Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

**ben@tirerack** · 01-21-2009, 02:22 PM

This is probably old news to most of you, but here is the latest TPMS information from our tech team:

Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now impossible to run from when buying a new vehicle. Every new vehicle made for sale in the USA has a TPM system as standard equipment. There are several exceptions though: the vehicle must have only four wheels (so dual-wheeled trucks or motorcycles are exempt), and the GVWR must be less than 10,000lbs.

We carry all sensors and valves for every model of BMW and Mini up to the current model year.

The older model BMW’s and Mini’s that have an indirect system do not need TPMS valve sensors.

The basics of the direct TPMS is that it uses a sensor in the wheel/tire to wirelessly relay pressure back to the driver on some sort of display. Some vehicles have a digital info screen that will show all four tire pressures (five pressures if spare has sensor) all the time. While others might just flash a low-tire-pressure light on the dash. There are also two different styles of sensors for this system: a valve sensor and a strap/band sensor. Only valve sensors are used by the direct system-equipped BMWs, although if you bought an aftermarket SmarTire TPM system, those use the sensors held on by a strap around the barrel of the wheel.

BMW’s indirect system, usually used on older model years and also in many models in Canada, will not affect the choice of switching aftermarket wheels or tires. The system runs off of the ABS/wheel-speed sensors which “count” the number of revolutions of each tire. If the right-front tire is low (25psi) it will spin faster than the left-front tire (35psi), so the ABS system will recognize this change and alert the driver with a flashing light near the gauge cluster and possibly a loud chime.

Most new U.S. market BMWs use the valve-mounted TPMS. All BMW valve sensors are currently being produced by BERU and are sold by us in two parts: the sensor component and the metal valve. The size of the sensor shouldn’t be a problem for many wheels, but if the valve hole is in the middle of the wheel’s barrel, then obviously the sensor will not fit properly. The wheel industries are aware of the valve sensors and are rushing to get most of their wheels TPMS-compatible. If you have any questions about the TPMS-fitment on a wheel that The Tire Rack sells, I can look up the wheel and confirm if it will work with your vehicle.

elm3 · 01-21-2009, 02:52 PM

Thank you, that is really good to know...

ismelllikepoop · 01-21-2009, 03:14 PM

mine keeps saying its low when it gets colder but when i check its 35 all around. i guess my gauge could be off but it's consistent every time i check, which i stopped doing after 3 normal readings

gthirtyfizle · 01-21-2009, 03:38 PM

Price of a set shipped to 11103?

**ben@tirerack** · 01-22-2009, 09:05 AM

Current cost of the set of sensors (as of January 22, 2009) is $200 + shipping. Shippng will be approximately $9 anywhere in the continental U.S.

**ben@tirerack** · 01-22-2009, 09:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ismelllikepoop

mine keeps saying its low when it gets colder but when i check its 35 all around. i guess my gauge could be off but it's consistent every time i check, which i stopped doing after 3 normal readings

I have heard of this happening to some other people. Here is the best hypothesis I can put together:

When the car sits, and the tires are cold, the pressure drops just enough (due to the lower temperature) to trigger the TPMS. You start driving, the TPMS light goes on, you keep driving for a little while, then stop and check. By then, the tires have gotten some heat in them from driving, and the pressure is back up.

To test this theory, without adjusting your pressure at all, try checking the pressure on a very cold day before driving. If it comes in below 35, that is the answer. If not...then I blame crazy electronic gremlins

King Tut · 01-22-2009, 02:41 PM

I'm assuming the TPMS work with the Volk TE37s you sell.

gthirtyfizle · 01-27-2009, 05:22 PM

I just ordered from tire rack a set of oem tpms sensors. My invoice says its the 433mhz tire pressure sensor. Is this the correct ones? Just wanna make sure. Total price came out to 176.13

**ben@tirerack** · 01-27-2009, 06:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gthirtyfizle

I just ordered from tire rack a set of oem tpms sensors. My invoice says its the 433mhz tire pressure sensor. Is this the correct ones? Just wanna make sure. Total price came out to 176.13

Yes, that is correct. They should be the Beru brand. That is BMW OEM.

**ben@tirerack** · 01-27-2009, 06:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by King Tut

I'm assuming the TPMS work with the Volk TE37s you sell.

Sure do

King Tut · 01-27-2009, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gthirtyfizle

I just ordered from tire rack a set of oem tpms sensors. My invoice says its the 433mhz tire pressure sensor. Is this the correct ones? Just wanna make sure. Total price came out to 176.13

How did you get that price? Did you not buy the valve stems as well? I thought you had to buy both.

gthirtyfizle · 01-27-2009, 07:20 PM

No clue, I just said I need the 08 M3 tpms sensors. This is what they said i needed and thats what they charged me. Am I missing something?

**ben@tirerack** · 01-28-2009, 12:23 PM

Sounds like you might be missing the valve stems. PM me with your order # and I can check.

chris s · 03-21-2009, 04:40 PM

So do any aftermarket rims come WITH TPMS sensors...or are they typically just TPMS compatible? What about BBS CH?

King Tut · 03-21-2009, 10:20 PM

They never come with the sensors.

d_dot · 04-03-2009, 08:52 AM

I have a set of aftermarket wheels that are Vellano VSI can I use the tmps with them? i know the valve stem are 90 degrees inside???

tightie · 05-27-2009, 04:24 PM

I couldn't find the Beru brand, I only found Hella and Orange.

Can you supply me a link?
Thanks.

askiles · 05-27-2009, 04:39 PM

That is funny, Beru was all I could find. Beru is who makes the OEM ones as well. You can find the Beru ones on Ebay for about $200/set, including the valve stems.

-Andy

interlago_m3 · 09-18-2009, 02:42 PM

I just brought the new set of BBS LM with the TPMS kid for my E92 M3 for you guys. When i bring it to wheel shop, they told me the valve hole is too small, and will not fit the OEM TPMS. And i show them the TPMS kid, they told me not going to fit. Pls advice if you have the instruction for that kid?? pls help, thanks

VictorH · 12-23-2009, 09:31 PM

Does anyone have any pictures of how to install the TPMS system in a wheel? What is the long skinny rod for that comes in the kit as well as the spare washer for?

05SCM33 · 01-01-2010, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by VictorH

Does anyone have any pictures of how to install the TPMS system in a wheel? What is the long skinny rod for that comes in the kit as well as the spare washer for?

Rod is to hold valve stem when tightening and extra washer is so you have options in washer thickness depending on wheel the kit is being installed on.

VictorH · 01-01-2010, 03:23 PM

Thank you, that's helpful. The TPMS unit just hangs off the end of the valve stem, it doesn't get glued to the rim or anything?

01-21-2009, 02:22 PM	#1
ben@tirerack M3Post Supporting Vendor 87 Rep 964 Posts Drives: 740i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Bend, IN iTrader: (0)	Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) This is probably old news to most of you, but here is the latest TPMS information from our tech team: Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) are now impossible to run from when buying a new vehicle. Every new vehicle made for sale in the USA has a TPM system as standard equipment. There are several exceptions though: the vehicle must have only four wheels (so dual-wheeled trucks or motorcycles are exempt), and the GVWR must be less than 10,000lbs. We carry all sensors and valves for every model of BMW and Mini up to the current model year. The older model BMW’s and Mini’s that have an indirect system do not need TPMS valve sensors. The basics of the direct TPMS is that it uses a sensor in the wheel/tire to wirelessly relay pressure back to the driver on some sort of display. Some vehicles have a digital info screen that will show all four tire pressures (five pressures if spare has sensor) all the time. While others might just flash a low-tire-pressure light on the dash. There are also two different styles of sensors for this system: a valve sensor and a strap/band sensor. Only valve sensors are used by the direct system-equipped BMWs, although if you bought an aftermarket SmarTire TPM system, those use the sensors held on by a strap around the barrel of the wheel. BMW’s indirect system, usually used on older model years and also in many models in Canada, will not affect the choice of switching aftermarket wheels or tires. The system runs off of the ABS/wheel-speed sensors which “count” the number of revolutions of each tire. If the right-front tire is low (25psi) it will spin faster than the left-front tire (35psi), so the ABS system will recognize this change and alert the driver with a flashing light near the gauge cluster and possibly a loud chime. Most new U.S. market BMWs use the valve-mounted TPMS. All BMW valve sensors are currently being produced by BERU and are sold by us in two parts: the sensor component and the metal valve. The size of the sensor shouldn’t be a problem for many wheels, but if the valve hole is in the middle of the wheel’s barrel, then obviously the sensor will not fit properly. The wheel industries are aware of the valve sensors and are rushing to get most of their wheels TPMS-compatible. If you have any questions about the TPMS-fitment on a wheel that The Tire Rack sells, I can look up the wheel and confirm if it will work with your vehicle. __________________ _______________________________________________ I have accepted a new position at Tire Rack and am no longer in the sales department. gary@tirerack.com is available to assist with M3 questions. Last edited by ben@tirerack; 11-05-2010 at 04:58 PM.. Reason: possible confusion regarding direct vs indirect systems
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-21-2009, 02:52 PM	#2
elm3 ///M Fan 366 Rep 2,159 Posts Drives: '09 E92 M3 IB/'17 f85 X5M LBB Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Canton, GA. iTrader: (1) Garage List 2017 BMW / X5M [9.00] 2009 E92 M3 [10.00] 2004 Yamaha R1 [10.00]	Thank you, that is really good to know... __________________ '09 E92 ///M3 Interlagos Blue,6MT,Silver Novillo Leather,CF Trim,Premium Package,Technology Package,Cold Weather Package,Premium Sound,19"Wheels,Moonroof-Toy/'17 X5M, Long Beach Blue, Executive Package,Technology Package, Lighting Package, Driver Assist, Full Mughello Red Interior, 21" wheels-Toy/'14 535i with M Sport and 19" wheels-Daily
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-21-2009, 03:14 PM	#3
ismelllikepoop First Lieutenant 26 Rep 365 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: May 2008 Location: pooptown iTrader: (1)	mine keeps saying its low when it gets colder but when i check its 35 all around. i guess my gauge could be off but it's consistent every time i check, which i stopped doing after 3 normal readings
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-21-2009, 03:38 PM	#4
gthirtyfizle Colonel 191 Rep 2,867 Posts Drives: E92 M3 AW Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (4)	Price of a set shipped to 11103?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-22-2009, 09:05 AM	#5
ben@tirerack M3Post Supporting Vendor 87 Rep 964 Posts Drives: 740i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Bend, IN iTrader: (0)	Current cost of the set of sensors (as of January 22, 2009) is $200 + shipping. Shippng will be approximately $9 anywhere in the continental U.S. __________________ _______________________________________________ I have accepted a new position at Tire Rack and am no longer in the sales department. gary@tirerack.com is available to assist with M3 questions.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-22-2009, 02:41 PM	#7
King Tut NASA SpecE30 Racer 82 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: 2006 Honda S2000 TT3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL iTrader: (2)	I'm assuming the TPMS work with the Volk TE37s you sell. __________________ King Tut 2012 BMW M3 Individual: Sold lsb.ridedomain.com 1987 BMW 325is SpecE30: spece30.ridedomain.com 2009 BMW M3 Coupe: Sold e92.ridedomain.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-27-2009, 05:22 PM	#8
gthirtyfizle Colonel 191 Rep 2,867 Posts Drives: E92 M3 AW Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (4)	I just ordered from tire rack a set of oem tpms sensors. My invoice says its the 433mhz tire pressure sensor. Is this the correct ones? Just wanna make sure. Total price came out to 176.13
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-27-2009, 07:20 PM	#12
gthirtyfizle Colonel 191 Rep 2,867 Posts Drives: E92 M3 AW Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: NYC iTrader: (4)	No clue, I just said I need the 08 M3 tpms sensors. This is what they said i needed and thats what they charged me. Am I missing something?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-28-2009, 12:23 PM	#13
ben@tirerack M3Post Supporting Vendor 87 Rep 964 Posts Drives: 740i Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: South Bend, IN iTrader: (0)	Sounds like you might be missing the valve stems. PM me with your order # and I can check. __________________ _______________________________________________ I have accepted a new position at Tire Rack and am no longer in the sales department. gary@tirerack.com is available to assist with M3 questions.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-21-2009, 04:40 PM	#14
chris s Major General 1250 Rep 6,912 Posts Drives: 2022 Dravit G80 M3 Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: New York iTrader: (12)	So do any aftermarket rims come WITH TPMS sensors...or are they typically just TPMS compatible? What about BBS CH? __________________ 2022 Dravit/Fiona M3cx - Dinan midpipe w/VC, NW Carbonhaus CF, AST Springs, FC Spacers...more to come! 2016 Indi F80 M3 - SMB\|Amaro \| Mode Carbon \| ESS \| Akra EVO \| KW HAS...SOLD 2012 MR e92 M3 DCT, ESS SC, Brembo BBK, BBS FI... GONE but not forgotten! 2008 AW e92 M3 6MT, ESS SC, BBS LM's...SOLD!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

03-21-2009, 10:20 PM	#15
King Tut NASA SpecE30 Racer 82 Rep 1,307 Posts Drives: 2006 Honda S2000 TT3 Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Gulf Breeze, FL iTrader: (2)	They never come with the sensors. __________________ King Tut 2012 BMW M3 Individual: Sold lsb.ridedomain.com 1987 BMW 325is SpecE30: spece30.ridedomain.com 2009 BMW M3 Coupe: Sold e92.ridedomain.com
	Appreciate 0 Quote

04-03-2009, 08:52 AM	#16
d_dot 4 * General 55 Rep 644 Posts Drives: F12 M6,Audi R8 Lambo Gallardo Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Tri-State iTrader: (0)	I have a set of aftermarket wheels that are Vellano VSI can I use the tmps with them? i know the valve stem are 90 degrees inside??? __________________ Nissan GT-R (Sold) E92 M3 + 335 (sold) F10 535 (sold) When Driving Nice Whips It Helps To Have Nice Kix!
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-27-2009, 04:24 PM	#17
tightie JOSH SHOKRI. 522 Rep 5,881 Posts Drives: 991 GT3RS, 964, Raptor Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: los angeles, california. iTrader: (7) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [7.90]	I couldn't find the Beru brand, I only found Hella and Orange. Can you supply me a link? Thanks. __________________ Current: 16 991 GT3RS , 91 964 C2, 17 Raptor \| Past: 2015 991 GT3, 2015 i3,15 YMB F80 M3, 13 E92 M3 DCT, 08 E92 M3 6MT, 07 E60 M5, 02 E46 M3 Instagram: @josh_speeddistrict #SpeedDistrict @SpeedDistrict
	Appreciate 0 Quote

05-27-2009, 04:39 PM	#18
askiles Major 56 Rep 1,164 Posts Drives: 2008 M3 Sedan - Alpine White Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: Phoenix, AZ iTrader: (2)	That is funny, Beru was all I could find. Beru is who makes the OEM ones as well. You can find the Beru ones on Ebay for about $200/set, including the valve stems. -Andy __________________ 2008 M3 Sedan- Alpine White
	Appreciate 0 Quote

09-18-2009, 02:42 PM	#19
interlago_m3 Private 15 Rep 96 Posts Drives: M3 E92/ E60 Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Los Angeles iTrader: (2) Garage List 2008 M3 [10.00] 06 E60 [0.00]	I just brought the new set of BBS LM with the TPMS kid for my E92 M3 for you guys. When i bring it to wheel shop, they told me the valve hole is too small, and will not fit the OEM TPMS. And i show them the TPMS kid, they told me not going to fit. Pls advice if you have the instruction for that kid?? pls help, thanks
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-23-2009, 09:31 PM	#20
VictorH Major 433 Rep 1,286 Posts Drives: '09 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SC iTrader: (4)	Does anyone have any pictures of how to install the TPMS system in a wheel? What is the long skinny rod for that comes in the kit as well as the spare washer for?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-01-2010, 03:23 PM	#22
VictorH Major 433 Rep 1,286 Posts Drives: '09 M3 Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: SC iTrader: (4)	Thank you, that's helpful. The TPMS unit just hangs off the end of the valve stem, it doesn't get glued to the rim or anything?
	Appreciate 0 Quote

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search