I've been thinking about getting a set of used lightweight wheels + Non-Runflats for my R57. Many listings out there are w/o TPMS. I'm just wondering if there's any downside of driving without them other than having the warning lights on all the time.

Also, if I were to buy aftermarket TPMS, can I just get any 433 MHz model (e.g. EON 433 MHz TPMS)?

At the end of the day, I don't know if I want to spend an extra $250-$300 just to get it installed and balanced. The economics seems to tip towards getting new wheels fairly quickly.

Thanks for your input.

 

With a little mind training you will not be bothered

 

A number of people have gone without TP Sensors, some to save a few bob, and others just because they didn't want the sensors in track tires.

I've driven a number of months without, and you do get use to the TPMS light on, but in the long run when it came time to replace the rubber, I added the Sensors.

Just what you willing to do.

Motor on!

 

If you don't have runflats and you maintain proper air pressure without needing to be reminded to do so, I can see no purpose being served by TPMS.

 

when i got new wheels, i purchased a set of "generic" tpms from Amazon for around $25 each and they work just fine. I'd rather pay the $100 for some tpms than have my auxiliary readout hijacked by the tire warning. I don't know what, if any difference there is between tpms applications other than frequency, so i can't really answer that question, but it seems there are a broad range of vehicles covered by a selection of maybe 3 different part numbers of tpms's. one of the differentiating factors among tpms units seems to be the method of which they are activated. if you get tpms that are properly suited for the MINI, they should require no special activation method and will simply "link up" once you've driven the car for a minute or two above 15-20mph.

 

If you use fix-a-flat in a can and do not carry a spare , when you get a flat and use the goo you destroy the tpms so what was the theory of having this warning device? Put up with the light on the dash, save $200, and pass GO.


ISAMIN

 

There are two justifications for the sensors. They warn you when a runflat is losing air and gives you a chance to attend to it before you run on it flat and destroy it. The second reason is that many people never check their air pressures and get unnecessarily poor fuel mileage.

 

Along with poor gas mileage, driving on a severely under inflated tire greatly increases the chance of tire damage which can lead to more catastrophic blowouts once inflated again. Some people drive on tires so flat, the rim cuts into where the steel belt meets the sidewall, a problem which can't be seen from the outside of the tire. As to how effective TPMS are in curbing these sorts of behaviors, I'd imagine the same type of person that would neglect their tires to that point would also neglect the TPMS warning all the same. I see it as a mandatory convenience feature personally, and there's only a small percentage of drivers who run into the need for a second set (most drivers are quite content with the wheels their car came with). Realistically it's a matter of what's more important to you - ~$125 or a persistent warning light.

 

I have been running without so I do not have traction control. 1st gen tho

 

Looks like you live in MASS?
If you don't have the TPMS sensors, you will not pass inspection.
The OMDBII is a tattle tale.

I did this for two years BTW.
I had two sets of rims.
I put on my factory wheels for the inspection and switched after I got the sticker.
The dash light got annoying and I also had fear of not knowing when a tire gets low.
I got the sensors eventually and it's worth it long term.

 

This thread has no relevance for 1st gen, which doesn't use pressure sensors in the tires. And why do you mention traction control, because it's unrelated to TPMS.

 

Thank you all for responding so quickly. I do want to get TPMS installed. I asked for an estimate and it'll cost me just under $250 including labor (remove tires > install > re-balance > mount). As the total cost gets closer to a grand, I'm debating if I should just save it up and get a set of new wheels instead. Of course, used wheels/tires will give me immediate driving pleasure throughout the summer.

thebestbear, thanks for the MA inspection comment. I definitely didn't think about that. Luckily, I'll keep my OEM wheels/TPMS and get winter tires. Those OEM tires are really no fun especially whenever we have snow.

 

non-OEM tpms should run you $125 and a simple tire dismount/mount shouldn't cost you any more than $50. obviously its best to install tpms alongside new wheels so you don't have to pay twice for mounting though

 

Beware if you do get the TPMS, there was a change and the ones from early and late second gen are not compatible.

 

Another question: Does the warning chime sound the entire time? The light won't bother me, but the pop up wing on my couple has gotten stuck a couple of times and the chime will not turn off until the wing is fixed. Does this happen with the TPM's or not? One chime when it comes on is fine, but I don't want to go insane.

 

no chime, just the light (2010mcs)

 

Here the sensors, For Gen 2 MINIs R56-R61 , for the F56+ they went to a different type. They started with the wheel sensors late 2007 R56, early 2008 production up.

Just like spiney stated there is a split year.

There is a split year in 9/2009, the sensor are free ship and come in sets of four with valve stem and caps. They are from Huf which is the OEM manufacturer for MINI TPMS .

Gen 2+ MINI ~2008 - 9/2009 sensors. 36236798726 KT

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/36236798726KT/





9/2009+ sensors: 36106856227 KT

http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/SiteSearch/36106856227KT/




They pop right in on most factory wheels and then you are gtg once it reads the sensor, might take a quick drive down the road.