Help me find my RDC module

[rowsdower]

I'm trying to disable TPMS in my 2011 128i. My understanding is that coding out TPMS without first unplugging the RDC module will cause codes or it will re-activate (I'm not sure, I read it on E90Post a while ago). I've also read that there is something else on the fuse, so pulling the fuse isn't the answer. I'm trying to find my module to unplug it but it's an elusive thing. RealOEM shows that my car uses the smaller black RDC module that looks like a stick of gum, but RealOEM doesn't show where it's located on the car. I've checked 6 spots based on other threads on here and E90Post:

Right side of the trunk under the carpet (only the Passive Go module was there)
Right side of the car, just in front of the rear wheel above the side underbody tray
Right side, just behind the rear wheel above the wheel liner
Left side, above the side undertray basically where the driver's seat is
Left side, in front of and behind rear wheel under the wheel liner
Exposed near the rear subframe mounting point

Where else could it be?

Update


I never found the module, but I did turn off TPMS by pulling the fuse. After several hundred miles and a track day, I have not run into any other issues as a result of pulling the fuse. The info posted here is relevant to my 2011 128i without iDrive, with comfort access, with sunroof delete. Other years/options may not have the same results.

I used this thread as a guide. The fuse diagram for this car can be found in this thread. You want to pull fuse #27, which is circled in red in the attached photo. Accessing the fusebox is easy... follow this video.

Once you pull the fuse, you have to code out TPMS using NCS Expert. If you have not used this software before, I highly recommend reading this guide. You will also need to use the FA/VO menu to write to your car. I found this guide helpful. Depending on your version of NCS Expert, the screens will be a little different so you will have to play around a bit in order to find the screens mentioned in the guides.

Once you know your way around NCS Expert, this only takes about 5 minutes. You first remove $2VB from the CAS, FRM, and NFRM modules in the FA/VO menu. You then have to use FA_write to both CAS and NFRM (there is no FRM for FA_write). After this, you use the sg_codieren job on the DSC and KOMBI modules.

I still have not turned on RDC, but will update this thread if I do.

[rdmarsiii]

Mine was underneath the car, right above the middle of the gas tank. I have a '12 135i convertible, so not sure if its in the same place.

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by rdmarsiii

Mine was underneath the car, right above the middle of the gas tank. I have a '12 135i convertible, so not sure if its in the same place.

Above the gas tank? Do you access it from under the car?

[tracer bullet]

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1543773

[rowsdower]

Originally Posted by tracer bullet

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1543773

Thanks. I posted my question in that thread but didn't get an answer, and rather than muddy up that one I figured I'd start a new thread. I'm trying to put together a DIY on disabling TPMS and enabling FTM, but can't even find my module. Once I do, I'll include all the possible spots I've seen on the web to (hopefully) consolidate into one post to save people some hassle when turning this off. As time goes on, more of us are going to have dead TPMS sensors and want to turn off the dash light rather than shell out hundreds for new sensors.

[tracer bullet]

Originally Posted by rowsdower

Thanks. I posted my question in that thread but didn't get an answer, and rather than muddy up that one I figured I'd start a new thread. I'm trying to put together a DIY on disabling TPMS and enabling FTM, but can't even find my module. Once I do, I'll include all the possible spots I've seen on the web to (hopefully) consolidate into one post to save people some hassle when turning this off. As time goes on, more of us are going to have dead TPMS sensors and want to turn off the dash light rather than shell out hundreds for new sensors.

Ahh, yeah I missed that. It looked like a similar enough car I figured that'd be the answer for you. Dang.

[rdmarsiii]

Originally Posted by rowsdower

Above the gas tank? Do you access it from under the car?

Yes, I had the rear up in the air. I suppose if you can fit under the car without raising it that'd work as well. Its sorta above and in front of the gas tank.

[kioneo]

There are about 6 parts to the RDC. The receiver is in the middle under the car as noted. Each wheel well also has a sender unit behind the wheel well arch trim. And finally the control module is in the trunk in the right corner. You have to remove the right side interior trim. It's basically right under the right side taillight.

Having coded it out before, you should only have to remove the control module in the trunk.

Edit to say this was on every 135 I've looked at. Not sure if the 128 differs for sure.

[Mr Gasser]

Originally Posted by rowsdower

Thanks. I posted my question in that thread but didn't get an answer, and rather than muddy up that one I figured I'd start a new thread. I'm trying to put together a DIY on disabling TPMS and enabling FTM, but can't even find my module. Once I do, I'll include all the possible spots I've seen on the web to (hopefully) consolidate into one post to save people some hassle when turning this off. As time goes on, more of us are going to have dead TPMS sensors and want to turn off the dash light rather than shell out hundreds for new sensors.

I found it on the passenger side before the rear tire, have to remove some of the under guard plastic to see it. I have to reset the code whenever I get the fault code for inactive tpms so your DIY will be very appreciated when you get to it.

[rowsdower]

Bump... updated the first post with some useful links I used to turn off TPMS.

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by Mr Gasser

I found it on the passenger side before the rear tire, have to remove some of the under guard plastic to see it. I have to reset the code whenever I get the fault code for inactive tpms so your DIY will be very appreciated when you get to it.

Any chance you could provide a pic of exactly where/which panels?

Mine is not by the taillight as many of them are, so I am guessing its where you found yours.

I've heard people say "Underside, In front of the rear passenger tire" but that is useless info with out more specifics. I've pulled a panel or two and no luck, so either a pic that provides locational context or very specific verbal instructions (less helpful than a pic), please!

[Mr Gasser]

by raising the car from the right rear wheel, that is the location to see it from. There will be a panel under there to remove...without me looking under there and taking a picture for now...but if I can I will...but not now its Saturday and I'm a little drunk...lol..

[Gangplank]

Does this help

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1259161

[Cavpilot2k]

Originally Posted by Gangplank

Does this help

https://www.1addicts.com/forums/show....php?t=1259161

Sorry, no. That refers to the taillight location. Mine is not there.

[rowsdower]

I spent hours looking for mine and took off all the underbody panels and fender liners. I gave up and pulled the fuse.

[spidertri]

To close the loop on this, on the 2011 128i built in September 2010, BMW moved the RDC module to under the rear of the car. It was clipped into a bracket right underneath where the battery is in the trunk and next to the muffler.

It no longer says "RDC" on it but it does say "Reifendruck-Kontrolle".

Pictures below of the location and module.

[JimD]

Glad I stopped looking. Pulling fuse 27 seems to work fine.

[finkletinkle]

Mine was also in the same spot underneath the car, sort of above the middle of the gas tank. Same spot as pictured in @ spidertri 128i above. Funny thing is i drive a 2013 135i lol. All you have to do after to do after this is unplugged is go into Protools and disable the TPMS.

[PseudoPsam]

RE: Fuse 27 and RDC location in an LCI car

2012 (LCI) 135i here.

I saw the OP’s fuse 27 recommendation and started there. The problem, however, is that in iDrive cars, this also controls the iDrive. So don’t go that route if you have iDrive.

I coded out the TPMS by removing $2VB and adding $265 in the VO. Then I ran into problems with coding the ZBE module and worked for hours trying to solve it. It turns out, the iDrive car needs that fuse to successfully code all modules.

As for the location of the RDC, it was indeed where SpiderTRI photographed above. It is BEHIND the gas tank, as in towards the rear of the car. See photos attached:

[PopsnBurbles]

Thank you for this post! I can finally use my Alpina without that stupid light bothering me.