It's nearly time for new tires. I was pondering getting the SmarTire tire pressure transmitters installed at the same time I have the new tires mounted. I installed the Generation II system on my 328i last year and was very pleased with the quality of the equipment, but the sidewalls of the 225/45/17 Bridgestone S-03s were apparently so stiff that my favorite tire shop couldn't dismount them without breaking the pressure transmitters off every time. I'm a little concerned that the runflats on my Cooper's 16" sport package wheels may yield the same result.

Does anyone here run the SmarTire system with factory runflats? Have you had any issues with the stiff sidewalls being unable to clear the transmitters when the tires are dismounted?

 

Why would you run this system? Your MINI already has a TPMS (based on wheel rotation). It works and works well. And it's not dependent on what rim you use since there isn't a transmitter in the rim.

If you do use the SmarTire system all tire goo will void these sensors.

 

Thank you for your comments. I'm aware that there is a DSC-based TPMS on the MINI. I'd like to know a little more about what's going on in my tires well before the warning light goes off in the instrument cluster.

The SmarTire system on my 328i was accurate enough to alert me to two very slow leaks resulting from tread punctures. You can customize the tire pressure and temperature alarm thresholds if you opt for the full function display. What is the equivalent pressure drop when the MINI's DSC system notices that one wheel's rotation rate differs from the rest?

I'm also aware that tire goo isn't good for the transmitters. I don't carry tire goo in my tool kit.

Now then...does anyone here use the SmarTire system with their runflats?