Real Car Cluster for PC Games: How a BMW Cluster Works with SimHub

A real car cluster for PC games is a genuine set of car gauges connected to your computer that shows speed, RPM and warning lights from the game live. Instead of looking at a virtual dashboard in the corner of the screen, you get physical needles that move exactly like in a real car. Here is how it works, what you need and what to look for when choosing one.

How does a sim racing cluster work?

The game sends telemetry data: speed, engine RPM, fuel level, turn signals and lights. The free SimHub software reads this data and sends it over USB to a module mounted on the back of the cluster. The module drives the needles and warning lights, so the cluster behaves just like in a real car. Everything happens live while you drive.

Which games does it work with?

The cluster works with every game supported by SimHub. The most popular ones are:

  • Euro Truck Simulator 2 and American Truck Simulator
  • BeamNG.drive
  • Forza Horizon 4 and 5
  • Assetto Corsa and Assetto Corsa Competizione
  • iRacing, F1, Dirt Rally 2.0, rFactor 2, Automobilista 2

You'll find the full list on the SimHub website. Keep in mind that not every game sends all the data. For example, BeamNG.drive doesn't send fuel level or temperature, so those gauges stay inactive.

Why a BMW cluster?

BMW E90 and E36 clusters are some of the most recognizable gauges in car history. The E90 has a more modern look, full backlighting and lots of warning lights. The E36 is the classic 90s cluster with orange backlighting. Both look great on a desk or in a sim rig.

Ready-made cluster or DIY?

You'll find DIY projects online: a used cluster, an Arduino, a CAN module, soldering and your own code. It's a fun project if you like electronics, but it takes time, parts and patience when debugging. A ready-made cluster arrives programmed and tested. Plug in USB and power, load the configuration into SimHub and play.

How do you connect the cluster to your PC?

  1. Install the free SimHub software.
  2. Connect the cluster to your PC via USB and plug the power adapter into the wall.
  3. Load the configuration we send you (for the E90, the Clustor Configurator app does this).
  4. Launch the game. SimHub detects it and starts sending data.

Some games need telemetry output switched on once, for example Data Out in Forza Horizon. SimHub tells you what to set and where. And if something doesn't work, we help remotely until it does.

What to look for when choosing a cluster for PC games

  • Genuine or replica: a genuine cluster has real needles, real backlighting and looks 1:1 like in the car.
  • Working functions: check whether warning lights, fuel and turn signals work, not just speed and RPM.
  • Support after purchase: help with setup and software updates.
  • Testing and returns: a used cluster should be tested before shipping, and you should be able to return it.

Sim racing clusters from Clustor

We convert genuine BMW clusters so they work fully in games. We've shipped over 240 clusters to 17 countries. Check out the BMW E90 cluster for PC games with full backlighting and many warning lights, or the classic BMW E36 cluster for PC games. You'll find all models in BMW clusters for PC games and sim racing.

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