TPM Malfunction this morning

[jfoj]

After I rotated the tires I had a TPMS warning. I did not bother to research what to do, but based on my E46 and E39, I just pushed and held the TPMS button and it cleared the error after some driving.

I need to see if how the sensors are recognized and if the wheel location matches or if they are off from where I had the wheels previously.

[josiahg52]

Well, as you know, the E39 RDC doesn't know positions and doesn't even have pressure sensors. It uses the ABS wheel speed sensors to detect a low tire.

I don't see how the E70 can know positions unless the TPMS receiver is highly directional and is able to detect the minute differences in the time it takes to receive individual signals. Maybe it does and I haven't had a low tire condition to know if the TPMS reports which specific tire or just tells you to check pressures similar to my E39.

It does the job but man, with a screen and individual sensors, I wish it was more feature-packed. With the TS401, I'm happy enough. It just makes taking pressures so much quicker. I'm going to find sensors for the Fikse wheels on my M5.

[jfoj]

Yea, I know all about the E46/E39 Tire Pressure Monitor where is uses the wheel speed sensors to note a change in the overall tire diameter if a tire looses pressure. It does not work well with low profile tires at all due to the small change in the overall diameter and the shorter/stiffer sidewalls.

The E70 unfortunately does not display the pressures in the iDrive display or at least the CCC system does not unless there was a software update for the system. I have a friend that has a E60 528 with the CIC iDrive system and I recall it displays the tire pressures.

I do know with one of my more advanced SnapOn or Autel Pro scan tools they would read the TPMS sensors and display pressures. My 2005 GMC truck can display the tire pressures in the dash display, I can monitor the pressures while driving if needed. This is a nice feature that I used once in my GMC when I hit/ran over something on the highway. I quickly pulled up the tire pressures and watched them closely for the next 30 minutes to make sure I do not even have a slow leak.

I will try to figure out today if the E70 actually can determine the wheel sensor position automatically and I will report back.

I will be able to tell very quickly based on the assigned serial numbers to each wheel position.

[jfoj]

Using my Autel TS401 to read all the TPMS sensors and my Autel MaxiDAS to verify the sensor/wheel locations, I have determined that on the E70, the system will automatically relearn the TPMS sensor locations correctly if the tire/wheel position is changed when you press the TPMS button to actually start the relearning process. You will have to drive the car about 300+ feet for this relearn to occur. Unclear if you replace a sensor if the system will automatically update the sensor ID as well? I have not had the need to do this yet.

I am not sure what happens if you install a TPMS sensor in the spare tire how the system will react, but for those of us that actually have a spare tire option, buying a Autel sensor, programming it and installing it in the spare tire location this may be an option. I recall seeing 5 positions listed on my Autel and SnapOn tools. It would also even make checking of the spare tire pressure with a tool like the TS401 very quick and easy. This assumes the Autel sensors can easily fit the steel wheels.

The TS401 is a very good deal at under $80 if you can get one at this price. Pricefalls listed around 250 units available at that price?? I was fortune enough to get mine at my front door for $78.63.

With the ability to quickly check tire pressures without taking valve stem caps off, ability to read the TPMS sensor ID and battery condition, ability to troubleshoot TPMS sensors and the ability to actually test keyfobs I think under $80 is a steal of a deal.

If anyone finds a decent, lower cost add on TPMS receiver and/or a complete system, it would be interesting to see how much an add on would cost. I recall Bosch or someone had a system I heard about, but I have not researched this.

[bawareca]

As I wrote, when I put my full size spare tire with OEM sensor it is accepted immediately without resetting the system.
The TPMS module should be able to determine spare tire sensor as it is not rotating and the signal strength never changes.

[jfoj]

I have some left over sensors from my GMC truck.

I will check the frequency and see if it registers, then I may install it in my spare.

Too bad iDrive CCC does not display tire pressures, just Green and other colors as I recall.

[bawareca]

Sensors from another brand will not work. Even if they have the same manufacturer and frequency there is a range of IDs that will match a given brand.
Now when i think about it, because the spare tire doesnt rotate, the sensor will be at sleep at all times except when there is a pressure loss.

[jfoj]

But I can see in the case where many spare tires are installed with the valve stem inaccessible, the TS401 could possibly be used to even manually check the tire pressure quickly and easily.

I will play around with the sensors and see what if anything I can do to allow the TS410 to read the TPM from the rear side of the wheel. May need to try and add a wire to the valve stem or have the tire marked where the sensor is located.

[josiahg52]

Originally Posted by jfoj

But I can see in the case where many spare tires are installed with the valve stem inaccessible, the TS401 could possibly be used to even manually check the tire pressure quickly and easily.

I will play around with the sensors and see what if anything I can do to allow the TS410 to read the TPM from the rear side of the wheel. May need to try and add a wire to the valve stem or have the tire marked where the sensor is located.

Yeah, I don't know how close the TS401 has to be to the sensor. I just touch the cap. I stack my winter tires and to be able to check pressures without moving or even touching them is great. When they're close together you just have to make sure you get four separate IDs.

You mentioned a TPMS button. Is that in your E70? To initialize or set mine, I have to go through the iDrive menu. I have CIC Navigation and pressure or temperature is not displayed. I don't think it was until NBT that it was displayed.

What happens when a low tire condition exists on a LCI (CIC Nav) E70?

P.S.: I know you know the E39 well from m5board.

[bawareca]

Actually the first TPMS systems in 3,5,6 and 7 series were displaying press and temp for each tire. When I have pressure loss I get "FLAT TIRE" sign, and recently it says "REAR RIGHT FLAT" regardless it is rear left. After initializing all sensors I need to check if TPMS will determine the correct position of the deflated tire.
RESET button is in the Idrive menu.