| BMW Tire Pressure
Monitoring System TPMS is a
direct tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) that is standard
equipment on every vehicle sold in the U.S. after September, 2007. The
criteria for TPMS standardization is that the vehicle must have only
four wheels (no dual-wheeled
trucks
or motorcycles), and weigh less than 10,000 lbs.
Direct TPMS use a sensor in the
wheel/tire to wirelessly relay pressure back to the driver via a display
inside the vehicle. Some vehicles have a digital screen that
continuously shows all four tire pressures (five if spare has sensor).
Others simply flash a "low tire pressure" light on the dash.
Additionally, there are two different styles of sensors for a direct
system: a valve sensor and a strap/band sensor. Only valve sensors are
used on BMW direct system-equipped vehicles. If you bought an
aftermarket SmarTire TPMS, its sensors are held on by a strap around the
barrel of the wheel.
FAQ
What does TPMS do?
The system
monitors the pressure of the tires (some cars monitor the spare tire as
well) and provides the driver a warning if any tire is under inflated.
Special
Precautions:
- DO NOT use tire puncture sealant as it could damage the sensor.
- Removal of the OEM tires can damage the sensor. The sensor must be
removed prior to dismounting the tire from the rim. There is a specific
procedure for doing this and the dealer and tire shops familiar with
TPMS systems should be able to do it properly.
Can I install sensors on my new
wheels?
Yes. You can also swap the sensors from
the OEM wheels. Read special precautions above about sensor removal. Not
all wheels will accept the sensors. Some aftermarket wheels may be
labelled 'TPMS ready', but you will have to verify the sensor will
properly fit. New sensors will have to be registered with the vehicle's
computer to clear the TPMS light.
What about tire
rotation?
Tire rotation should not affect the sensors. Worst case, you will get
the blinking TPMS and may have to make a trip to the dealer to clear the
code. |
