I am looking to put together a set of winter wheels/tires.

The question keeps coming up as to whether or not I need to install TPMS sensors in the wheels.

I have been told by some that GEN 3 cars do not use the sensors. The TPMS is monitored by wheel spin/speed.

Others, eg. Tirerack, want to sell me the sensors.

Could someone answer definitively?

Thanks for your help.

Cheers.

 

Whoever said that couldnt be more wrong. There is definitely a sensor inside the wheel. Operates at 433MHZ. Its not absolutely necesary but you may as well use it. Could come in handy.

 

If you don't use the sensors, would it trigger a code or a continuous TPMS warning?

Thanks.

 

GEN1 and very early GEN2 cars used a pressure monitor system that was wheel speed based.

US mandated 'active' TPMS using sensors beginning mid 07 (my 07S was among the last made without the sensors ... cars on same truck had them)

 

You’ll get a persistent warning message about a flat tire/error. Not a showstopper, but highly annoying. Spend the money and get the sensors.

 

Well, it depends in which country is your car from. Like here in Canada, our F56 doesn't have a TPMS sensor (not sure if that changed after the LCI F56)..

Even our Vehicle Status menu is different, it says Flat Tire Monitor (FTM) instead of Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM) and it doesn't show the tire pressure in each tires as well. I think it monitors the pressure by checking the wheel rotation of each tires when driving.