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Just after some advice really. I have a 2008 R56 Cooper and was wanting to change the alloys to a nice set of black ones. I currently have run flats on. I believe I have a TPMS in place, but not sure if this is monitored by the valves or ABS. If I change alloys is this something that I need to think about? Also, is there a spare wheel mounted to the car if I have run flats? Sorry, I am a complete novice and this may seem like a ridiculous post! I am in the UK if that makes any difference.
You will need to have the TPMS sensors changed over to the new wheels. Doubt your mini has a spare but just look in the boot of your vehicle to determine if there is one. I say doubt because my IS mini does not carry a spare but you are in the UK and may be different.
Check your valve stems. If they're rubber, typically you do not have TPMS sensors inside the wheels. Metal ones typically indicate TMPS inside. This is not 100% foolproof, but a quick / easy check.
FWIW, I don't run TPMS sensors in my summer wheels at all. The light on the dash is kinda annoying but you get used to it. No other ill effects.
Here are a couple pictures, if they are any use at all? Do you think the TPMS is inside as opposed to in the wheel? Also, I dont think I have spare tyre. If I changed to non-run-flats would I need a spare tyre, and if so where would I keep it?
With those valve stems you don't have sensors in the wheels so you can change to anything as it uses a system like the Gen 1 MINI that counts revolutions. Much easier this way for you.
On my non-S R56, the spare tire is under the car not in the boot. I don't know how MINIs are outfitted in the UK; but if you have space for a spare you could buy a spare and a jack for less than the additional cost of the cursed run flats.
