Forgive the ignorance, but will I be able to remove the sensors from my stock 15" wheels and just transfer them w/ the metal stems to my aftermarket 17" wheels? If so, what is the removal/installation procedure?

Also, is it safe to assume that as long as the stem hole is not centered on the new wheel, that they will work on the new 17" wheels? I just want to make sure I get it right the first time and don't get stuck with wheels that won't accept the stock sensors.

Is there something specific I should be asking when looking at wheels to make sure they will accept the sensors?

Thanks for putting up with these basic inquiries.

 

you should be able to swap them (we did). Just remove the screw from the inside (once you remove the tire(. It is a torx bit so be prepared. The sensore will then seperate so that you can pull it out of your wheel. when you attach it to your new wheels loosen the screw on the back and you can adjust the sensor on the inside to sit flush on the inside of the wheel. This all sounds complicated but makes complete sense once you have it in front of you. Good luck!

 

Well, that sounds simple enough. Thanks for the reply.

Now I can start shopping.

 

I am running into the same thing right now. Does this apply to the 2008 MC's?

Can I swap the TPMS myself ...I had thought they used silicone or some other kind of glue/sealant to adhere the sensors?

 

Nope just unscrew.

 

I am hoping that it is as easy as just unscrewing the sensor from one wheel and screwing to the new wheel.

My 2nd question,
do my brand new wheels need to be re-balanced after I swap the TPMS? Also, does this sensor sit on the outside of the wheel or inside? I mean, it looks like it slides over the valve stem ...so wouldn't that be on the outside? ...last do we need a special valve stem? ..I guess I just fear that the new wheels I just ordered online aren't going to work w/ the TPMS in our cars.

 

1.YES it does apply to the 2008 MCS <-- thats what we have.

2.YEEESSS your wheels need to be rebalanced anytime you remove your tire from the rim.

3.The valve stem is attached to the TPMS. The TPMS is acctually in between the tire and rim. It sits on the outside of the rim barrell.

 

There is a torque spec to be aware of when retightening...so be careful...

 

I just went through the wheel purchase and I found it easier to buy another set of sensors and leave the stock wheel alone, especially since I won't be using the 16" tires. Got the sensors from Tire Rack on eBay (thanks to someone here). It came with the valves and sensors for under $200 shipped and it came in one day. The rims will usually say "TPMS friendly" or something like that on their site (mine did). Lastly, with the 08 I could not reuse my lugnuts becasue they are too small for the aftermarket rims. Apparently this was a non-issue on all previous versions. So I've spent around $200 for the sensors/valves, $520 for four 205/45/17 BF Goodrich g-force Sport tires and $620 for four Momo wheels (includes installing sensors, mounting, balancing and installing). I think the least expensive MINI package is around $2500

Good luck!

 

thanks,
been talking to the tire dealer about this. They are going to order a set of TPMS sensors for my new wheels and mount and balance everything before they send it to me. Sucks I had to pay an extra $189 for another set of sensors though. (wish it were as easy as just ordering wheels and tires)

 

hey crankert,
I am going through the exact same thing.

Can I assume that the sensors come w/ the valves and everything needed? I guess my fear is, is that the dealer is going to install the sensors but not the valves? ....I fear that maybe they need to order two parts valves and sensors and only order the sensors. ...Maybe I am worrying too much.
Yes, lug nuts are the next thing I have to deal w/. I am kinda thinking it may have been easier to just order my aftermarkets from the dealer and pay the extra $$$.