I've ordered a 2008 MCS with crown spokes and RF all-seasons for winter use, but plan to install 17" OZ ultraleggeras and non-RF performance tires as early next Spring as possible.

Does anything related to my TPMS system need to be disconnected when I remove the crown spokes and, if so, what are the steps I should follow to do it?

Can my TPMS then be reconnected to my new OZ's and, if so, (1) do I need to order the OZ's with metal valve stems and (2) what are the steps I should follow in connecting them to the TPMS?

If the OZ's can't be reconnected to the TPMS, can I simply leave them unconnected?

Thanks, in advance, for any help or advice.

 

No.


You need find out if the OZs will allow for mounting of the sensors. They are installed inside the wheel. tirerack.com will know.

If the OZs don't allow for the stems, you will need to decide if you want to run them without and tolerate the warning light on your dash.

If the OZs do allow for the stems, you will either need pull the TPMS Sensors from your 08 wheels or buy new ones. You might as well buy the metal stems while you are at it since that is how people will know if your wheels have the sensors or not. You can get the sensors and stems at any dealership.

 

No.

There is nothing to connect. No wires, nothing. All you have to do is reset your TPMS setting in your computer using the selector button on the stalk, after you insure you have the correct tire pressure in your tires.


The metal valve stems must be ordered with the TPMS kit. The kit consists of two parts. The stem and the sensor itself, and requires assembly in the wheels. The total kit cost from Mini for a set of four is $235 (unless it has changed since I bought 'em). I believe you can get them slightly cheaper from places such as the Tirerack.

Technically, it is a mandatory Federal law, but it remains to be seen exactly what they will do, if, you let's say, have an accident and your car did not comply (ex. insurance will not cover damages and/or fine). Simply, it won't pass state inspection (in my state at least) if you lack them, and you will get a constant warning on your computer readout.

If you get 2 sets of wheels with sensors, do not reset your TPMS in your car while you have the extra set of wheels very close to the car. It may act erraticly and give you false low pressure warnings. I know, cause it happened to me. Hope that answers your questions. Good luck and enjoy.

 

Well as I said before. If I don't know the answer, it'll bug the hell out of me. So here is what I came up with searching for the penalties of violating the Tread Act (besides not passing your inspection):

http://www.nhtsa.gov/cars/rules/ruli...5FRpg68108.htm
The new section provides that any person who violates
Section 30166 or any regulation issued thereunder is liable to the
United States Government for a civil penalty for failing or refusing to
allow or perform an act required under that section or regulation. The
maximum penalty for such violation has been set at $5,000 per violation
per day. The maximum penalty for a related series of daily violations
is $15,000,000.

*In addition, the TREAD Act extends from 8 to 10 years the period
for which a manufacturer must remedy without charge a noncompliance or
safety-related defect. This also requires conforming amendments to the
remedial obligations of Registered Importers.
__________________________________

*Now this is very good info to know!
__________________________________

http://www.marshriskconsulting.com/s..._PI_229016.htm
Are You Prepared for the TREAD Act?
"Civil penalties for violating the TREAD Act include a $5K penalty per violation (or per day) with a maximum civil penalty of $15 million. Any person who misleads the Secretary about safety defects that have caused death or injury may face criminal penalties of up to 15 years in jail."
___________________________________

Definitly not worth it, to go without the sensors, I'd say.

 

Now alicecooper, do you actually think Big Brother will be looking at your valve stems? Really??

If it was my car I'd run what I felt was appropriate. I know how to check air pressure & won't be endangering others or myself by not running a TPMS. (As of now my car doesn't have that nanny). It's an R53.

This whole TPMS thing is nothing more than a knee jerk reaction to drivers who didn't bother to check their air pressure or the skill to drive once a hot tire blew. It also is a wake up call to mfr's to not spec car tires on bloated SUV's.

I'm very sorry for those killed & injured, along with their families, but if due diligence was used none of that would have happened. Sad stuff.

 

Naw. I ain't worried about it at all. I totally hate the useless system as it is. Just out of my own curiousity, I tried to find out exactly what the penality was. I'd still have to say, ya better not be involved in any serious fatility without 'em, don't ya think?

 

Naw, I still don't see that as ever being a problem.

 

its definitely useful for cars that have run flats because you often cant even tell your tire has no more air. Also, i believe your r53 does have TPMS... just not the direct kind. There are 2 popular forms of TPMS. 1 is the indirect, which you have, and then there is the direct, which the later r56 builds have.

 

Yes I'm aware of this. I'm very glad not to have to buy a $200 set of TPMS stems for my other 3 sets of wheels & tires. I do agree with the need for them if the car is on runflats. How else could one tell, not by looking that's for sure.

I believe the TPMS also alerts due to high tire temps. Useful for an overladen SUV. Overkill for a MINI me thinks.

Like them or not they'll be on my next car for sure.

 

^^ i wasnt aware they could tell tire temps as well, well im sure some systems can but i dont think the MINI does.

once wheel manufactures adopt their rims to be direct TPMS compliant, i wont care since i can just swap the sensors over to the new wheels... but as for now, its a pain finding wheels that are compliant that i like and are in my price range.

 

It does monitor temperature. Here's what I found at the BERU web site:

BERU INFO ON TPMS
http://www.beru.com/english/produkte/download.php?id=e

TYPE SYSTEM MINI USES: TSS generation 2 without trigger (BASIC SYSTEM no readouts just warning)

_________________________________

http://www.beru.com/download/produkt...satz_tss_e.pdf
Figure 3 also shows the block circuit diagram
for the basic version. This version was
developed to make the system of interest
for high-volume midsize and compact cars
with a full equipment specification. For
cost reasons, the basic version has no automatic
identification of the wheels outfitted
positions, so that the trigger transmitters
needed for localisation purposes can be
omitted. Whenever a wheel is changed, additional
action on the drivers part is therefore
necessary.

The SMD housing contains a pressure sensor,
a temperature sensor and the integrated
circuit that undertakes the complete
measured-value signal recording and processing.
____________________________________

VIDEO FROM BERU SITE
http://www.beru.com/download/produkt..._TSS_01_en.mpg

 

cool, too bad it doesnt tell the specific information on the OBC though, that would have been a really nice touch.

BTW, im assuming there is a battery in the unit, but how does it maintain a charge? do we have to eventually change the battery or does it have some sort of way to generate power like those perpetual watches.

 

The battery is sealed and does not recharge itself in any fashion. I seen it written somewhere on the Beru info, the model in the Mini is designed for a 7 yr life span, BUT, as the Tread Act says:
*In addition, the TREAD Act extends from 8 to 10 years the period
for which a manufacturer must remedy without charge a noncompliance or
safety-related defect. This also requires conforming amendments to the
remedial obligations of Registered Importers.

which to me means, if the battery goes dead before 10 yrs, it is covered by waranty, no charge. Similiar to a catalytic converter waranty.

 

Hopefully, by the time I need replacements for the TPMS monitors, they will have come to their senses and have them use the rotation of the wheel to power the devices. Holy free energy, Batman!

 

are you saying if you install wheels w/o the direct sensors there is a warning light that can't be turned off?

 

That's a big yep.

 

Is the warning light like the little triangle that goes on wen you have a bulb out or low gas? Or is it like a constant beep or something like wen your seatbelt is off?

 

It's a big triangle in the area under the tach when you first start the car - that stays on for a minute or so and also reads "inactive". And there is another triangle that shows up in one of the little circles on the speedo that flashes for a minute or two and then just stays lit constantly. Then another little triangle shows up in small print next to the trip ODO.

No audible warnings that I've noticed.

that is on a 08

 

This is what I found in the 222 pages of the final ruling.

[SIZE=3]We do not believe that the final rule will have a significant impact upon the service industry in terms of aftermarket sales or repair. First, the agency has already stated that we do not consider installation of an aftermarket or replacement tire or rim that is not compatible with the TPMS to be a "make inoperative" situation under 49 U.S.C. 30122, provided that the business entity does not disable the TPMS MIL (see section IV.C.4(a)). In such situations, once the TPMS MIL illuminates, the consumer is put on notice that the aftermarket motor vehicle equipment in question is not compatible with the TPMS. From that point, it is within the consumer’s power to substitute other tires or rims that permit continued proper TPMS functionality.

Sometimes you have to read the bible yourself and not take someones word for it. You could find out that your aftermarket wheel can be installed without the monitor and without penalty. Most of what's in the Tread Act applies to the vehicle mfg. not the end user.
[/SIZE]

 

A tire instalation facility can not have you drive in with a working TPMS system (lights off), and out with a non functioning system (lights on). Food for thought/consideration.

 

Take your aftermarket rims and drop them off...don't be that guy that can't leave the store with out paying the extra $250.