Please correct me if I am wrong...

If we do NOT use runflats, we should NOT use the new direct TPMS...

Because if we get a flat (imagine half way up the Taconic, or 89N in Vermont when it is -20 just after midnight when cell signal is poor) we will NOT be able to use Slime, and manual puncture is probably not an option...

Unless we are prepared to carry a "spare", for example a 15" Konig Feather from Altamini (or may as well order an identical 5th tire/wheel), which means seats down in the back.

Dealer says TPMS warning light will stay on but other warning lights will continue to function.

Any other options?

 

I wouldn't want a continual warning light. I was told by Mike at Tirerack that the TPMS would take the slime but would likely trash the sensor. I'd rather keep the TPMS, keep the slime, and risk replacing a $60 part in the unlikely event of a flat that cannot be fixed by a dynaplug.

 

Did you catch the post with the link to the Slime site saying that Slime CANNOT enter the tire because of te sensor?

Dyna plug is definitely a WARM, sunny weather option.

 

I did, which is why I asked Mike. Of course, I haven't tried it yet.... AAA is always my backup option.

 

I thought that the TPMS in the 07 MCS did NOT use an in-wheel sensor. I was told that the ECU monitors rotational speed of each wheel and uses difference in the rotational speed to indicate a low-pressure situation. Is this not correct? I'm getting new wheels and tires this week and was planning on carrying slime and a compressor.

 

Depends on the build week. Later minis are coming with the direct TPMS. If you have rubber valve stems, you have the indirect system; metal valve stems are the direct system.

 

This used to be the case- it seems just about everybody is getting the newer sensor based TPMS with recent deliveries. I did see a post from someone in Canada that still received a car with the older system not too long ago.

See: https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=115574

 

I guess I'm safe. Mine is a January build and has rubber valve stems.

 

I think the cutoff date is August 2007 - if your mini was built after this date it has the DIRECT system (lots of posts on this)

 

Federal mandate went into effect 8/31. Any vehicle sold in the US has to have a TPMS that senses individual tire inflation pressures. The easiest way to do this is the direct TPMS that take the place of the valve stems.