Mini OEM vs. Tire Rack Sensors/Valve Stems
 

Hello All:

FYI: I recently purchased a set of Blizzaks and Sensors/Valves from Tire Rack for R83 16" Mini OEM 2006 wheels. Unfortunately, the Valves DO NOT work on this particular rim design. The problem is that the Tire Rack Valve is approximately 4-5 mm shorter on the INSIDE "crown" of the valve. This shorter distance prohibits the inside sensor from clearing the rim and allowing for a positive seal. The physical appearance of the sensor is also different from the Mini OEM design (although it may work fine). Note: Our Mini is a 2009. According to the dealer, the sensors and valves needed for a 2009 rim are the same for the 2006 rim.

Alex and Tire Rack have been excellent about the issue. They are accepting the return of the sensors and valves in addition to paying for the remounting and balancing at the preferred Tire Rack installer.

I though the first gen use speed sensors mounted behind the hub assembly, there were non on the wheel.

The vast majority of gen1 cars did not use sensors mounted on the rims, but computed using individual tire rpm's if one tire was going flat.
With government rule changes, this system was deemed not accurate enough to meet the new regulations, that said it not only had to monitor for a tiring going flat, but the current PSI.
Some very late model cabrio's , gen1 were equiped with the wheel mounted system to meet regulations...
Gen2 cars have used at least 2 different systems that are not compatible with eachother that I know of....makes it complicated....that and some rims were not made to have the sensors installed....

OP says he has a 2009, but fitting it with 2006 wheels (snow tires).

The R83 16" (5-star) wheels were never available for 2nd gen, and by the time the new TPMS system came out, the wheels were already discontinued even for the late 1st gen cabrios. So there can be no expectation that the TPMS stems "should" fit -- MINI never did it themselves! You'd be on your own to find compatible stems, whether from MINI or other source.

FYI: My Mini dealer (Classic Mini) was able to supply me with the correct metal valve stems and sensors for the 2006 R83 wheels (for Winter use on our 2009 Cooper). Please refer to the photos. The 2006 wheels (which I purchased from the marketplace were from a 2006 Cabrio). These 2006 wheels apparently are "sensor ready".

FYI 2: I was not sure whether or not the Tire Rack Sensors would work. They "should" in that they transmit on the 433 wavelength. OEM sensors are 2x the price of Tire Rack's. The OEM valve stem from Mini is $15.00 per valve.