I elected to swap the 18" HP run flats with Michelin All Sport non run flat all seasons. I was going to purchase an inflation kit, but I am being told the stuff would render the TPMS sensor useless. I was told a replacement TPMS sensor from Mini would run $180. Is this true? Are these sensors really that expensive?

 

I was under the impression that most tire inflation kits are TPMS friendly. They usually say as much. I'm sure others on here can add more though.

What Michelins did you get? I'm looking to swap out the 18" run flats when we get ours in a few weeks.

 

bought a full set of 4 of the Beru OEM equivalent for $230 from OutMotoring.

The better sealer kits should result in a film type thing that can be peeled off (or just thrown out with the tire), as opposed to slime all over everything.

And, if you consider the alternative that you could be stranded, get towed to a Mini dealer (or full price tire place after trying to locate one on the spot) and pay much more than TireRack for a replacement tire, then even if the sensor were ruined, I think you are still ahead on the $ let alone the major lost time.

 

I am researching this right now too. There are several threads here available through the search and alot of info through Google. From what I have seen, something like Slime doesn't damage the TPMS, but you must remove them and clean them and the inner tire to get them working again (just what I have read). I think what I am going to do is get a kit with plugs and compressor and just do a quick plug if I get a flat, pretty easy to do, but does require a strong hand.

 

Yeah that is probably what I would do as well. The problem is that my wife will be the main driver of our car so that's why I'm looking at the slime type kits. Easier for her.

 

Michelin Pilot Sport A/S +* 225/45/ZR 18

Slime claims their product does no damage to the TMPS...

http://www.slime.com/product/491/Saf...%2370005).html

 

Do you have the Michelins installed yet? Those are the exact ones I'm considering.

Yep Slime is pretty adamant that their product does absolutely no damage to TPMS. I've hear nothing but good reviews of slime.

 

My dealer is swapping the tires prior to delivery. The Michelins are waiting for our CM to arrive. The Mini parts guy says everyone in serve department is ogling the Michelins - they think these feet will make for a sweet ALL 4 ride. Here's hoping!

 

I'd be interested once you get them on to get your opinion. Our CM should arrive in about 3 weeks and I'm hoping to have some tires sitting at the dealership before then myself.

 

This is the one I am going to get....
http://www.amazon.com/Slime-Powerspa...5757393&sr=8-6

 

I should have a review by next weekend - I hope!

 

Doesn't the CM COME with a tire inflation kit? If it does, it has some manner of "slime" in it already. My M3 has a tire inflation kit and it has that same goop in it to seal punctures and it will not damage the sensors.

FWIW, 2010 and newer BMW TPMS sensors are indeed that expensive.

 

It does not come with an inflation kit. There is a jack with minimal tools in a nice case strapped into the rear well. I'm staying with the run flats for now as I go the the coast and sometimes it is early morning that I head home. Did the 90 mile trip on a flat once (there is NO PLACE to get it fixed, at that time of day. Discount Tire would not plug it the next day so I went to AutoZone and got a plug kit, Sears for a 12V compressor and did it myself. Plug held til I replaced all the tires in another 4000 miles. Used Goodyear to install the tires from Tire Rack.

 

Seriously?? Talk about leaving your cheese out in the wind. I'd probably pick up the BMW kit just in case. It'll fit in the storage area and it'll be infinitely more worthwhile than a jack for a car with no spare tire.

 

Dumb question - how easy is it to identify the defect and plug it?

Also - do you know the size of this kit - I like it, but concerned it will take up too much precious room compared to the smaller unit.

 

It's real easy to plug a tire, here's a video on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wqzF8Vt03-k

All you really need is a small portable 12V compressor, tire plug kit, and a few tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.), this is what I'll be carrying on trips just in case.

 

For those of you having new non run flats waiting for your cars to arrive, what is happening to the OEM run flat tires? Are you receiving dealer credit? Are you selling them somehow? Fess up

 

I dont have TPMS like 2nd Gen, but this is what I carry. About the size of a canvass 1st Aid kit. Doesn't take up much room and is sold for about $29.95 at Autozone stores.

For up to 2010 models the sensor and stem from MINI run around $120+ Tax, and about $160.00 + tax for later models. And while they can be purchased from other vendors, I have read of some frequency compatabiltiy issues with aftermarket modules in these forums.




This tire repair kit manufacturer "states" it will not damage MINI TPMS Sensors, BUT I also see NO guaranty implied or written to that effect, or avenues to pursue should a MINI tech blame this substance of doing so.

If you are being told by your MINI dealer that there is a "likelyhood" of damage then it is because it's their obligation and duty to the customer to provide the best possible answer for every application circumstance with respect to the question presented. As you know, nothing is 100%.

Therefore, in this particular case, it's way better for them "to err on the side of caution", than to steer you in a direction which could be costly for all parties involved.

That said, if it were me, and in a bad location at time of deflation, slime it and worry about monetarial consequences later

Best of luck with your new Countryman !

From Tire Slime Web site.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------


As leaders in the tire care and repair industry, Accessories Marketing, Incorporated (AMI), the manufacturers of SLiME Tire Sealant wish to address the mandate set forth in the Transportation Recall Enhancement, Accountability and Documentation (TREAD) Act, passed in the fall of 2000. In response to this mandate, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) established the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard that requires the installation of Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS) to all vehicles by September 1, 2007.

From our findings, and after significant dialog with the leading manufacturers of TPMS devices, SLiME Tire Sealant will not damageTPMS devices. We understand TPMS manufacturers have conducted extensive testing to ensure their sensors remain operational after exposure to any chemical fluids that might come into contact with the sensors. This includes after market products, such as SLiME Tire Sealant. AMI has also conducted independent testing, which supports and verifies SLiME Tire Sealant’s compatibility with TPMS devices.

Currently, there are two types of TPMS devices available: Direct and Indirect. SLiME Tire Sealant’s TPMS formulation is compatible with all TPMS systems. However, it is important to note that once installed, Slime Tire Sealant may come in contact with the sensor in a way that renders the sensor inoperable until it is properly cleaned, inspected and re-installed by a tire care professional.

Because SLiME is a water soluble flat repair treatment, it is easily removed from the tire with water. At the time the affected tire is inspected by a tire care professional, they should clean the sealant from the tire, prepare the area and repair with a Rubber Manufacturer’s Association (RMA) approved patch/plug. The TPMS device should also be cleaned off with water to remove any sealant which may have come into contact with the device. Do not use any fine objects to ream and clean the small pressure sensor opening as it may damage the electronics. After the repaired tire is replaced and inflated the TPMS system will resume operating as normal.

Please note that SLiME is recommended as a REPAIR for all Over the Road (OTR) applications.

 

There are tire places that won't deal with a tire that has slime in it. I elected to get this to add to my flat kit.

http://www.dynaplug.com/

I have yet to use it but the folks that I have spoken to that have used it say that they really like it. The tool has storage in the top and they use a brass tip so that if it breaks off will disintegrate over time. This is my first line of repair moving to slime if that doesn't work.

 

While those are very useful, they are best suited when the ability or circumstance to locate the hole is prevelent. A bottle of sudsy water would be needed to spray on and around the tire tread to locate the area where the air is escaping.

Just not practical for every application, esp if its your wife, daughter or GF at the side of a highway

 

You'll be able to find it, trust me. Besides, how is it any worse than sitting in the waiting for a tow truck?

 

Well, out here we have troopers standing outside of their patrol cars being struck by motorists on the highway almost every week. I think 3 or 4 were hit just from November up until now. One of them was killed. To think one could locate a tiny hole in a tire by attempting to hear a hissing noise while cars and trucks are wizzing by is an impossible task. It's just too time consuming and placing one at needless peril.

The quicker you are back on the road and to the next exit the better. Tire slime, inflate and get the hell out of there is the fastest and best way....IMO.

Yeah and maybe I could if circumstances permitted (driveway/parking lot), but this plug kit requires some skill, and tech knowlege and I doubt very much my GF would want to attempt this solution....And I get a sense the OP is looking for the best viable solution for everyone and anyone driving his MINI.

So IMO, in this particular case, the "KISS" method for the broader range of instances seems best suited for his quandry: "Keep it simple stupid".

 

I bought a compressor and Dynaplug kit for my wife's CM for Christmas. I have used my compressor and Dynaplugs in my '03. What a life saver.

 

You are correct about installing the Dynaplugs...they are a ***** to install when it is going through the belt. I told my wife to just call MINI Roadside assistance or the local Goodyear, who happens to be her customer, if she is on her way to work.
The compressor and plug kit are generally for us when we take road trips. I would be the one using them.

 

I agree that fast is better but trust me, you'd be able to see the puncture. If it was big enough to deflate that quickly it won't be small. If it was so small that you'd have to look hard for it, it would hold air at least until you got to the next exit, possibly until you got a service station, and maybe to your destination.

Like you, I'd just slime it and be done with it. A fix and new sensor, if required, isn't going to cause me any real stress.