REVIEW: SimMakerZ Magnetic Paddle Shifters for Fanatec McLaren GT3 Steering Wheel & Assembly Guide

[@lachcurtis5503]

This video is a perfect install guide, just used it to get my install done, no issues. They didn’t ship with ANY instructions so you saved me a tonne of time!

[@MichaelSchillab]

Thank you so much for this video. Honestly it's a lot more informative than the original video from SimMakerZ. I'm not very talented with such things, but with your step by step guidance it was no problem to install the new shifters. Everything works fine and the shifters are a huge difference to the orange original.

[@Boonatix]

Thanks and enjoy 🤗

[@VodkaRob]

@@Boonatix I got a full wheel with the mod on but recently the switch has broken on the up shift and the tiny red button switch under the paddle is just staying in instead of popping back out. Not sure if they sell replacement ones but I will have to look into it. I'm back to an F1 wheel or my original Mclaren with the orange shifter. 😞

[@PETROL_Ted78]

What a relaxing music and voice...😎🙏🏻😴😴😴😉. Thank you for this video. It helps a lot.👍🏻

[@fuzzijones1979]

Endlich sind die Shifter angekommen. Einbau echt easy und vorallem muss man nichts "kaputt" machen und man könnte es sogar wieder in Originalzustand bringen was bei den Shiftern von SRM nicht möglich ist. Man muss aber nicht alle Knöpfe entfernen. Drehknöpfe und die beiden "roten" reichen völlig aus.

[@VirtualRealityOasis]

Huge thanks mate! This video guide was perfect for helping me install the SimMakerZ shifters to my GT3 wheel. Great job! []-)

[@boriskosloff754]

Quick update: Got my kit last week. I won my bet. :-) Left rubber piece was completely off. That explains the down shift trouble I had lately. Anyway. Installed the SMZ - omg, what a difference. I'd say, if Fanatec ever releases a V3 of that wheel it's going to have shifters like that. I was 5 seconds quicker everywhere...LOL. Ooops just opened my eyes... Cheers.

[@boriskosloff754]

GREAT video - this is just what the doctor ordered... @09:06 you can see the most common problem with the stock shifter. Those rubber pieces are supposed to be centered on those columns of the paddle. However, they used a really low quality double sided tape. Also, the surface of the metal columns is convex and have no sidewall to keep the rubber 'feet' in place. I glued them with a similar to 'Pattex', which works better, but I already can tell that the left shifter precision lacks again. I bet the rubber has moved out of alignment again. So, this product is the solution - I just need to contact them to see if they ship to the US and how much that will add to the cost. I am hoping it will be in the range of the VAT tax US customers should be exempt from. Cheers.

[@SimRacerGT973]

Thanks a lot Boon. Just installed them tonight and used your video for reference. Very detailed and informative 👍. These shifters are sweet. No more fatigued endurance races 😁. Much appreciated for all you do for us Sim Racers. Have a great night brother. Forever Racing 🏁

[@WildBillMojo]

Just put a set of these on my McLaren rim. They are actually really good, really solid and well worth the effort. I would very much recommend this product. Gear shifts are faster, much less error prone and of course quieter. Additional tips: 1 - as others have said, leave your button caps on and/or make sure the front is face down when you remove it; 2 - when you lift the board up, check the orientation of the spring and button behind it, if you use the QR1 they are a key component of the Hi-Torque capability so they gotta be set right; 3 - I also removed the magnets at the rear which I note you left in place in this video.

[@jonferraez]

He removes the original paddle shifter magnets on each side of the back of the wheel at the 9:20 mark in the video. It saves weight.

[@WildBillMojo]

@@jonferraez Those washer looking things on the outside were also magnets on mine. That's four magnets in total. Maybe they had just acquired their magnetism from the main magnets?

[@jonferraez]

@@WildBillMojoI know what you are talking about now. You removed the pair of washer looking magnets or magnetized metal pieces that the magnets that he removes sat on. Interesting. I guess that would save some weight. Did you have any trouble removing them, seem pretty stuck on there with some adhesive or so I thought? Thanks.

[@WildBillMojo]

@@jonferraez No, they were very easy to remove. The only issue I had with the whole procedure was making sure the internal torque button was lined up.

[@blueferrari397]

Just recently fitted these to my V1 wheel. It was very easy to do! With the V1 version you need to additionally solder the wires. This is quite easy too. Just follow the instructions and it take very little time. A small soldering iron is cheap if you need to purchase one. The end result, Fantastic! They work great.

[@Leo_Moreira84]

Just ordered mine! Looks very high quality. Can't wait to install them.

[@paulleon6057]

Thanks for this video. These step-by-step instructions (with audio description) helped me install these myself. I felt the SimMakerz one was too fast and skipped over a lot of details that I felt were important.

[@Boonatix]

Happy to hear :)

[@RaymondJansen]

Got the shifters today and installed it with your video guidance. What a difference with the original shifter. So happy with my wheel now.

[@grocal]

I've got my SimMakerZ shifters received today and thanks to your awesome video I've already managed to assemble them onto my GT3 V2 wheel. Great piece of machinery. Way better than orignal rocker. Thanks for the vid @Boonatix and thanks SimMakerZ for a great mod!

[@marc_d.]

Thank you for this very detailed video. It was very useful for me to make the shifters assembly. They are much quieter and require less effort than the original ones.

[@alpha007org]

For me personally, rocker shifter is the most useful feature on this wheel. Why? One hand shifting. In long races, I like to have one hand free for doing other stuff like drinking water, pressing something on the keyboard or worst case, need to use the phone. I have a wheel with magnetic paddle shifters and they fell majestic. They are objectively better in every way, but everyone has their own needs and my need is one hand operation.

[@fiztimali708]

I had a Mclaren GT3 V2 wheel, now I have a Mclaren GT3 V3 wheel! These pallets are fantastic and make the wheel much better, it has nothing to do with the original pallets! Thank you for your clear and precise explanations for making this update. Honestly go for it!!! It's really not complicated to install.

[@Boonatix]

Happy to hear mate enjoy it ^-^

[@kona959]

Thanks, followed your install, works so much better, I found the edges to be a little sharp, so i sanded down the edge and now they are even better if thats possible.

[@RipRacing99]

I've just received and installed this kit, your instructions were perfect. The only thing I did different was to remove the front plate with the wheel upside down so none of my buttons fell out. Great tutorial and great recommendation as so far they feel so much better than the stock shifter! 👍

[@Boonatix]

Awesome, happy to hear :)

[@Abarth_71]

Just installed mine, thanks for the great guide.

[@fatboy070786]

Just got mine. Really gonna miss being able to shift up and down with both shifters but I definitely won’t miss the feel and sound of them

[@MichaelRaces]

Thanks man, perfect instructions - Silent shifting for life!

[@alex.germany]

Ordered them a few days ago. They are still on the way. Nice to see that review!

[@franktl3423]

Just mounted the 2nd set on my 2nd wheel last week. And I didn’t get sponsored…. They just are so much better in feel, speed and accuracy. No need to remove the button caps by the way. And you could have save most of your effort. Simmakerz has their own how to movie on KZbin ☺️ link is on their page

[@Boonatix]

I know, I just wanted to do my own version in higher quality ;)

[@kaskenova]

Like this one. Prefer the explanation and better camera angle 👌

[@fondoo]

Thank you for the video. I love my McLaren v2 wheel and ordered the new simmakerz shifters

[@drvegas8485]

Great video. Ordered another wheel to install these on (in case I screwed it up lol) and they are fantastic! Plan to now order another set for my backup wheel!

[@pawebelka7002]

Thanks mate, it was very usefull. Much better than official video from SimMakerZ 😊

[@RipRacing99]

I've just ordered some of these myself based on your review :D

[@TheFelker]

Great video, on the installing process. These shifters are awesome!

[@stubbsyyy]

Just ordered mine via your link. Hope it helps 👍

[@OkiDingo]

Thanks for the video mate, just ordered a set and my McLaren wheel isn’t even here yet, lol

[@chemitaxis]

Thank you so much, It's working fine!! Amazing change

[@durkboersma2465]

Thank you, i installed those shifters today, and your video was very helpfull. Tip: my 13 milimeter socket was a bit to wide and didn' t fit in the hole. Therefore i used a needle nose pliers that did the job.

[@JC21x]

Just a tip for anyone doing this. Leave the button caps on as they keep the buttons in the face plate when you take it apart. makes it easier

[@el-grecos-world3016]

Vielen lieben Dank für das Video. Da sieht man wenigstens auch was. 😉Ich mach mir wegen dem Umbau und dem "Garantie Anspruch" trotzdem ein bisschen Sorgen. Trotzdem, vielen Dank dafür.

[@andyt127]

Oooh, I like the look of these, especially as you don't need to cut or drill anything. Keeps it original in case you need to put it back to stock. I feel and early Xmas present coming...

[@Boonatix]

... or a late one, depending on how you see it ^-^

[@blueferrari397]

My GT3 V1 shifters just packed it in, so I contacted Fanatec and it's taken 3 weeks so far just to start a discussion about it. They wanted me to RMA it, charge $60 per hour labor and then parts! I'm not doing that when I can fix it myself, but they don't have parts, so definitely ordering these. I also wouldn't by Fanatec again for those reasons and slowly get rid of this equipment. Overall their reliability is bad, very little replacement parts on offer and customer service lead times suck.

[@P90XCarter]

bro -- my upshift magnet just ...i guess broke?? that little piece of plastic between the two magnets cracked out of the mold. So I remember seeing this video and ordered those new paddle shifters -- but in the meantime I'm trying to super glue this thing back together watching you video :D

[@JamesLangevinMusic]

excellent demo and tare down... got it done. Excellent product and mod

[@racer14glr91]

The noise of the shifter activates the chat icon in ACC! I love the Mclaren rim too. Don't know if I can justify the upgrade. I did upgrade my Formula Carbon to Clbspt Mag.shifters.

[@rrschmid]

got mine and very happy too! :)

[@taxi615]

These paddles are probably the best out there and the price is very good

[@benjaminthenault7366]

Great video, so usefull ! Thk very much ;)

[@billyleungkt]

Thank you so much for this detail video. Do you mind to share me your list of tools for this installation. I'm not a mechanic but I would like to try myself. Thank you!

[@VodkaRob]

I've just got a different mod that let's you fit Fanatec clubsport magnetic shifters. I had a wheel with the mod in the video but one of the switches broke, I had been looking for a new switch but it was going to be an awkward job so if this works with the Fanatec shifters I'm sure it will last longer. Hopefully you don't suffer the same problem because those little switches aren't the strongest.

[@romtig223]

I got problems with these SimMakerz magnetic shifters after 4 months...Gears do not shift more than half the time...Became unplayable...Did u hear something about that ? 😢

[@MatheusFerreira-qp5ms]

What did you do? I feel like mine is like that and I just bought it

[@romtig223]

@@MatheusFerreira-qp5ms sorry for you..i don’t know, i bought a formula v2.5

[@Brutu583]

I just installed my SimMakerz and they feel great. Just wish that the magnets had more force to pull. Is it possible to upgrade the magnets?

[@wegpiraatjochem]

I like how the stock shift sounds.

[@fuzzijones1979]

Cool. Endlich eine Version ohne das man was abschleifen und Löcher bohren muss. Werde ich mir auch besorgen. Was ist das für ein Overlay oben links 03:00 (Rundenzeiten, Sektorzeiten etc.)?

[@Boonatix]

Armamentario - Link dazu auch in der Beschreibung :)

[@dukeseb]

Thanks for this

[@SackyX]

Just a suggestion, if you take the plate off facing the ground the buttons won't fall out.

[@OkiDingo]

Another suggestion, leave the button caps on, then you won’t fall out at all.

[@UselessPixels]

Great video, thank you. Just installed mines yersterday, the video helped a lot. Nothing is missing. Just a question : I saw that the originals switch are fixed on the motherboard with two screws, so I wonder why let them in place unplugged instead of completely removing them ? Is there an issue if you remove them ? (I will have to reopen the wheel soon, and maybe I could remove them if it does not generate any issue.

[@YMSimRacing]

I just got this wheel today and am considering upgrading the shift pedals. Overall, after using the Fanatec 2.5X, the McLaren GT3 feels like a pretty bad, poor-quality wheel. I'm lucky I picked it up second hand.

[@VodkaRob]

I am definitely interested in this paddle mod because I find the orange ones too slow. Do these feel like you can change faster between the gears?

[@Boonatix]

yep, faster and easier ^-^

[@shieldslfc]

I’ve heard some people complaining about miss shifts with this, how’s it been for you ?

[@LuckyOctober]

How long do these new shifter buttons last?

[@chatshd]

Please record a video to show you using the paddles in game

[@meta7gear]

I liked the original shifter too, even enjoyed the sound, but unfortunately it just isn't reliable in the long run. The upshft on mine now entirely doesn't work. The magnet doesn't pop back out. I'd like to get a set of these but it doesn't seem like anyone sells them locally in Australia :(

[@oriflamegerman8769]

Funktioniert es dann immer noch mit Xbox Konsolen wäre gut zu wissen möchte mir die shifter auch bestellen.

[@ace__mccoy__7657]

Super erklärt Ich persönlich würde denn Umbau so gerne wagen aber ich hab Angst das ich mein lieblingswheel kaputt mache ps die Rednibbels ab da war ich raus

[@MikeHoncho3]

Thanks for the video. 6:52 nipple alert 🚨 😂

[@christopherlees3684]

I've just ordered some. 3-4 week wait but I definitely won't miss the finger fatigue, even after adding F1 paddles for extra leverage. After 7 months how well are they holding up, any problems? Thanks

[@Boonatix]

Still perfect as ever :)

[@v4VoLd]

is csl dd 8nm enough for bmw gt2 v2 wheel ? i heard it lose power because of the weightof bmw v2 . wheel i wanted magnetec shifter that r included in the bmw and quick release for 100 more euro that why i choosed it over mclaren gt3 v2 shifter feels cheap what do u think i should pick #help

[@levinste2750]

Could anyone give me an advice, please ? I use the black analog paddles as BRAKE and THROTTLE, but they are a bit to hard to press Should I try to bolt / screw a plate that comes out further, to give more leverage ?

[@paulpekala]

Hi, where did you get that Fanatec decal from the top of the wheel? (Or it's just one of those standard Fanatec stickers you get with every order?)

[@Boonatix]

yep just one of those

[@Mrrep1973]

good job m8.

[@marcr5595]

Nice video! What kind of monitor do you use?

[@Boonatix]

AOC 31.5" curved gaming monitor, love that thing :)

[@vb_matic4166]

Hi Boonatix, now you are using the shifters since 6 month. Are you still happy? Thanks

[@Boonatix]

Yep, still working perfectly :)

[@vb_matic4166]

👍🏼

[@davidcupra4913]

Where did u get the fanatec sticker?

[@Boonatix]

Was included with some stuff I bought :)

[@meta7gear]

Well I emailed the company to try and find out if they'll ship to Australia and they never responded to me. That really sucks to see bad customer service from a small company.

[@Super_gt87]

It will work with ps5 ?

[@jurgenjanssens9135]

Hi, how did you come up with the fanatec letters without the black background of the sticker?

[@Boonatix]

That sticker was included in one of their products like that ^-^

[@jackwrightson2036]

i have a csl dd and McLaren wheel but i use it on xbox would it still work

[@Boonatix]

Yes, as it directly plugs in new switches and replaces them.

[@jackwrightson2036]

@@Boonatix ok cheers

[@mariocastillo4786]

where do you buy the fanatec sticker? thanks

[@Boonatix]

That was included with the wheel base if I remember correctly... ^-^

[@Drewlinska]

Do they ship to USA?

[@Boonatix]

I guess so... better ask them :)

[@jonferraez]

Does anyone with this mod put the original large Frankenstein type bolt back in that inserts from the top rear of the wheel casing after installing this mod, if so how do you secure it to the wheel or does it stay in place by itself even after full 360 degree rotation of the wheel?

[@Boonatix]

Nope you do not want to put that back in ;)

[@jonferraez]

@@Boonatixah guess I kinda got used to the look of that top bolt being in place, and I kinda miss it. Just installed my SimMakerZ and I followed your instructions but you did not re-use that bolt and the little holder with the two tiny screws that is near that and likely partially holds that large top screw in place I had removed as part of your instructions. Just curious if it can be placed back in to cover the largish hole that removing that bolt leaves (I don't really want to install the Fanatec sticker on top) or what options there are to get that back in place and secured if wanted. What a difference these shifters make in the feel and speed though.

[@grocal]

@@jonferraez I've been removing this bolt and then rocker orange shifter paddle couple of times before so I knew that it's not needed to remove plastic holder for the bolt. Hence after fitting SimMakerZ shifters I've reinserted the bold back in. Looks as it was before.

[@jonferraez]

@@grocalvery good thanks for mentioning that the plastic holder with the two tiny screws can be left in place that holds on to the bolt near the middle of it. I will make that change next time on mine. The bolt does seem to stay in without that plastic holder installed but probably with a lot of upside down force it would fall out without the holder there. Thanks!

[@MatheusFerreira-qp5ms]

Anybody experiencing missclicks because of “deadzone” on these shifters? If so, how to fix??

[@alex.germany]

Are you sure you need to remove the button caps? If you leave them they should not fall out… (?)

[@Boonatix]

Hm... might work ^-^

[@alex.germany]

@@Boonatix It works. I installed the paddles last week. They are absolute fantastic. The installation is no big deal at all. The only thing that happened to me is, that my P button is now on the left side and the N button is on the right. First I thought to correct this but finally I like it that way better...

[@Boonatix]

@@alex.germany awesome :)

[@mracer8]

I love this paddle shifter myself, but lets be honest here, 99.9999% of us either wear headphone and turn up the sound in order to drive, you won't hear the sound of any shifter I don't care how loud it might be! imo

[@jonferraez]

These shifters are quite a bit faster than the original paddle shifters which to me makes the big difference in long races, also like the author stated the original metal shifters do tend to hurt after awhile even with gloves on. The SimMakerZ solve those two issues. They do look nice too. I didn't mind the magnet on the original, it is a bit stronger actually compared. But the lighter magnet does I'm sure make it a touch quicker in use on SimMakerZ.

[@danielfischer5800]

idk i feel like those shifter mods destroy the purpose of that wheel

[@Boonatix]

What do you think is the purpose except from steering... ? ^-^

[@RaymondJansen]

And so a budget wheel cost more then the Formula 1 wheel of Fanatec, but I like it.

[@Boonatix]

The curse of SimRacing ^-^

[@RipRacing99]

But is also a bigger diameter than the Formula wheel.

[@marcocaldera9902]

Not with the APM to have clutches

[@TheComputerTechie75]

Where'd you get the Fanatec decal on the top of the wheel?

[@Boonatix]

That was in one of the Fanatec hardware I bought included and I just put it on there ^-^

[@TheComputerTechie75]

@@Boonatix Got the decal with my wheel... Didn't realize it. Thanks for your quick response.

[@bojansaksida3625]

Nice video..unfortunately...it's nonsense to upgrade this wheel...it costs 200€m the shifters are 100€ and the QR is 100€...in total 400€....while the Formula v2 with all those features and much more costs 350€

[@Sierra-rx9ke]

But then there is the wheel size issue ;)

[@Boonatix]

Well, as long as it is fun, it is not nonsense ;)

[@bojansaksida3625]

@@Boonatix that's true...i mean just for the cost...this gear is not cheap

[@Boonatix]

@@bojansaksida3625 the burden of simracing I guess :)

[@mikeboldtphoto]

Owning both the McLaren GT3 and F1 wheel with podium shifters I still ordered this mod.

[@tigerbalm666]

Dam, even my OG Forza CSL wheel has a better shifter (with click)!

[@LetzFetzRacing]

wenn der deutsche, englisch spricht xD in deiner sprache wäre geiler gewesen..trotzdem danke! werd mir die shifter holen

[@georgegalea1937]

These wheels are rubbish. If you have owned one for a few months of use look closely behind the wheel where the shifter pivot point is for cracking. Mine has been replaced by Fanatec under warranty due to a design fault which they have admitted to in writing and the replacement has cracked the same way. If you are thinking of Fanatec DONT. Look elsewhere. It’s not just poor quality but very bad after sales service and warranty.

[@Boonatix]

unlucky you then... i was always happy :)

[@lestercombs1871]

Too much work for me.

[@Boonatix]

¯\_(ツ)_/¯

[@maximodiazrivera5667]

Thanks a Lot !!!!! @bootanix got install yesterday,!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@Ors180717]

Where did you get the FANATEC sticker that you put on top?

[@Boonatix]

That one was included in one of the things I got from Fanatec... cannot remember which one though ^-^