BMW M3 simulator inside an actual BMW M3

by Kyle Orland { Jul 9th 2007 at 8:30PM }

Think you'd got the ultimate driving setup with your wireless steering wheel, futuristic HD widescreen and custom gaming seat? You ain't got nothing. This is the ultimate virtual driving experience.

The M3 simulator being shown off at BMW's press event this week features a computer simulation projected onto the windshield and dashboard of an actual M3 from a projector mounted in the back seat. Input from the car's actual steering wheel and gear shifters goes into the computer simulation, which in turn feeds the simulated road conditions into the car's shock absorbers for an authentic bouncing effect.

Granted, you probably won't be able to recreate this experience in your home -- the car itself costs the equivalent of over $100,000 even before the simulation accouterments are added in. Then again, when you consider that a high end home racing setup can cost $10,000, maybe that price isn't so ridiculous.

[Via Jalopnik]

Tags: BMW, BMW M3, BmwM3, driving, M3, simulator

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

zwarrior @ Jul 9th 2007 8:47PM

I remember in driving class, we had to watch a First person video of someone driving and then imitate the person's movements through our own fake wheels. This seems a lot funner

MosquitoControl @ Jul 9th 2007 9:07PM

It's an M3. It will cost nowhere near $100k. This generation will probably be pushing $60k.

UK automobile pricing means nothing to US consumers. Too many different factors. Usually there's a solid 1:1 ration Dollar:Pounds for cars like these.

archie91s @ Jul 10th 2007 6:59PM

Agreed. This new generation M3 hasn't even come out yet, and its gonna be an amazing car, but it will be pushing $60k at the high end.

accidental @ Jul 9th 2007 9:28PM

Not to mention the fact that the car will never feel like it's taking a corner. Waste of money big time.

Naota @ Jul 9th 2007 9:34PM

is that Nuremberg?

Andy @ Jul 9th 2007 9:42PM

couldn't you just drive the car?? I mean come on

rasgueado @ Jul 9th 2007 11:05PM

Yeah totally. You're already *in* the damn car. Just drive it.

Anonymous @ Jul 9th 2007 11:55PM

Damn, I would love to use this thing in Forza 8)

Abuzar @ Jul 10th 2007 12:44AM

I just purchased a 2006 M3 with low miles for 39,000. It also had all the premium packages. A new one doesn't cost anywhere near 100,000 dollars.

Stupidiot @ Jul 10th 2007 7:14AM

You'd seriously believe that a Xbox 360 wireless wheel is part of an 'ultimate' setup? If you've ever used a Logitech G25 wheel, then you'd know just how bad the 360 one is. The pedals have virtually no response and the force feedback is weak! I just wish that microsoft would add support for the G25 on the 360 (it currently only works with the PC and PS2).

Ben @ Jul 10th 2007 12:17PM

UK Pricing for this car includes the UK Tax Band, which for automobiles that have high exhaust pollutants, can compose as much as 25-35% of the total price. US version will probably run no more than 10k over the previous model. As MosquitoControl said, it should be around 60k and I'm guessing the price will be just around that mark to not alienate those looking at the competition.