E85 run flat tyre indicator reset

[Jhetfield]

Hi Guys

I recently only became of the owner of my first BMW and chose the Z4 e85 model and so far I'm delighted !!

But yesterday I was parked and then while taking off, I had a bit of a jumpy start (clutch let go to fast = little kangaroo hop) next of all my run flat indicator went red.

I brought it to a garage and they pumped the tyres up a bit and said the tyres seem to be fine and I then left it over night to see if I have a puncture but from what I can see there doesn't seem to be any problems with it.

I was just wondering if you guys could 1) tell me how to reset the indicator or should I reset it etc and 2) have any ideas of how the little jump may have set it off

Thanks guys

[sk93]

congrats on your purchase and welcome to the forum
as always,


As for your problem,

1) press and HOLD the button in the lower center console (has the same icon as the red warning light on the dash). After a few seconds, the dash light will change from red to yellow. Start driving immediately, in a normal manner, for a few minutes and the light will extinguish. You need to be driving so it gets a good read whilst the whole of the tyre is being used. (tho this last bit may be internet myth, I've always done it and found no problem)

2) the light will come on if it registers a couple of PSI drop in the tyre. you state they pumped them up a bit, so it's quite possible the tyre was on the very verge of indicating low pressure anyways, and the pressure changes within the tyre due to the weight unbalance caused by the kangarooing was enough to drop the tyre pressure below its "low pressure" level.
What these actual pressures are, I don't know - for me, one wheel seems to register a drop of about 3psi, whilst another doesn't for 8psi.

[Jhetfield]

Oh I'll upload a pic now, just trying to figure out how to

So it's not unusual for the run flat indicator to go red even though there's no puncture?

[sk93]

So it's not unusual for the run flat indicator to go red even though there's no puncture?

Just a shot in the dark, but do you have 108 style alloys?

[Jhetfield]

I'm trying to figure out how to upload a photo of the car but how do you do it ?

[sk93]

you need to host the picture elsewhere.
I personally use imgur.com

once uploaded, you can use:

Code: Select all

[img]PUT THE LINK TO THE IMAGE HERE: HTTP://WWW.IMGUR.COM/YOUR/IMAGE.JPG[/img]

[Jhetfield]

Ah ok, this is a pic of the car (Her name is Layla )

http://imgur.com/HJ35RDT

[sk93]

Code: Select all

[img]http://i.imgur.com/HJ35RDT.jpg[/img]

lovely looking example.


I note you don't have the 108's, so I'm afraid I cannot say what else MAY be a contributing factor to the flat tyre indicator.
if it comes on again after a few days, it may be an extremely slow puncture, or a tyre seating issue (ask them to take the tyre off, add the adhesive crap around the rim, then put the tyre back on.. it may help).

is there much kerbing (dings, scratches, dents) on the alloy in question?

[Jhetfield]

There is a little scratch around the rim of the alloy yes.

I just reset it there and also checked the tyre pressure and it is the same as yesterday so I'm gathering it is not a puncture or else as you say, an extremely slow puncture but hopefully all will be ok from now.

Thanks for your help

[thepits]

OT......

but do you have 108 style alloys?

Yes, but when the time comes to replace the tyres I intend to get Normal, i.e. None Run Flat, tyres!

So [on the basis that there is no such thing as a stupid question ] what difference will that make to the indicator?

Thanks

[Smartbear]

i replaced my runflats with normal tyres & ive never seen my tyre pressure indicator light up one (its obviously going to light up on my way home now)
regards

[thepits]

I replaced my runflats with normal tyres & ive never seen my tyre pressure indicator light up one

Thanks, similar to an answer I found on another thread after my posted the query

it's obviously going to light up on my way home now, regards

ALOTBSOL & touch wood - at least you know how easy it is to reset it

[dursley]

Hello,
I have a 3.0i Z4 roadster with normal tyres and the runflat indicator lamp came on today with an audible beep just as I was overtaking at...er...speed!!! Wierd! I expect that when I start it tomorrow the light will be history...here's hoping!