I am planning to purchase a new set of wheels with snow tires for my 2008 Cooper S. If I choose not to buy and install TPMS sensors what sort of warning will appear on the dash, and can I clear it so I can see other data/information? For the $200 cost of the sensors I am willing to put up with some inconvenience. But I don't want to be annoyed excessively or lose any functions of the in-dash "computer". Any thoughts??

 

...use the the ones in your existing wheels?

 

I am trying to save some money. I really don't feel like either paying to swap the sensors back and forth between both sets of wheels and tires, or buying a second set of sensors for the new wheels.

 

Light comes on at startup and stays on. I don't even notice it anymore. If you clear it it'll just come back, but I'm used to it at this point. Not annoying at all.

 

Thank you. I am going to go ahead and order new wheels and tires without the sensors. I can live with the light on in the dash.

 

Is it just the tire warning icon on the speedo that stays on or do you get the little triangle in the odometer as well?

 

I found out on my 1st Gen MCS that the cruise control wouldn't work when the TPMS light was flashing.

Just curious if this is the case with the 2nd Gen MINI.

 

Not the case, i have wheels with no sensors in them and the Cruise Control works just fine.

That being said, it is moderately annoying to see the yellow light on the speedo and the little warning triangle on the tach always on. But not annoying enough for me to do anything about it just yet. When i order a set of new tires ill spring for a set of sensors. But for now ill deal with it.

 

Just be warned, if you are in ANY kind of isurance claim accident and they realize you are running your wheels without TPMS sensors you run the risk of being denied your claim.

Also your car won't pass inspection either...which isn't the end of the world, just have the other wheels on for inspection.

Plus any tire shops around me won't touch those wheels and tires if they are on your car...if you just bring in loose wheels and tires to have things mounted or balanced or whatever no big deal. But they can't legally put wheels and tires on your car without TPMS sensors if your car came with them from the factory, that leaves them liable. Maybe that's different for different states, or shops around you aren't as strict, but it's something to check into anyways.

The insurance thing is what scares me...it's a slim chance it'll happen but there is still a chance.

How much are you spending on wheels and tires? Probably a pretty penny...the sensors are a one time thing that you can easily put on the wheels yourself before having the tires mounted.

All these factors led me to just get the sensors for 200 bucks...I was already spending a lot of money and time(painting and whatnot) on my wheels...plus having functioning sensors is actually very very handy. Has helped me out at least 2 times already.

Again...it's up to you and plenty of people run them without sensors and seem to have no problems. Just figured i'd let you know what I found out when I was considering doing the same.