I am getting my set of winter wheels ready for the upcoming season, and have just ordered four new snow tires for the rims. My question is should I go ahead and replace the TPMS sensor now, or wait and see how long I can run them... They are the original sensors that came with the wheels on my 2012 R60-S4. (I have turned them into my dedicated snow tires, after picking up a set of 18" Turbofan wheels that I use with dedicated summer tires.)

I'd prefer to not have to send the extra cash on four new sensors as they were all working properly this past spring when I took the wheels off for summer. But since Im replacing the tires, it would make easy access for replacement at this point. I guess I just dont know what the life expectancy is out of them...

Thoughts / opinions are appreciated...

 

I wouldn't bother getting new ones. TPMS sensors on my 2008 lasted up to when I sold the car this past May (and are probably still working). If they do go bad, worst that happens is you get a TPMS light on the dash. I ran my winter tires in Wisconsin without any TPMS so I dealt with the light for 6 months every year. If you're good about checking tire pressure every few fillups, you'll be fine.

 

From our service & maintenance guide:

The battery in the TPMS sensors inside the wheels typically lasts 5-7 years. Once the battery wears down, the entire TPMS sensor must be replaced. We recommend you replace all 4 at the same time.

http://new.minimania.com/mini_cooper...neration_minis

Hope this helps!

Drive Hard. Drive Safe. Keep Grinning.

 

On my Subarus the sensors lasted 9 years on a Tribeca and I have a 10 year old Outback which hasnt been replaced yet.

 

The original TPMS sensors are still working in my 2009 Clubman S built in September 2008. I would definitely wait. I put a new set of TPMS in my 17" summer wheel/tire combo, and the OE 16" wheel/tire combo is now used for winter.