Hello all,

While I'm waiting for my 2013 HT to be made, I'd like to prepare my older (2007) winter wheels with new TPMS valve stems since the dealer told me they would not be compatible with the new system.

Has anyone done this before? I'd hate to have to sell the older wheels since they are the right size, and in good shape, perfect for my Hakka R winter tires, etc, but Mini is telling me that the replacement valve stems plus labor will run in the $1000 range. Sounds pretty expensive just for some TPMS valve stems right? Could probably buy new wheels for that price!

Ebay has some for about $150 but I am not sure if they are truly compatible with the 2013 MC.

Thanks so much!

Best, LG

 

Buying new wheels won't help you - new wheels won't come with the sensors.

The 2010+ sensors are considerably more expensive than the older ones, at least through the dealer. I question the eBay ones - they list the same part number in their "2007" and such auctions that they list for the "2013" ones. Clearly shouldn't be the case.

 

call Alex at tirerack, he is the mini expert on tires and wheels

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scott

 

It's about $230 for the (4) new type 433MHz TPMS sensors for the old wheels.

You have to have the tires removed, and then swap them out. Probably $100 at a tire shop. They deal with TPMS all the time now.

The dealer should be ashamed...

 

http://www.outmotoring.com/mini-coop...nitor_set.html

"If you've got a MINI with the TPMS system (Tire Pressure Monitoring System) and for one reason or another need to get another set for a new set of aftermarket wheels (the wheels will need to be TPMS ready) this is what you will need to make it happen. Kit includes 4 Sensors and 4 Valves specific to the MINI. Basically all 2007 and newer MINI's have TPMS and the way you can tell is to look at the valve stems; they will have a 1/2" or so funky looking cap and they're usually a light grey but there are also green and black caps out there.

Price includes a full set of 4 TPMS monitors and valves.

Please note, as of the Sept 2009 build date MINI has a different frequency for the TPMS sensors. Please note the option on the drop down menu for build date and slight price change for the newer TPMS kit."

 

OK I'll admit I don't know - TPMS?

 

Thanks everyone, I didn't even see the TPMS item on Outmotoring.com, so that's great (even though I thought I knew the site by heart )

I'll ask Aaron to be sure, but that seems to be the way to go. The tire shop that will put my snows on should be able to swap out the TPMS stems.

Thank you for the tips!

Best, LG

 

TPMS = Tire Pressure Monitoring System

Pain in the rear if you ask me. I just had to replace them on my pickup because the "flat tire" light on the dash was bugging me. I don't know how we got by before 2006-2007 when these things became mandatory!

P.S. Great screen name you have!

 

Does your '07 have rubber or metal valve stems? Our '07 MCS (April 2007 build) are rubber, and in that system there is not a sensor in the wheel, it uses the ABS sensors to measure circumference. Metal stems = sensors.

That price is expensive. I'd expect 250-400 + install fees.

 

The manditory TPMS is fallout from the Ford Explorer/Firestone recall in the 90's. Explorers were shipped with a low tire pressure for ride comfort (about 28 psi, if I remember). If the pressure dropped below 20 or so, the tires could overheat and come apart.

I could be wrong, but this was part of it.

Mike

 

yep - I was commin' back to mention the same thing about 07 builds

my 07S is a July build and it has the 'no sensor' system. This was close to the the tho because mine was the only car on the truck with the old system and my car did not sit in the arrival center but for a couple of days.