quick question about 'real' TPMS

[Washburn]

If i change to style 264 wheels (2008+ 1 series OEM), do I need the TPMS on those wheels??
I am thinking no, as ZHPs don't have 'real' TPMS sensors, but depend on wheel spin speed.

Am I correct?

(a lot of style 264 are being sold withOUT TPMS, hence the question)

[Crickett]

I'd say no, you do not need the "real" TPMS on those wheels if you're intending to put them on your ZHP. You're correct in saying that ZHPs don't have "real" TMPS (i.e. they don't actually monitor the tires' pressures).

[sillieidiot]

no you don't. and even if they did have the sensors, it would be useless as there is nothing on the e46 to receive the transmissions

[Washburn]

Thanks, guys!

- so when/if I get those wheels and IF they have TPMS, do I have to anything that's associated with valve stems, etc to get them on the ZHP like normal??
or what modifications do I have to do to get them fit my ZHP properly? none?
(and I think the existing 'fake' TPMS system in the ZHP will continue to work, right?)

[Rovert]

This is what I have installed in my car since my car didn't have factory TPMS sensors:

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Orange-TPMS-Universal-Tire-Checker-Pressure-Monitoring-System-4-Sensor-76-Psi-/00/$(KGrHqQOKkIE4g61Hy-vBORhi!PBE!~~0_1.JPG
http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-53200-19255-0/1?ff3=4&pub=5574947307&toolid=10001&campid=5336776893&customid=&mpre=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.ebay.com%2Fitm%2FOrange-TPMS-Universal-Tire-Checker-Pressure-Monitoring-System-4-Sensor-76-Psi-%2F360483935814%3Fpt%3DMotors_Car_Truck_Parts_Acce ssories%26hash%3Ditem53ee845646%26vxp%3Dmtr

It's nice because it's reporting temperature and pressure every 20 seconds so I know when something is wrong. :D It's a pretty cheap preventative measure in keeping safe because one blown out tire can cause a lot of damage if not cared for immediately. I just about slid off the road one winter when i didn't know a tire was out. Damn BMW chassis....they make them sooooo smooth and quiet!!

[Washburn]

That's neat!

I really don't need any 'real' TPMS, I am ok with what I have - just wanna make sure that they will continue to work as usual even if i change the wheels ..

btw: I found some style 264s BUT

Check this pic of the wheel at 9 o 'clock - doesn't it look flat and not round ??

or is that a shadow from the box's edge?
http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8380/8604750086_4ffa88b35a_h.jpg

I tried to mess/edit it to make it easier to see but i am still not sure...

http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b176/nishang/264.jpg (http://s19.photobucket.com/user/nishang/media/264.jpg.html)

what do you guys think?

[az3579]

Looks slightly flat to me, compared to the areas around it...

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

[Washburn]

Thanks guys - he just emailed me a different pic and it looks fine.
BUT he doesn't have center caps :( wonder where one can find those... ebay ?>??

[Rovert]

Can you use your current center caps or are you selling your current wheels?

[Washburn]

well I guess I can use them and sell them without center caps if they're the same size...seems what I need is 70 mm - is that the size of the ZHP center caps? I googled but can't find any info on that...

[Rovert]

OEM is 68mm. You can also buy new ones at the dealership to refresh yours if they are old and bubbling.

[Washburn]

Thanks!

I am looking at a set of style 264 with minor rash on 1 wheel and some dirt but otherwise in good condition (no TPMS or center caps) shipped for $500...wonder if that's a good deal...

[yura]

If i change to style 264 wheels (2008+ 1 series OEM), do I need the TPMS on those wheels??
I am thinking no, as ZHPs don't have 'real' TPMS sensors, but depend on wheel spin speed.

Am I correct?

(a lot of style 264 are being sold withOUT TPMS, hence the question)

Yup, that's right. My ZHP's TPMS relied of wheel rotation speed and usually kicked in when the tire pressure dropped by about 10-15 PSI.

[RITmusic2k]

Pardon the threadjack, but did some ZHPs not include the "fake TPMS" feature, or is it something that'll only make itself known when there's a problem? I don't believe my car has this...

[Rovert]

Beside the sport button on this E46, there is a TPMS reset button. If your car is equipped with it you'll see that button.

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/5345/e46m3switchunitcenterco.jpg

[wsmeyer]

Beside the sport button on this E46, there is a TPMS reset button. If your car is equipped with it you'll see that button.

http://img713.imageshack.us/img713/5345/e46m3switchunitcenterco.jpg

What's with the upside down storage bin?

[sillieidiot]

sunglass holder, it's not there when you have nav as the a/c unit is relocated there

[wsmeyer]

I get it now. I checked realoem and there are two parts:

Storage bin - 51168202188
Sunglasses tray - 51168260312

Here's my sunglasses tray:
7966
7967

[sillieidiot]

yeah i like the storage bin better than the sunglasses tray. i feel like it's more useful lol

[az3579]

Wow, I didn't know there was a sunglass tray. Never seen it before.

Sent from my DROID RAZR MAXX HD

[JupiterBMW]

I get it now. I checked realoem and there are two parts:

Storage bin - 51168202188
Sunglasses tray - 51168260312


Ahhh that makes sense.. When we hung out William, I was surprised to see your sunglasses tray as well... I had always seen pics of the storage bin, and I guess I just never really thought about it... Makes sense now...

Of course, I haz navigashuns. :biggrin

[cakM3]

There are two versions of TPMS, and Terra explains this very well.

First there is the RPA (TPMS) which works with all Mk60 modules. It is a passive system "found on the E46 M3 and later non-M E46s is based off the DSC system. It uses the differences in wheel speed to determine if the pressure is different. (Of course the system takes things like steering angle into account). *ALL* of those sensors are present in every E46 with DSC."

Terra further explains "BMW did offer a different system called RDC at one point. Purpose was similar, but it did require the antennae, wiring, sensors, and module. It was more accurate, but obviously more expensive while also adding rotating mass. BMW phased it out in favor of RPA because of this. Of course recently (as of 2008 or so) they switched back to the RDC system just so that they can tell the actual pressures at each wheel."

Those of you who have a ZHP but not the TPMS button can retrofit TPMS (RPA) to work on your car. Terra posted in another thread at E46Fanatics that you need to add $251 to your VO and recode the MK60 and KMB modules to enable it. I think there is still some wiring that needs to be done from the actual TPMS switch but I still have some research to do. Just wanted to put this out there for everyone :thumbsup

[RITmusic2k]

Ah, thanks for the feedback on that, guys. Yep, I'm just not equipped.

[sillieidiot]

bmw officially calls RPA, FTM (flat tire monitor) though vs. the TPMS that we call it. makes sense because it really only goes off if there is a wheel is flat (super low on air/same thing).

[Dave1027]

I just about slid off the road one winter when i didn't know a tire was out. Damn BMW chassis....they make them sooooo smooth and quiet!!
So you are saying you had a flat and the BMW tire monitoring system and DCS had no indication?

[Rovert]

My car doesn't have OEM TPMS. It was in the winter where the roads were pothole ridden and icy. One pothole took out a rear tire than I didn't know of as it leaked at a moderate amount. I'm guessing from 35lbs to flat within 15 minutes. The change was so little on a straight nasty road I didn't know. On the first corner I took (about 25MPH) I turned the steering wheel and something did not feel right but it was too late. Only 1 tire in the back had traction so the car started to slide out. DSC saved half of it while I quickly counter-steered but it wasn't enough as my car rotated enough to land the front into the opposing traffic lane. Luckily, noone was oncoming and I pulled the car over safely to change to my spare tire that one evening. Having that $140 device would have saved my $250 tire which was written off and a wheel refinishing. That moment changed the way I think about preventing that experience from ever happening again. Active TPMS, was THE ONLY way for me to go for the safety of myself, passengers, innocent bystanders, inconvenience, and $$$$$. Gawd forbid that would have happened on the highway traveling at over 60mph in traffic.

[johnrando]

How does TPMS handle non stock tire sizes?

[Washburn]

bmw officially calls RPA, FTM (flat tire monitor) though vs. the TPMS that we call it. makes sense because it really only goes off if there is a wheel is flat (super low on air/same thing).

actually the only time mine came on, it was such an early and slow/slight leak, it was hardly noticeable (and even me and one tire shop guy couldn't spot it visually).
That tire was only 5 PSI lower than others...I thought it did well for a 'fake' TPMS system

[wsmeyer]

How does TPMS handle non stock tire sizes?


It monitors rotational speed and compares them side-to-side. The tires just need to be the same side-to-side and relatively the same tread depth.

[johnrando]

Thanks William.

[sillieidiot]

actually the only time mine came on, it was such an early and slow/slight leak, it was hardly noticeable (and even me and one tire shop guy couldn't spot it visually).
That tire was only 5 PSI lower than others...I thought it did well for a 'fake' TPMS system

yeah mines isn't like that. it did do that once. but pretty much nowadays, it will only go off it it's like 10+ PSI difference, which is basically flat lol but i like our system. i can change wheels when ever i want without needing to swap the sensors to each wheel (or replace them when the batteries die).