Installing a new TPMS sensor, does it need to be registered?

Ajaxthedog89 · 10-14-2022, 12:36 PM

One of my "new" sensors crapped at early at year 3 on my 2011 128i. So I have a new one and ready to install, but wanted to know if the new unit needs to be "registered" like those on my BMW motorcycle, or do I just install and drive?

It's supposed to be the correct part number for my VIN, and I do have a "wake up" tool.

tracer bullet · 10-14-2022, 01:45 PM

Just get the new one in the wheel, the wheel on the car, and tell the system to go look for it.

Ajaxthedog89 · 10-16-2022, 07:54 PM

How does one "...tell the system to go look for it."?

tracer bullet · 10-16-2022, 10:38 PM

Mine is through the i-drive menu. Depends on how your car is equipped. Owner's manual should say.

Ajaxthedog89 · 10-17-2022, 12:49 PM

No I Drive, so I guess I'll just reset the tpms and see what happens.

tracer bullet · 10-17-2022, 01:27 PM

I think it's done with the stalk on the left side of the steering column. Some combo of up / down, pushing the button and holding it, etc.

Sorry, I do have idrive. I'd have to guess there are some youtube videos or DIY's here for it. Someone else might see this too of course. Though the user base seems to get smaller every day.

blue135 · 10-17-2022, 09:32 PM

Some time back Dackelone put together a how-to on resetting service indicators. Find it on here (I just accessed it a couple of weeks ago). It does not address your specific situation but will give you an idea of how to use the turn signal stock to get to where you need to be - I have seen the TPMS reset when going through the steps to get to where I needed to be.

10-14-2022, 12:36 PM	#1
Ajaxthedog89 New Member 6 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i Coupe Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Highlands Ranch, Colorado iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i Coupe [0.00]	Installing a new TPMS sensor, does it need to be registered? One of my "new" sensors crapped at early at year 3 on my 2011 128i. So I have a new one and ready to install, but wanted to know if the new unit needs to be "registered" like those on my BMW motorcycle, or do I just install and drive? It's supposed to be the correct part number for my VIN, and I do have a "wake up" tool.
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10-14-2022, 01:45 PM	#2
tracer bullet Brigadier General 2412 Rep 3,548 Posts Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	Just get the new one in the wheel, the wheel on the car, and tell the system to go look for it.
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10-16-2022, 07:54 PM	#3
Ajaxthedog89 New Member 6 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i Coupe Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Highlands Ranch, Colorado iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i Coupe [0.00]	How does one "...tell the system to go look for it."?
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10-16-2022, 10:38 PM	#4
tracer bullet Brigadier General 2412 Rep 3,548 Posts Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	Mine is through the i-drive menu. Depends on how your car is equipped. Owner's manual should say.
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10-17-2022, 12:49 PM	#5
Ajaxthedog89 New Member 6 Rep 13 Posts Drives: 2011 BMW 128i Coupe Join Date: Sep 2014 Location: Highlands Ranch, Colorado iTrader: (0) Garage List 2011 BMW 128i Coupe [0.00]	No I Drive, so I guess I'll just reset the tpms and see what happens.
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10-17-2022, 01:27 PM	#6
tracer bullet Brigadier General 2412 Rep 3,548 Posts Drives: '11 135i , '15 X3 35i Join Date: May 2011 Location: Saint Paul, MN iTrader: (1)	I think it's done with the stalk on the left side of the steering column. Some combo of up / down, pushing the button and holding it, etc. Sorry, I do have idrive. I'd have to guess there are some youtube videos or DIY's here for it. Someone else might see this too of course. Though the user base seems to get smaller every day.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

10-17-2022, 09:32 PM	#7
blue135 Captain 374 Rep 652 Posts Drives: 2008 135i Convertible Join Date: Aug 2015 Location: Sarasota, FL iTrader: (1)	Some time back Dackelone put together a how-to on resetting service indicators. Find it on here (I just accessed it a couple of weeks ago). It does not address your specific situation but will give you an idea of how to use the turn signal stock to get to where you need to be - I have seen the TPMS reset when going through the steps to get to where I needed to be.
	Appreciate 0 Quote