Stupid Question

Spaceman Spiff · 01-22-2011, 04:49 PM

I just bought and put on a set of used winter wheels. How do I know if these have TPMS installed? The previous owner was a girl who didn't seem very knowledgeable (she didn't even know the tires were runflats).

FerRrari · 01-22-2011, 04:53 PM

You have an '03 right? If so, the TPMS in your car works by using the ABS sensor to figure out if there's a difference in pressure so you don't need TPMS sensors in the wheels.

Spaceman Spiff · 01-22-2011, 10:51 PM

Thanks! That's a relief

Why don't they use this system in all cars? Sounds like an easier solution.

M_Six · 01-22-2011, 10:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spaceman Spiff

Thanks! That's a relief

Why don't they use this system in all cars? Sounds like an easier solution.

Why don't all cars have automatic headlights? It would increase safety immeasurably. The answer is money. Profits before safety. Always. Sad but true.

Spaceman Spiff · 01-22-2011, 11:38 PM

Does this cost more than the normal wheel-mounted TPMS sensors though?

FerRrari · 01-23-2011, 12:00 AM

The ABS method is not as accurate as it only detects changes in diameter by measuring the rotational speed, if both tires are equally low, this system won't detect it. Also, it is a PITA to calibrate, overall I don't think it's a very good system. The individual sensors on the wheels are more accurate and user friendly IMO. I wish BMW would display the tire pressures of the 4 corners in the on-board computer like Porsche does.

Spaceman Spiff · 01-23-2011, 01:06 AM

Now it makes sense

lucid · 01-23-2011, 07:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FerRrari

I wish BMW would display the tire pressures of the 4 corners in the on-board computer like Porsche does.

+1

01-22-2011, 04:49 PM	#1
Spaceman Spiff Captain 86 Rep 847 Posts Drives: R8, 996 C2, Z4MR (sold) Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (1)	Stupid Question I just bought and put on a set of used winter wheels. How do I know if these have TPMS installed? The previous owner was a girl who didn't seem very knowledgeable (she didn't even know the tires were runflats).
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01-22-2011, 04:53 PM	#2
FerRrari First Lieutenant 19 Rep 389 Posts Drives: Catrinel Menghia Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: WA iTrader: (1)	You have an '03 right? If so, the TPMS in your car works by using the ABS sensor to figure out if there's a difference in pressure so you don't need TPMS sensors in the wheels. __________________ '12 Nero/Rosso 500 Abarth '07 IR/SBL ///M Roadster (GONE), '08 Tornado Red Triumph Daytona (GONE), '09 BRG/Cloth 6MT MINI Cooper S (Spontaneously Combusted), '06 IR/IR ///M3 Convertible 6MT (GONE), '04 JB/CR Z4 2.5i SMG (GONE)
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01-22-2011, 10:51 PM	#3
Spaceman Spiff Captain 86 Rep 847 Posts Drives: R8, 996 C2, Z4MR (sold) Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (1)	Thanks! That's a relief Why don't they use this system in all cars? Sounds like an easier solution.
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01-22-2011, 11:38 PM	#5
Spaceman Spiff Captain 86 Rep 847 Posts Drives: R8, 996 C2, Z4MR (sold) Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (1)	Does this cost more than the normal wheel-mounted TPMS sensors though?
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01-23-2011, 12:00 AM	#6
FerRrari First Lieutenant 19 Rep 389 Posts Drives: Catrinel Menghia Join Date: Sep 2010 Location: WA iTrader: (1)	The ABS method is not as accurate as it only detects changes in diameter by measuring the rotational speed, if both tires are equally low, this system won't detect it. Also, it is a PITA to calibrate, overall I don't think it's a very good system. The individual sensors on the wheels are more accurate and user friendly IMO. I wish BMW would display the tire pressures of the 4 corners in the on-board computer like Porsche does. __________________ '12 Nero/Rosso 500 Abarth '07 IR/SBL ///M Roadster (GONE), '08 Tornado Red Triumph Daytona (GONE), '09 BRG/Cloth 6MT MINI Cooper S (Spontaneously Combusted), '06 IR/IR ///M3 Convertible 6MT (GONE), '04 JB/CR Z4 2.5i SMG (GONE)
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01-23-2011, 01:06 AM	#7
Spaceman Spiff Captain 86 Rep 847 Posts Drives: R8, 996 C2, Z4MR (sold) Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: SF Bay iTrader: (1)	Now it makes sense
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