Tire Pressure Sensor recommendations

[Pondrew]

To keep my fellow pedants happy, the system on the E85 is actually described as a Run Flat Indicator.
At least, on UK models :roll:

I thought it was called FTMS without wheel sensors (flat tyre monitoring system) or TPMS with wheel sensors (tyre pressure monitoring system).

I was also under the impression (could be wrong) that cars with i-drive generally have TPMS but cars without have FTMS. And that cars with i-drive could have either, but without can only have FTMS, as the basic computer on the BC stalk can't work TPMS. In the UK. :?

 

[enuff_zed]

To keep my fellow pedants happy, the system on the E85 is actually described as a Run Flat Indicator.
At least, on UK models :roll:

I thought it was called FTMS without wheel sensors (flat tyre monitoring system) or TPMS with wheel sensors (tyre pressure monitoring system).

I was also under the impression (could be wrong) that cars with i-drive have TPMS but cars without have FTMS. In the UK. :?

I just went and opened up the manual. That’s what it said in there.

 

[Mr Tidy]

I thought it was called FTMS without wheel sensors (flat tyre monitoring system) or TPMS with wheel sensors (tyre pressure monitoring system).

I was also under the impression (could be wrong) that cars with i-drive generally have TPMS but cars without have FTMS. And that cars with i-drive could have either, but without can only have FTMS, as the basic computer on the BC stalk can't work TPMS. In the UK.

That may be what it was called on your facelift E89s, but as Martin said it's Run Flat Indicator in the handbook for my 2006 E86 (and 2005 E90). And i-drive wasn't an option on E85/86s!

 

[Z4LauncherMan]

I believe the aftermarket ones are fine...

 

[Z4LauncherMan]

Also want to say I have aftermarket ones in a different vehicle and they work great.

 

[Pondrew]

That may be what it was called on your facelift E89s, but as Martin said it's Run Flat Indicator in the handbook for my 2006 E86 (and 2005 E90). And i-drive wasn't an option on E85/86s!

Whatever they want to call them, tyre pressure monitoring is more trouble than it's worth IME. I have forgotten the amount of times I have been driving down a motorway (usually in the rain) and a car (any car) has decided the tyre pressures are wrong. Then pulling over in the rain to check them (just in case) and one is 1/4 of a psi different. :x

 

[meh92]

It's always a learning experience for me. I just learned that the valve stems come in significantly different lengths. That makes perfect sense but it was something I hadn't considered. The 108 wheel takes a stem 55mm in length by my cheap dial calipers.

I am considering Huf as the replacement sensor. I just need to make sure the stem included is the right length. I don't want to re-use stems that are 18 years old.

 

[meh92]

Just to follow up, I went with the HUF sensors from TPMS.com. They arrived quickly and with the correct "long" stems. The company rep was a pleasure to deal with over the phone.

The sensors did not need set by a tire shop. After driving it for a little bit, the light went out on its own. They seem to work just fine.

 

[wiseguy]

Whatever they want to call them, tyre pressure monitoring is more trouble than it's worth IME.

The warning light on the dash isn’t very helpful, I agree. That’s why I added Bluetooth TPMS caps and a small screen to give me the actual tire pressure of all 4 tires. I’ve checked it a few times with a gauge and it’s accurate to 1 PSI. Models from $25 (DOACT Digital TPMS) to $100 (FOBO TPMS) all work great on my vehicles. The FOBO doesn’t include a screen; it shows the pressures on your smart phone, including low pressure alerts, and includes a small box for audible alerts if you prefer to not use your phone. I use FOBO in the Z4, and the DOACT with a screen in my SUV. Zero issues with either system.