Ok so I'm posting this so people don't have the same trouble I did with finding info on my TPMS. I'll start saying that I've changed lots of tires in the past but never any with TPMS after doing some research I could not find a direct answer on changing the tires on my 2012 countryman. with that being said they have the direct TPMS and after speaking with a tirerack.com rep they are built into the wheel and should not have to be removed while swapping tires. again only posting this because I was trying to find a straight answer on whether or not I had to pull them off and buy new replacement parts (i.e. rubber grommet o-ring or valve stem) I didn't want to find this out in the middle of the tire swap. Anyways I hope this helps someone get the quick answer I was looking for.

 

IME once the car was a couple of years old a tire place would always recommend a TPMS "service" which as you say replaces the o-ring where the valve stem goes thru the week. This is much the same as the practice of always replacing the entire stem and valve b4 TPMS sensors ....

I've passed on this at times when I knew I had no leaks and typically when I go to a shop where "I know the guys" and they do what I want ....

 

Interesting thread and I am faced with the same decision making. I have a 7 year a old R55 & am replacing the tires. Seems to make sense to purchase the TPMS rebuild package to avoid leaks and having to pay to dismount the tire to fix. Tire Rack tech article suggests rebuilding the core not just the rubber o-ring. Does anyone have experience with this?

Some other threads suggest that the direct TPMS sensor itself has a battery with a 8-10 year life but they are pretty expensive to replace proactively which is my quandary. Hate to be penny-wise & pound foolish. Thoughts or experience anyone?

 

you are correct about battery life ... a valid concern

but I have no hard experience as I'm never held onto a car with TPMS sensors that long yet!

Were it me I think I'd just do the service kit knowing that I might need to replace as soon as I start getting problems ..... the cost is in the price of the sensor, mounting should not be a HUGE deal on top of the purchase price. But again, no first hand experience.

On a 'not a MINI' I had to replace two wheels and sensors and the sensor listing on the repair list says 'installation included' .... so it may be worth ASKING the dealer what they charge to replace.

 

So as it turned out my question was moot... The tire shop reported that the TPMS valve stem was corroded and could not be rebuilt & suggested to just leave it alone for now. When & not if it leaks down the road I'll need to get each TPMS replaced (~$25) and possibly the sensor (~$63) if it can't be salvaged or if its likely the battery is about to fail as well as pay to remount the tire. Live & learn. Next time I might just rebuild or at least lube the threads every few years or something to keep the stem serviceable.

 

Interesting; I took my car into Gwinnett Mini for an issue with the TPS. They replaced all four sensors in the tires and finally disconnected the TPS controller board. Then they attempted to charge me just under $400 for the new sensors and tell me I needed a new TPMS board. They disconnected the control board. I got into a heated discussion with the service manager who wanted another $650 to fix what he suspected was the problem. I loudly exclaimed they had ASC parts changers instead of ASC Mechanics. When I finally got my key back I left. I did not pay the bill as they did not fix the problem.