Another advantage of the old system -- FTM is not triggered because of a cold morning (all tire pressures a couple of pounds lower). With TPMS, the alert is triggered. Or maybe this is a disadvantage. At least, it's a difference.
EDIT - can anyone in the EU confirm -- I thought even the new cars in the EU had the "old" FTM system, rather than the sensors of the "new" TPMS system? I thought the air pressure sensors were used in the US only because of US regulations. I'll look for the old thread on this topic...
EDIT #2 - here you go:
http://www.e90post.com/forums/showthread.php?t=55845
To paraphrase
E90Fleet, the new system is the less advanced system, but it is required by US DOT. The old system is the more advanced system, but it is not allowed in the US since 2007.