 100% confident at the time) Replaced both Accel & clutch sensor, PCB & Load-Cell(same one I have on to this very day), and they still work as new since that repair!!!!! These are truly a mainstay in my sim rig!


Oct/Nov. 2011

-CSR Shifter Set. Felt like a decent upgrade. Had shifter set still in sim rig, NO room for movement or more than intended. After only 2 months, H-Pattern starts to become intermittent. RMA'd, and could not get a video to show my exact issue like with the Porsche set. Fanatec refuses to replace at that time.

I said to heck with it, and got a TH8RS. That thing is solid! I still need to get a hold of Jon(basher) to get a shorter bar and custom knob...... Busy these days and have other things to care about :dopey:

This is the ONLY time I could not get a fix/resolution from Fanatec.



May/June/July 2012:

-Beta Test CSW w/ both rims & CSP V2's

-CSW base motors start to go after only 2.5 months time. I am not one who plays 20-30 hours per week. Mine sees 5-10 max usually, some more, some less; mostly less. Fanatec sends V2 motor, and all is well.

-Beta BMW Rim: Right paddle shifter goes only +-2 weeks into testing. Since lack of parts, Beta rim replaced with first run of production. Fine since. Only issue is my right toggle encoder, when pushed in is intermittent. Not enough of a worry since I do not use that function to warrant RMA. However, rest of rim and in race is perfect!

-Beta F1 Rim: NO Issue

-Beta CSP V2: Had gas Sensor issue pretty much out of the box. Was sent all new electronics, still slightly faulty. Replaced V2 PCB with my V1 PCB, NO issue since, and sold to a friend who now uses them. I am back with the V1's with Dave Struve Brake Mod kit, and am content 👍





Final Synopsis:

When your Fanatec gear is working, it is some of the best gear available. But when near, imho anyways, +-40% of the gear upon delivery is faulty, I can see why most have hesitation. This is an investment to most. You want to feel like your dollar is valued, and you are getting a quality product in return. I work in commercial sales in the construction business. If my product leaked, or we just ran away from issues, we would lose money. We are a "for profit" company, and make a real profit! And we like to keep it that way.

We recently had a survey done with all of our customers over the last 5 years done by a BIG firm in the industry. We have a +-99.3% effective product rating(Varies +-2% rating according to survey, would be nice to be over 100% :sly:). Something we pride ourselves on. That is why I have a so/so feeling regarding Fanatec anymore. It seems to be a lack of focus in many aspects, again, imho. Hope this helps!
 
Thanks guys for share your experience.
I am italian but i live in miami so my warranty should be 1 year.
I think that the 40% faulty rate its very high.
I have some knowledge in fixing thinks but if i can avoid this by adding additional warranty its better.
I would like to know if there is a insurance company where i can buy additional warranty for the wheels in the USA.
 
Also in eu their offer service pack and in the usa not.
Its a shame.
If i cant find additional insurance company i think i will go with the thrustmaster .
Last question.
My priority is precision, no dead spot , no lag.
Are there any significant big difference between the thrustmaster t500 rs gt and the fanatec csw wheels???
 
Raitziger
Yes, speed of the fanatec wheel depends on selected rim.(BMW rim is slower than t500rs but F1 is faster)
Click to expand...

thanks
so the gt500 with f1 wheels is faster
any difference in precision or lag when steering, pedals and other things??
I found the thrustmaster at 499 with 2 years warranty.
the fanatec csw base only 499 with wheels and pedal goes up to 899 dollars.
Do you think that the 400 dollar difference its worth???
I mean is there any significant difference to justify the $400 more ???
 
Last edited:
First of all, there definitely isn't a faulty rate of 40% or they would long be bust. If you take all their different wheels, they have sold tens of thousands if not even hundreds of thousands.

If you are going to get Clubsport pedals in your package, it is superior compared to Thrustmaster pedals, so there should be a huge difference.
Speed may be more important if you are mainly drifting, but CSW is also good for that, so I wouldn't make big deal out of it. BMW rim for CSW is also bigger than Thrustmaster's and feels so good.
Fanatec also has more setup possibilities on the go and also may show shift lights, speed or gear on the rim depending on what platform are you playing.
 
bumer
First of all, there definitely isn't a faulty rate of 40% or they would long be bust. If you take all their different wheels, they have sold tens of thousands if not even hundreds of thousands.

If you are going to get Clubsport pedals in your package, it is superior compared to Thrustmaster pedals, so there should be a huge difference.
Speed may be more important if you are mainly drifting, but CSW is also good for that, so I wouldn't make big deal out of it. BMW rim for CSW is also bigger than Thrustmaster's and feels so good.
Fanatec also has more setup possibilities on the go and also may show shift lights, speed or gear on the rim depending on what platform are you playing.
Click to expand...

My games will be F1 , iracing and rally most of the time.
so as i understand the thrusmaster wheel its little more faster and precise then the fanatec but the club sport pedals are better then the thrustmaster.
So the major difference are the pedal if you buy the club sport.
So if iam not worng the wheels from thrustmaster is slightly better or equal
to the wheels of fanatec.
In any case there is no major difference between the wheels from fanatec and thrusmaster right?
 
Last edited:
gtpiero205
so as i understand the thrusmaster wheel its little more faster and precise then the fanatec but the club sport pedals are better then the thrustmaster.
Click to expand...

No. Thrustmaster isn't more precise, it is either the same or worse.
Faster means that if your car loses control and you let go the wheel, it may spin freely from one side to the other some (some hundred? who knows?) milliseconds faster, but generally you turn the wheel and both wheels can spin faster than you yourself can rotate it.

gtpiero205
So if iam not worng the wheels from thrustmaster is slightly better or equal
to the wheels of fanatec.
Click to expand...

No, they aren't better. If your greatest need is a as fast free spin as possible, than yes, Thrustmaster is a bit better, but that is basically all.

gtpiero205
In any case there is no major difference between the wheels from fanatec and thrusmaster right?
Click to expand...
It depends what you mean by major. One is mainly plastic, while the other is mainly aluminum. Fanatec also has tuning options on the go.
 
bumer
No. Thrustmaster isn't more precise, it is either the same or worse.
Faster means that if your car loses control and you let go the wheel, it may spin freely from one side to the other some (some hundred? who knows?) milliseconds faster, but generally you turn the wheel and both wheels can spin faster than you yourself can rotate it.



No, they aren't better. If your greatest need is a as fast free spin as possible, than yes, Thrustmaster is a bit better, but that is basically all.


It depends what you mean by major. One is mainly plastic, while the other is mainly aluminum. Fanatec also has tuning options on the go.
Click to expand...

thanks so much for all the info i really appreciate.
I hear that the fanatec cws have more failure motor issues then the thrusmaster.
I think this is the most important cons about fanatec and i dont wanna spent 899 dollars buying quality alluminium design with the chance that the motor is falling quickly
Like AGP5000 a lot of other user have the same issues with the motor.
So high design but poor motor reliability .


Most likly i will go with the thrusmaster .
half money saved, reliable motor and company,same performance like the fanatec. 2 year warranty.

thanks
 
Last edited:
gtpiero205
thanks so much for all the info i really appreciate.
I hear that the fanatec cws have more failure motor issues then the thrusmaster.
I think this is the most important cons about fanatec and i dont wanna spent 899 dollars buying quality alluminium design with the chance that the motor is falling after only 1 year..

Most likly i will go with the thrusmaster .
half money saved, reliable motor and company,same performance like the fanatec. 2 year warranty.

thanks
Click to expand...

You can choose whatever you like.
CSW had problems with motors at some point. Thomas said it was due to a bad batch of motors which should be solved now, but you can never be too sure.

Every product may have problems. Even Thrustmaster have had problems with failing paddle shifter switches and cooling fan noise or whatever it was.
 
bumer
You can choose whatever you like.
CSW had problems with motors at some point. Thomas said it was due to a bad batch of motors which should be solved now, but you can never be too sure.

Every product may have problems. Even Thrustmaster have had problems with failing paddle shifter switches and cooling fan noise or whatever it was.
Click to expand...

The problems is that you cant buy additional warranty anywhere.
I come from italy and for me 2 year warranty should be the min.
Well hope they change the warranty to 2 years soon because the design and the paddles from fanatec are really looking good
 
eKretz
I can say that I have had both a CSR Elite and a CSW since basically they first came out (right after the beta was over and they started selling). Both of my wheels had issues with the stock FFB motors more than once and the motors had to be replaced multiple times each wheel. Nothing else has given any trouble at all on either wheel. I've ended up replacing the stock FFB motors with better quality motors and haven't had a single issue since. I'm working on getting some aftermarket motors available for anyone else who wants to get a set too. In my opinion, that's the only weak point on the CSR Elite and CSW. I have had zero other problems that weren't my fault.
Click to expand...

yes this is a really big problem for me that holds me back to buy from fanatec
 
gtpiero205
The problems is that you cant buy additional warranty anywhere.
I come from italy and for me 2 year warranty should be the min.
Well hope they change the warranty to 2 years soon because the design and the paddles from fanatec are really looking good
Click to expand...

I don't think they are going to change it again. It used to be 2 years in US as well as in Europe. It is still 2 years in Europe as required by the law. In US, 2 years isn't mandatory, so Fanatec changed it from 2 years to 1 year some time ago. I don't think they will change it back again.
 
I would go with Thrustmaster if you don't like to mod and/or work on stuff. The performance differences are a toss-up and IMO, as a Fanatec owner, the core mechanics of the Thrustmaster wheel—that is, the FFB motor—is more reliable in stock form than the Fanatec.
 
eKretz
I would go with Thrustmaster if you don't like to mod and/or work on stuff. The performance differences are a toss-up and IMO, as a Fanatec owner, the core mechanics of the Thrustmaster wheel—that is, the FFB motor—is more reliable in stock form than the Fanatec.
Click to expand...

i agree
with fanatec is like buying a looking good ferrari and after 2 month you need to replace the engine.
 
There are a fair few (not a lot, but still a number to be considered) threads on the iRacing forums about people's CSWs breaking after weeks / months of acquiring them. Definitely more than other brands, although the people that have good, working wheels praise it like there's no tomorrow. I too have pondered getting a CSW, but the continued reports of unreliability have kept me from doing it.
 
Oh, for sure. The wheel is absolutely fantastic when it is working, the motors are just a weak point because they are budget-made, rather than quality (Bühler) motors like Thrustmaster is using. I'm not sure I would fully agree with the Ferrari analogy above, since it is quite a lot easier to change the electrical motors in the Fanatec wheel than a car's engine (a major job), but YMMV.
 
I had a CSR wheel that I bought as soon as it launched. I had zero issues with it, it was rock solid, they even fixed the high pitched buzzing sound via firmware. I was so impressed that I wanted to upgrade to the CSR Elite wheel, which I did.

That is also a fantastic wheel. But the motor went out on me after 3 months of good use. They did send me a replacement promptly, but I had to replace it myself or wait over a month for them to fix it. The steps they gave me were good, plus youtube has some video walk through's too.

I haven't hardly sued my wheel in the past 6+ months with the new motor, but when GT6 launches, I'll know pretty quickly how reliable this new motor is from them. IIRC, they did admit to having poor motors in the early CSR Elite models and said this newer (yet identically, same-looking) motor is more reliable...time will tell!

Jerome
 
Coxis
There are a fair few (not a lot, but still a number to be considered) threads on the iRacing forums about people's CSWs breaking after weeks / months of acquiring them. Definitely more than other brands, although the people that have good, working wheels praise it like there's no tomorrow. I too have pondered getting a CSW, but the continued reports of unreliability have kept me from doing it.
Click to expand...
I search in google and i found more people complain in more forums.
The motor is the main problem but not only that.
More expensive , less warranty and no additional warranty available , same performance as thrusmaster,
A complete configuration with base,one wheel, crs pedals , and standard shifter goes min to 800 dollars shipped. the thrusmaster i found it for 499 without shifter and 650 with the shifter which is much better then standard shifter from fanatec.
doenst make any sense spent $499 for the cws base
First the motor they use its no worth $499 if its breaks in 2 week /2 months with the same money you get a much better reliable motor, pedals, wheel and same performance or better with the thrusmaster.
Iam glad i search in google for fanatec issues.Was really close to spent a lot of money with the fanatec and have less reliablity an maybe trouble too.
 
gtpiero205
you get a much better reliable motor, pedals, wheel and same performance or better with the thrusmaster.
Iam glad i search in google for fanatec issues.Was really close to spent a lot of money with the fanatec and have less reliablity an maybe trouble too.
Click to expand...
On a strictly performance basis.
T500 vs CSR-E/CSW : arguable

CSP vs t500 pedals: Fanatec wins no contest.
 

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