I lost two of the large gray valve stem covers on my 08 MCS. I have run flats. My daughter had bought me a set of the chrome one with the "Mini" logo from the dealership. However some one (hopefully missinformed) told me that you can not use valve stem covers that are metallic because it interfers with the TPS monitor on the 08's.
Can any one confirm or debunk this rumor?

 

i have a set of those on my 07 with tpms and i have no problems. and if i remember correctly, arent the stock ones metal as well?? (cant remember since i changed them right when i got the car)

 

I've heard from multiple MAs that the metal valve stem covers will mess with the TPMS system, and that MINI has come out with a new set that doesn't. I'm sure the MINI parts dept at your dealer will swap out the covers if there's a problem.

 

you need to lube them, the problem you will have if you cant get it off, all my cars had theTMPS, use lube or get them stuck ")the do not hurt the readings , they just get fused on the valve

 

We purchased a set of the Union Jack VSC's when we picked up Molly (19/04/08)...Funny the Parts Guy never mentioned a problem. And we haven't had any issues to date.

 

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...d.php?t=140987

 

I picked up my 08 MCS today and had the checkered valve stem caps, TPS seems to be fine. They were redesigned.

 

PARTSMAN - Thank you for the thread link. And your listing of the correct PLASTIC part numbers

 

i use them on mine...no worries here.

 

Partsman is correct, there are two different styles to the valve stem caps, one is plastic the other is metal. If you have the older style TPMS that doesn't have the sensors in the wheels you can use any valve stem cap you want. If you have the newer TPMS (indicated by a metal valve stem) that you need to use the plastic cap.

At least that is what the parts department at my dealership told me. The price for the caps are the same whether or not they are metal or plastic.

 

You're welcome, glad I could help.

The "shank" part of the two caps are actually different lengths, the plastic ones are shorter and don't fit all the way to the rubber on a regular valve stem.