I bought a set of winter wheels and snow tires and TPMS (just the TPMS are from tirerack.com, the wheels are used-OEM.)

I need to get the tires put on the wheels (non-RF snow tires). Do I have to go to the dealer to have the TPMS programmed? And, when I swap back to the summer wheels/tires (that came on the car), do I have to get those TPMS reprogrammed again by the dealer?

My friend's shop can install my snows on wheels and he can install the tirerack TPMS in the tires, but he said he can't program the TPMS to the car.

 

I'm pretty sure that the only thing that will need to be done after you put the new tires/wheels on the car is to reset the TPMS following the procedure in your owner's manual. Since you purchased the TPMS from tirerack, they will be the correct ones for the MINI.

 

Ensure they are the newest version as the sensors changed frequencies in 2009 I think.

Once the sensors are in the wheels, swap at your own free will. You just have to reset them through the end of the stalk every time you do so, no biggie.

 

That's all good news. The TPMS should be correct because I called tirerack to verify that they would be the correct ones, so they aren't the older version.

 

As an owner of a March 2009 built Clubby, I can attest that MINI changed TPMS modules in October 2009. Now, there may have been a change since then but, if not, you/we must assume that Tire Rack sold you the correct edition. Reseting them is very easy as already described.

 

After I installed my wheels and tires (from TireRack) I didn't have to do anything. The TPMS recognized them (or whatever it does) and it's been fine since. Put them on back in Sept.
In fact, just ordered another wheel and tire from same place as spare. I ate a big ole' screw this morning in my left rear.
Had it fixed and the tire monitor went off after correct pressure was in tire.
At least I know they work. Little picture with an arrow pointing to left rear tire.