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[wtiger127]

In the occasion of using non-rft as winter tires. Is there a need to install a sensor in or around the winter tire for the on-board computer to be aware of a flat?

I am wondering if this is necessary?

I am also not understanding if the sensors are installed in the tire, around the ABS setup or within the hub of the wheel?

What are the implications if I may ask?

thanks,

[warmtoes]

Well, since you do not have a spare tire you will want to know if it is flat. But, since you are in Canada, we do not have TPMS but rather TPW which senses a low tire by measuring the difference in rotational speed between the tires.

If you want to run non-RFT snowies (as I am going to do) go get one of the mobility kits that give you tire sealant and a pump to pump the tire back up long enough to get it fixed.

[wtiger127]

So does TPW reside inside the wheel cap? or around the ABS system? TireRack proposes a purchase of their tire sensors to be install inside the rim as part of a conventional winter tire. They also claim it is something to do prior to having the rubber on the rim. A task much more difficult to do afterwards. So I guess am still not sure if it is needed or not? I would purchase the winter set from TireRack because they seam to have some pretty nice winter deals and their alloys are very attractive.

Thoughts...anyone?

[warmtoes]

No, TPW just senses rotational speed that does not require sensors on the wheels or the TPMS valves that are required for US spec cars.

So, if you are ordering from TireRack choose the option that has them mounted and balanced without TPMS.

[wtiger127]

aaahhhh, good call. You saved me 200$ thank you my friend.

[BrownBoy]

Whoa Whoa!!!

So ALL Canadian spec 135i's don't need the TPMS valves??

[warmtoes]

That would be correct. We, like almost every other country in the world except the USA, use TPW. The US market uses the TPMS sensors in the wheels. More accurate but also more costly.

[IDBMW]

I hate the TPMS! It makes it hard to switch between winter and summer tires. On my 2006 Toyota Tacoma, if I put additional TPMS in my winter tires I still have to take it to the dealer to program the sensors which cost $75. I put the sensors in a 1.5” PVC tube, sealed the tube with end caps and put a valve stem in the end cap. I put air in the unit and put the unit under the back seat. No more TPMS dash light.

The old TPW system never let me down when I had a flat but the NTSB said all 2008 US Spec. vehicles have to have tire “pressure“ monitors and the TPM does not check tire pressure.