Fanatec reliable???

  • Thread starter gtpiero205
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Just to let u know that t500 doesn't meen trouble free i had to replace mine after 30 days of use (I used it about 2h a day) it started blowing fuses and has been replaced by retailer so I cant really coment about TM custumer service... I'm also thinking about going fanatec csw route only for sexy look of theirs bmw rim and base it wont make me faster but might make me happier while it works that is cos i know how frustrating is waiting for your gear to be fixed particularly when u spend £1000 on it
 
AnAL0G
I know that this is a sensitive issue, and I also realize that some people may be tired of talking about their reliability, but recently I've been considering upgrading to Fanatec gear and I've been a little shocked when researching to read about the reliability of their product, considering how much it costs. I am looking at this as a longterm investment. The problem with that though is obviously that if they have so many returns and defective devices, then how can I possibly trust my 1-year warranty, especially at that price range? I'd really love to hear from a few people who might convince me to go forward with Fanatec. Are you all out there? :)
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The main problem is really with the FFB motors. After replacing mine with aftermarkets I haven't had a single problem. The stock ones are pretty cheap and they aren't hard to swap out if you have any mechanical ability. Not sure what they will want for a motor pack post-warranty or if they will even make them available. I found a compatible replacement for the stock motors in a Canon printer, but not sure if they sell the motors either.
 
Ive had my CSW for almost a year now and love it. I have had to replace a motor pack once. Im not sure if Id recommend a friend to purchase or not. If I had purchased my wheel 2 months later Id have a 1 year warranty that's almost up. That would make me very nervious at this point. I think with Fanatecs 1 year warranty for N. America Id have to advise my friend to go with a T500 even though I feel the CSW is the better wheel.
 
I will also echo other's sentiments about the T500RS. It is not trouble free. My right paddle shifter button broke. It also smelt like it was burning after heavy use. They are better now, just like Fanatec wheels are better now.

If you have an American Express card (IDK which levels) you get "double your warranty" insurance.

Every time my CSW has broken, it has been the motor. Everything else is rock solid. If you are really worried you can replace the fans and the motors with more robust versions (there are guides here and on the iRacing forums).
 
paskowitz
I will also echo other's sentiments about the T500RS. It is not trouble free. My right paddle shifter button broke. It also smelt like it was burning after heavy use. They are better now, just like Fanatec wheels are better now.

If you have an American Express card (IDK which levels) you get "double your warranty" insurance.

Every time my CSW has broken, it has been the motor. Everything else is rock solid. If you are really worried you can replace the fans and the motors with more robust versions (there are guides here and on the iRacing forums).
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Have you a link for the guides here?
 
I purchased a CSR-E when it first came out about two years ago. I have used it a lot. I have had zero problems with it. I have worn the grey powder coating off of the wheel under my hands but I haven't complained about that because it is non functional issue. I recently purchased the F1 wheel because I am concentrating on the Codemaster's F1 series and I like the realism and functionality provided by that wheel. The F1 wheel is very high quality.

I drive with FFB set at 60% in game and that probably protects the motors from stress. (I do this as a driving preference not to protect the wheel although that is a benefit).

I've also have the CSR pedals and the CSP v2 pedals and both have performed without issue. I judge the CSP v2 to provide a major benefit in driving performance. The feel and feed back are superior.

I am awaiting delivery of the CSS-SQ.

I like the design quality and the performance of the Fanatec equipment I've had and have had no quality problems.
 
Crispy
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!
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I had a similar issue and they sent me a replacement motor and some quick and easy steps to install the new motor. It's been running great for a couple years now.

Like with any company, someone is going to have a bad experience and have negative views. I will never buy a Vizio TV ever again, and someone else will probably say they've had nothing but great success with them and wouldn't buy anything else.

But what separates a good company from a great company is how they back up their product and provide support for you. Yes it sucks that a product went bad, but that can't and won't ever be avoided. But if said company is understanding and flexible enough to let you return the item, send it in for a replacement, ship you the parts to fix the unit or advance ship a replacement for you with a return shipping label, then I'll stick with them. And in my experience, Fanatec has given me all these options.

Oh, and it helps to not buy rev0 (very first manufactured) products too, buy it after the kinks are worked out.


Jerome
 
Thanks guys. I think I'd be most interested in the formula wheel and newest clubsport pedals as an upgrade from my G27. I know there are many more degrees of FFB available in the Fanatec wheels. Is it really that dramatic compared to what I currently have? Would anyone also be able to tell me if my H-Shifter will work with the Fanatec setup? Thanks.
 
AnAL0G
Thanks guys. I think I'd be most interested in the formula wheel and newest clubsport pedals as an upgrade from my G27. I know there are many more degrees of FFB available in the Fanatec wheels. Is it really that dramatic compared to what I currently have? Would anyone also be able to tell me if my H-Shifter will work with the Fanatec setup? Thanks.
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There is a huge difference between the G27 and the CSW+CSPv2s. The CSW FFB delivery is great. The almost nonexistant deadzone is also great. The CSPs are IMO, more important. The CSPv2s are by far the best bang for the buck pedals out there.
 
I went through 2 CSR-E's (in under 6 months) before I got my third one - I think it might have been manufacturing issues in the first two (I bought essentially at launch) that cause the failures; my last wheel has been trouble free so far (knock on wood).
 
swiftwilly
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.
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Where to buy the PCB for clubsport pedals? Mine is dead... I contacted fanatec and still no reply after 3 days. It is new less than 1 month and use it very little less than 3 hours. Thank you.
 
russell910
Where to buy the PCB for clubsport pedals? Mine is dead... I contacted fanatec and still no reply after 3 days. It is new less than 1 month and use it very little less than 3 hours. Thank you.
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If your pedals are That New, Fana will replace them for you.
 
my GT2 wheel is still in great shape.
I'm on my third CSR-ELite now, everyone failed because of motors. Even the last one! If I could get better motors it would be a great Wheel, but I'm seriously thinking of going Thrustmaster and clubsport Pedals on the PC. Because I can buy the wheel from a shop, and if it goes bad I can get it replaced by return. Whilst Fanatecs support for me has been exceptional the darn thing packs in far too regularly. I don't think the last wheel lasted even 3 months before the motors started to play up! So For me the answer would be, They used to be back in the Porsche Turbo Wheel days. But I'd be wary now based on my experience with them. The CS v2 Pedals are great Thought.
 
ibuycheap
Let me expand the analogy since it is lost to you.

If you preferred the DFGT pedals over ECCI pedals would the DFGT pedals be better. Compare the materials, design, features etc and the ECCI pedals are clearly the better pedals. We don't have to go on point by point to show this but it is clear. This is the same case with the CSP and T500 pedals. Obviously you don't understand the difference between preferences and evaluation based on objective standards.
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Where is this objective standard you continue to speak of? Do you have data sheets showing how much more precise the Fanatec CSP pedals are compared to the Thrumsaster T500 pedals? I would like to see that data by a credible source if you have them. Otherwise, you're talking out of your ass and quite honestly contradicting yourself when you say everyone else is talking subjectives just because they don't share your opinion that Fanatec CSP's are the best.
 
I’m also a victim of the motor failure and terrible support. But let me say that if CDW had chosen a different path for the motors, things would be completely different and Fanatec would have one of the best wheels available for the money!

I’ve had the T500 and IMHO it doesn’t come close to the level of craftsmanship of the CDW. The T500 is mostly made of plastic with plastic gears and the CDW is machined out of bullet aluminum and metal parts that is belt driven. No plastic parts… What I would like to see is more ideas and solutions for reliable motors for the CDW. If that happens, the CDW would be the wheel of choice. Especially since Fanatec is coming out with all the new add-on wheels and accessories.
 
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techdaddy
I’m also a victim of the motor failure and terrible support. But let me say that if CDW had chosen a different path for the motors, things would be completely different and Fanatec would have one of the best wheels available for the money!

I’ve had the T500 and IMHO it doesn’t come close to the level of craftsmanship of the CDW. The T500 is mostly made of plastic with plastic gears and the CDW is machined out of bullet aluminum and metal parts that is belt driven. No plastic parts… What I would like to see is more ideas and solutions for reliable motors for the CDW. If that happens, the CDW would be the wheel of choice. Especially since Fanatec is coming out with all the new add-on wheels and accessories.
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THE solution.

https://www.gtplanet.net/forum/thre...e-modders-thread-update-february-2014.274631/



Also why are you calling it a CDW ? Its CSW, as in Club Sport Wheel.
 

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