TPMS question

[iroquis_pliskin]

Does anyone one whether we can switch TPMS from OEM wheels to aftermarket wheels? if the aftermarket wheels don't have any TPMS sensor!

[Clyde]

Originally Posted by iroquis_pliskin

Does anyone one whether we can switch TPMS from OEM wheels to aftermarket wheels? if the aftermarket wheels don't have any TPMS sensor!

The sensors can be removed from OEM wheels and reused on aftermarket wheels.
The sensors are attached inside the wheel to special valve stems. The stems only provide mechanical mounting, and are not part of the sensor. Some aftermarket wheels use a small bracket inside the wheel to mount the sensor.
There are 4 different BMW valve stems, for various OEM wheels. The OEM wheels have the valve stem "horizontal" so the sensor will lay flat on the barrel of the wheel.

Installing TPM sensors with aftermarket wheels

[iroquis_pliskin]

Originally Posted by Clyde

The sensors can be removed from OEM wheels and reused on aftermarket wheels.
The sensors are attached inside the wheel to special valve stems. The stems only provide mechanical mounting, and are not part of the sensor. Some aftermarket wheels use a small bracket inside the wheel to mount the sensor.
There are 4 different BMW valve stems, for various OEM wheels. The OEM wheels have the valve stem "horizontal" so the sensor will lay flat on the barrel of the wheel.

Installing TPM sensors with aftermarket wheels

Thank you Clyde for the info.
One thing that still bothering me its because I went to BMW today and I asked my service advisor that I could not remove the OEM and plug it to aftermarket because my TPMS is not the rubber one. Is this true? or it does not matter whether you have which kind of TPMS, you still can switch it to aftermarket?!

[Clyde]

Originally Posted by iroquis_pliskin

One thing that still bothering me its because I went to BMW today and I asked my service advisor that I could not remove the OEM and plug it to aftermarket because my TPMS is not the rubber one. Is this true? or it does not matter whether you have which kind of TPMS, you still can switch it to aftermarket?!

I'm not sure what you or the service advisor are saying.
If you have rubber valve stems, then your car is a MY2006 (or earlier) and does not have TPMS sensors.
Tire Pressure systems: FTM (MY2006) vs TPM (MY2007)

The metal valve stems used on MY2007 (and later) can be removed from the OEM wheels, but might not fit the aftermarket wheel.

[whatheheck]

FYI, this is the 3rd time I got a TIRE DEFECT / FLAT TIRE nuisance message on my 2006 M6.

This time my wife and I were already halfway to our destination and had to turn around, go back my house and take the other car as we didnt want to risk getting a flat tire once we reach our destination especially on a sunday when most tire shops are closed.

I'm tired of it. Crappy design.

My next mod is Hella TC-400 TPMS.
I installed the TC-400 on my E39 M5 and it worked flawlessly.

Hella TC-400 Tire Pressure Monitoring System - installed

[iroquis_pliskin]

Originally Posted by Clyde

I'm not sure what you or the service advisor are saying.
If you have rubber valve stems, then your car is a MY2006 (or earlier) and does not have TPMS sensors.
Tire Pressure systems: FTM (MY2006) vs TPM (MY2007)

The metal valve stems used on MY2007 (and later) can be removed from the OEM wheels, but might not fit the aftermarket wheel.

My car is 2006 but It comes up with the metal valve stems. So, that mean that I couldn't switch the TPMS sensor right?

[iroquis_pliskin]

Originally Posted by whatheheck

FYI, this is the 3rd time I got a TIRE DEFECT / FLAT TIRE nuisance message on my 2006 M6.

This time my wife and I were already halfway to our destination and had to turn around, go back my house and take the other car as we didnt want to risk getting a flat tire once we reach our destination especially on a sunday when most tire shops are closed.

I'm tired of it. Crappy design.

My next mod is Hella TC-400 TPMS.
I installed the TC-400 on my E39 M5 and it worked flawlessly.

Hella TC-400 Tire Pressure Monitoring System - installed

Do yo think they have Hella TC-400 TPMS for e63?! Tire store should be able to install it, right?!

[whatheheck]

TC-400 is not car specific.

It just depends on the wheel that you have installed to make sure it will fit properly.

It's a 2 step installation.

1) Have the Hella wheel sensor installed by a GOOD / high end tire shop.
And make sure you tell them to be very careful as if they are not, the wheel machine will pop it right off.

2) Once the wheel sensor is installed, take the head unit to a custom shop and have them install it.
Very simple installation. If I remember correctly - two wires, just power and ground.

Then find a location for the display monitor.

YOu are in Seattle?
I had my tire sensor installed by Omni Brake and Alignment in Kirkland.
They did a fantastic job and they only charge $12.00 per wheel!
And that included wheel re-balancing.

Find a local car electrical shop like DEfinitive Audio to install the wiring and display module for you.

Originally Posted by iroquis_pliskin

Do yo think they have Hella TC-400 TPMS for e63?! Tire store should be able to install it, right?!

[iroquis_pliskin]

Originally Posted by whatheheck

TC-400 is not car specific.

It just depends on the wheel that you have installed to make sure it will fit properly.

It's a 2 step installation.

1) Have the Hella wheel sensor installed by a GOOD / high end tire shop.
And make sure you tell them to be very careful as if they are not, the wheel machine will pop it right off.

2) Once the wheel sensor is installed, take it a custom shop and have them install it.
Very simple installation. If I remember correctly - two wires, just power and ground.

Then find a location for the display monitor.

YOu are in Seattle?
I had my tire sensor installed by Omni Brake and Alignment in Kirkland.
They did a fantastic job and they only charge $12.00 per wheel!
And that included wheel re-balancing.

Find a local car electrical shop like DEfinitive Audio to install the wiring and display module for you.

It seems like a lot of work to do. .
Anyway, thank you so much for the info, Dan and Clyde!

[M5bomber]

I just ordered a set from bavarianx.com but maybe I don't need them, I'll have to check.