TPMS Light for Inspection

[davyrockett]

I’ve been rebuilding my 2008 Z4 3.0i for the past month and after replacing a ton of stuff and resurfacing the head and valves and all of that good stuff I finally have it running well. However, I failed the CA safety inspection (it’s a salvage title) because of my tire pressure light. I have DTC codes 04 and 31. If possible, I’d like to just replace the one sensor or maybe all 4 with aftermarket sensors but I’m confused about what if anything I need to code them. I mean , what I’d really like to do is just disable the sensors all together and I know you can do that with NCS Expert but I think they test it by making sure your light comes on after they deflate a tire. Does anyone have any experience with this or even recommendations for a shop or product? Thank you!

 

[Scooba_Steve]

replace the one sensor or maybe all 4 with aftermarket sensors

Get the part number off realoem.com

I got a set of 4, pre coded, from AliExpress for less than $25.

 

[enuff_zed]

Was never aware they needed any coding at all?

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Was never aware they needed any coding at all?

I *think* BMW ones may need waking up from transport mode with a simple tool.

Bosch etc. make semi-universal ones that require programming to the brand. The tools to do that are prohibitively expensive, so I just went with Chinese ones direct. Same price as just buying TMPS valves here and if they only last 2 years it's still a saving.

 

[enuff_zed]

Was never aware they needed any coding at all?

I *think* BMW ones may need waking up from transport mode with a simple tool.

Bosch etc. make semi-universal ones that require programming to the brand. The tools to do that are prohibitively expensive, so I just went with Chinese ones direct. Same price as just buying TMPS valves here and if they only last 2 years it's still a saving.

Are we taking about the abs sensors on each wheel?
I’ve done loads. Various makes. Simple bolt on, nothing else needed.
Or is this another US thread with pressure sensors in the wheels?
I’m lost.

 

[davyrockett]

Was never aware they needed any coding at all?

I *think* BMW ones may need waking up from transport mode with a simple tool.

Bosch etc. make semi-universal ones that require programming to the brand. The tools to do that are prohibitively expensive, so I just went with Chinese ones direct. Same price as just buying TMPS valves here and if they only last 2 years it's still a saving.

Are we taking about the abs sensors on each wheel?
I’ve done loads. Various makes. Simple bolt on, nothing else needed.
Or is this another US thread with pressure sensors in the wheels?
I’m lost.

Unfortunately, it is indeed another US thread. I wish it was just the ABS sensors.

 

[davyrockett]

Was never aware they needed any coding at all?

I *think* BMW ones may need waking up from transport mode with a simple tool.

Bosch etc. make semi-universal ones that require programming to the brand. The tools to do that are prohibitively expensive, so I just went with Chinese ones direct. Same price as just buying TMPS valves here and if they only last 2 years it's still a saving.

Are we taking about the abs sensors on each wheel?
I’ve done loads. Various makes. Simple bolt on, nothing else needed.
Or is this another US thread with pressure sensors in the wheels?
I’m lost.

Unfortunately, it is indeed another US thread. I wish it was just the ABS sensors.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Or is this another US thread with pressure sensors in the wheels?

The "CA safety inspection" and other yank-isms gave it away :lol:

But a location in everyone's profile would sure help!

 

[enuff_zed]

Or is this another US thread with pressure sensors in the wheels?

The "CA safety inspection" and other yank-isms gave it away :lol:

But a location in everyone's profile would sure help!

I kind of noticed that but until this week I'd never heard of a US E85 having TPMS sensors, so assumed (wrongly) that this one wouldn't.

 

[BumpyZ4]

If possible, I’d like to just replace the one sensor or maybe all 4 with aftermarket sensors but I’m confused about what if anything I need to code them.

I use Autel sensors but you will need an Autel TPMS tool to program them or any other scanner that is capable of programming TPMS sensors like a Launch, Autel, Topdon, Thinktool, etc.

 

[Scooba_Steve]

Autel TPMS tool

I thought about getting a tool to program. But they are £200+ $270+ here.

I would have to buy more than 10 sets of 4 to break even.

 

[davyrockett]

Thank you all for your help! Sorry for my lack of information in my bio/user name/etc. I'm new to this forum and new to forums in general . I solved the issue! For any future viewers of this post, here's what I bought:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/192818046311

Complete Set of 4 Genuine OEM BMW TPMS Tire Pressure Sensors Kit 36236781847

Just had a tire shop replace the faulty one (front right) with the new one. No programming or coding.
Started the car
Pressed and held the tire pressure button below the radio until the yellow warning light turned on between the speedo and the tach
After about 30 seconds it turned off again
Drove around for 30 minutes.
Light didn't come back on

Plugged in my Launch diagnostic tool and checked the live data for the RDC and all tires are accounted for and transmitting correct pressure
Went to clear old codes but there were none to clear!

BIG thanks to Scooba_Steve for this:

"Get the part number off realoem.com
I got a set of 4, pre coded, from AliExpress for less than $25."

I got mine from Ebay but the suggestion to get them pre-coded and to find the part number from realm.com was spot on.

Thank you all again!
Davy

 

[Scooba_Steve]

BIG thanks to Scooba_Steve for this:

Even if they only last a few years, they’re the same price as a valve alone.

 

[davyrockett]

My friend, I don't care if they don't last two weeks! I just need to pass this inspection. After that, I'm happy to put some tape over the light!