TPMS & tyres change - 2016 Mini

TPMS & tyres change - 2016 Mini

Author
Discussion

ianrb

Original Poster:

1,561 posts

147 months

Wednesday 3rd October 2018
quotequote all
My 2016 Mini has TPMS, with sensors in the tyre valves, and I'm about to replace the tyres. Kwik Fit recommend replacing the valves and thus the sensors. I assume it's a BMW system so potentially will require some BMW dealer re-coding, which I'm keen to avoid.

Should Kwik Fit be able to replace tyres without damaging the TPMS sensors, and can I thereby avoid the need to replace the sensors?

If new sensors are required are they compatible with BMW's systems and do they need re-coding?

Sorry to be asking these daft questions, but this is the first car I've owned with this level of technology.

Many thanks.

sad61t

1,100 posts

217 months

Wednesday 3rd October 2018
quotequote all
Yes, they should be able to change tires without damaging the TPMS sensors.
Change the valve stems (small rubber tube inside that perishes over time) I can understand, though marginal at only 2 years old, but the entire valve+sensor cluster at £30 a corner is excessive. The TPMS battery is good for ten years.

steve-5snwi

8,997 posts

100 months

Wednesday 3rd October 2018
quotequote all
You can buy the valve bodies separate, they are £15.90 plus vat each from BMW, you will also find that some tyre places have a TPMS repair kit, its usually the seals that leak or the the screw on collar around the valve stem sometimes corrodes.

You very rarely need to change them yet alone the sensors which need to be coded, they are not self learning either so need to go back on the same corner. If Kwik Fit are giving information like this then you need to shop elsewhere

Hammy98

857 posts

99 months

Thursday 4th October 2018
quotequote all
I may be a bit misinformed here, but I usually just buy new tyres from Camskill or Blackcircles and have a backstreet garage fit them.

The first time I went with my Mini they asked if it had TPMS, I told them yes and they said no more.

Each time I've had tyres put on since they haven't even mentioned it, I just reset the TPMS when the new tyres are fitted.

steve-5snwi

8,997 posts

100 months

Thursday 4th October 2018
quotequote all
Check with your garage next time as most can beat blackcircles (we are usually cheaper by a couple of quid)

Hammy98

857 posts

99 months

Friday 5th October 2018
quotequote all
steve-5snwi said:
Check with your garage next time as most can beat blackcircles (we are usually cheaper by a couple of quid)
Good shout! Cheers.

ianrb

Original Poster:

1,561 posts

147 months

Thursday 11th October 2018
quotequote all
Just back from getting the new tyres, and the guys at Kwik Fit knew all about TPMS and putting the wheel back on the corner it came off, so full marks for that.

Less than full marks for the actual tyre pressures, which were all over the show. And no marks at all for the "you need to get the tracking done" routine!


BOR

4,841 posts

262 months

Friday 12th October 2018
quotequote all
I've never heard about the wheel having to go back on the same corner, but I can understand the logic.

I've definitely switched wheels front to back, if I remember, I'll deflate one of the tyres and see where it shows the location(F56).

Ultimately I guess you don't really need to know the location, just that the tyres need checking.


BOR

4,841 posts

262 months

Monday 15th October 2018
quotequote all
My front tyres are now my rear tyres and the TPMS recognises that the location has changed.

Presumably the signal strength gives an idea of the location.

Looks like there is no TPMS reason not to rotate wheels/tyres on F55 F56