I have the OEM 17" run-flats and I'm considering switching to cushy-er non-run-flats. The pressure inflation sticker near the door states the tires should be inflated to 38psi, which I'm also assuming is "programmed" into the tire pressure sensors. Since most regular tires don't normally run pressures quite this high (32-34), does this mean that I will need to also inflate replacement tires at this level to avoid the low-tire warning from lighting up? I'm just wondering what others have done and if this is an issue?

 

Check your owner's manual for TPMS initialization instructions. That will take care of your worries.

 

Sensors don't have a preconfigured pressure... They simply look for large changes in pressure to occur after you reset / initialize them (at whatever PSI you want to run).

 

They don't see pressure, the sensors detect a difference in tire rotational speed.
A tire that has low pressure isn't the same diameter as a properly inflated tire and will turn faster. this sets the warning light.

Dave

 

Dave is correct - as I just found out doing the same thing OP is doing.
The TPMS sensors in MINI wheels communicate through the ABS circuit, alerting you if one (or more) of the wheels is rotating faster than the others (lower pressure tire will roll quicker).
So, you can set your tire pressures wherever you like - just sync 'em all up, then the TPMS will keep track if one gets out of whack.
It's a really simple system, considering how much the individual sensors are when you're buying a new set (for new wheels and tires)!

 

For post 2006 cars, I do not think this is correct. The TPMS sensors in the wheels are measuring pressure and will alert for a pressure difference.

What you described is true for the older cars, R53 etc.

 

Exactly right. The new TPMS system with the sensors in the wheel does measure pressure directly.

The whole reason automakers are going with the in-wheel system is because the "old" method of counting wheel revolutions doesn't meet the new TPMS requirements. The ABS-based systems can't reliably detect small-enough pressure losses, and it also can't sense a pressure loss if both tires on the same axle are losing pressure at the same rate.

 

Sorry guys, the new MINI's use an acutal sensor in each tire and do not use the ABS speed sensor rotational values that earlier MINI's used, pre R56. In fact, correct me if I'm wrong, but I think some early 07's used ABS signals before the actual tire sensors were implemented. It is really easy to tell what system you have just by looking at the valve stem on each tire. If you have a metal stem, you have the newer sensor system. If you have a black rubber stem, it is the ABS speed sensor system since there are no internal sensors.

There are 4 sensors, one in each wheel that send information to the TPMS computer via radio frequency. This information is tire pressure and temperature. The tire pressure is set based on the values you have your tires set to. Once you set your tire pressures, you will reset or in other words, have the TPMS system learn the tire pressure values in each tire. Once learned this is the target the TPMS bases any discrepancies from.

Later 2007,2008 & 2009 MINI's have internal sensors and a transmitter/receiver in each wheel well. In 2010 MINI went to a cheaper system that still has internal pressures sensors in each wheel, but the transmitter/receivers were deleted and only one antenna reads all 4 now. I know this because when I bought my 2010 in Colorado, I bought a set of 2009 16" Bridge Spokes with TPMS sensor already so I could mount my snow tires on them. When I tried to learn the new sensor values my MINI would not learn them. I found out from MINI new sensors were used in 2010's so I had to buy 4 new ones. They look totally different than the 07,08 & 09 versions.

I took a picture of the sensor a while ago. I'll see if I can find it and place it in my gallery.

 

Sorry for perpetuating some outdated info, guys. My fault.

 

Minidean,

I do not think that temperature is measured at the sensor level, only pressure.

Sensor always seem to go off during the really cold days.

 

sorry but i had lost my manual and did a search online on and on this site.. i could not find instructions to reset the tire sensor for my new 17"

 

For first generation MINIs (those that the ABS system monitors tire pressure), start the car. Press and hold the TPMS button (near the E brake, seatwarmers, mirror adjusters, etc.) until the TPMS comes on. In my MINI with the Chrono package this is in the center display area, not sure if it is in the same place if you have the center speedometer. In any case, if you have a convertible and have the top dropped it is pretty hard to see when stuff is illuminated so it might be easier to start the process in a darker garage or at night so you can see if the light comes on. Start driving the car. Continue driving the car until the TPMS light goes off. It wasnt long for me...5 minutes maybe. The TPMS is now re-set. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks All, good to hears the TPMS looks for a drop in pressure and learns the "good" level when reset. Any recommendations on non-RF replacement tires?

 

Do you want all seasons or summer performance tires?

 

How annoying is the TPMS warning on second-gens? Is the warning noise only on start-up, or does the warning cycle?

 

Rings only on start up then there is a yellow light that remains on in the speedo cluster.

I find it relatively easy to ignore.

 

That's good to hear. Pretty sure you can't mount TPMS to the wheels I'm grabbing.

 

I'm looking for all-season tire.

 

There seems to be a lot of misinformation out there about the TPMS. I bought used Mini crown spokes from a guy for winter tires for my R50, mainly because they 'had the TPMS sensors in them' according to the seller. I didn't discover the wheels didn't have the sensors until the tires came off a few weeks ago. Luckily, and thanks to this thread, I learn that my car doesn't use them, it has the ABS sensor system. I could have used a aftermarket wheel instead. Buyer beware! No big deal, I like the crown spokes so I'm happy with my purchase anyway.

 

Seems like the two most popular ones are Yoko Envigor and Conti DWS. I have not used either of them.

If you want help with extreme summers, I can be more help there.

 

I have a 2010 Mini John Cooper Works. Does anybody know if my TMP sensor will fit a set of Tenzo R Mach 10 Wheels 18x7.5??
Also if not can I buy a set that will fit? If not is there a way to disconnect the TMP sensor??
I really don't want the light to stay on?

 

When my 07 arrived in late Aug of 07, some cars on the truck had new TPMS while some had the old . . . good estimate on when the change happened.

 

They just changed again for 2010.