Monday afternoon i thpught i might just the pressure in my tires just to make sure everything is topped up, and noticed that I couldnt remove my "S" stem caps...I tried all 3 other tires, and could remove them either...after feeling like such a loser because i couldnt get them off, i took to my dealership to service, and they had to destroy them and even cut one stem off in order to remove them....techs told me that they are seising(spelling?) up due to the run flat sensors...EVEN THOUGH they are MINI products that they're selling...and they told me next time i put them on, they would not remove them with no charge =/ not cool...

 

I red something on this somewhere else. Ever since each time I wipe down the MINI, I twist mine a little. I did spray the inside with silicone. It's some sort of reaction to the 2 metals.

 

If your R56 has the tire pressure sensors, you should be using the plastic valve stem caps. They make both metal and plastic logo caps.

 

I would be interested in plastic logo caps, but all I've seen are the metal caps.
Are the plastic caps an OEM MINI part? If so, any chance you would know the part numbers, or have any details?
I think the original "mushroom" plastic caps are ugly, but on previous threads I've heard that metal caps should never be used, as the aluminum valve stem reacts with any metal cap, even an aluminum cap. Acura recently had a recall of the aluminum caps they used on their aluminum valve stems, which were seizing, resulting in the same issues the OP had.

 

The plastic ones he was referring to are the ones that came on your R56. Those will never be placed on my MINI again.

 

Original MINI ABS/Plastic valve stem caps...
MINI wings logo-part number-36 11 0 429 651

"S" logo-part number-36 11 0 429 652

Checkerboard-part number-36 11 0 429 945

Union Jack-part number-36 11 0 429 946



Nope, I was referring to the ones I listed above. They are plastic and are specifically for MINIs with the tire pressure sensors.

 

Any pictures of those?

 

iPhone pic...

The plastic ones are on the right.
They look just like the metal ones, but the shank portion on the plastic ones is shorter(definitely too short for a basic rubber valve stem).
You will be able to tell the difference in weight if you have both in your hands.
Hope that helps.

 

Yah that's what my dealship told me as well....they dont carry them but they ordered and comped them bc they had to use vice grips on 3 and just cut the stem off on the other...so i will be interested to see them out of the package and up close, i will get pictures on here once I have them...should be saturday or so..

 

Thanks, Partsman! You're the best!

 

I would use a small dab of anti seize on the threads.

 

You're welcome, anytime. Glad I could help.

 

Besides not seizing on metal valve stems, it has been mentioned that since the TPMS uses valve stem as antenna, metal caps should not be used.

 

Just had to use channel locks tonight to remove my valve stem caps!!! Aaaagghhh!!! Thank goodness I did not have much damage to the stems, just had to chase and clean the threads a bit.

Then found this link; would have been nice to know the metal caps did not my TPMS sensor stems. The dealer sold them to me, said no problem, they'll fit....not! Hopefully the parts dept will make a fair adjustment for me, when I order/buy the replacement plastic logo caps. Thanks for the parts #s and posts....NAM with great reliable information, as always!

 

My local dealership that sold me the wrong caps for my car, was professional and acknowledged the known problem with the TPMS sensors and the brass/chrome valve stem cap covers. They comped me a set of the plastic valve stem cap covers. Glad to see customer service is still alive today.

 

Actually the dealer was right. They did fit. it is just that you could not get them off. LOL

But it is nice to hear of a dealer taking responsibility. Glad they solved your problem.

 

btw...same thing has happened to me.....dealer is replacing under good will since I complained so loudly...

 

DO NOT USE ANY METAL CAPS ON ANY TPMS sensors. I run a tire/automotive store. It does not make any difference on the vehicle manufacturer. They will all seize on the stem. Do not use any other substance on the threads either. The materials used on the TPMS sensors are different then regular rubber valve stems. The cores are nickel and the caps should only be plastic or plastic lined. A cap should always be on as well. I can not begin to tell you how many caps we have cut off, and how many sensors are ruined from the lack of a cap. However, if a metal cap does seize on the stem, a dremel tool can be used to lightly slot the side of the cap and release the cap. Try not to hit any of the threads. The only good thing about the Mini's is that the stem is sold separately of the sensor and Mini's are self registering.

 

Nice to know the stems can be replaced seperately from the sensors....I am sure that is a real $$ saver for those that have had to or will need to replace the stems due to this issue....

 

Does MINI sell the stem only, or can we get them from AM suppliers? Seeing as my threads are slightly tweaked I thought I'd put new stems on the sensors when I put on new tires this fall.

 

Same issue when VW started installing TPMS on all their cars. People where installing the metal caps and getting them stuck in.

Not a good thing at all.

 

What is the BERU part number for the stem/inserts for the 2007-2009 MINI, anyone know? Getting my new tires in a month, powder coating the wheels, and since the threads are a liitle tweaked from the metal cap fiasco, I am also replacing the stems at the same time. Should be "BERU part #59.0342 Green Insert", can anyone confirm the part number? Any help is apprecectiated.