Winter wheel/tire packages and TPMS?
 

I've got a 4.4i Sport with the 19" staggered setup, which means no all season tires (at least none that I can find). I had to buy new tires this past Spring and went with summer performance tires :driver: , so I'll need winter tires this winter. I'm looking at some wheel & tire packages on Tire Rack and wondering what my options are regarding TPMS. Do I need to buy new TPMS sensors and have them installed, or can I do without? I'm assuming that the TPMS light will come on without the sensors installed.

No...you will not need any sensors. The 2005 e53 uses the INDIRECT tire monitoring system. Instead of sensors inside each wheel...our "facelift" X5s use the ABS/wheel speed sensors to determine wheel revolutions to determine when a tire has gone low or flat.

Find the wheels & tires you want...mount, balance, and install....then reset the system per the instructions in the owners manual. :)

I prefer the indirect system like we have...it's less fussy and less expensive...you don't have to worry about replacing sensors when the battery dies...or making sure tire jockeys don't damage the sensors during a tire change.


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http://www.bimmerboard.com/members/q...20E53%20X5.jpg

Jeez, At the risk of coming off as a huckster, I have a set of BMW OE Style 69s in my basement. They have old Micheys on them, (not snows), they are nearly perfect, and I wish I could float them to you, via drone, for a few bucks. ;)

Look great, even on a 4.4, fit, etc.

Not trying to make any real dough; just want them out of my basement where they have resided in situ, since I put on Style 132 19s a long time ago.

You will need dedicated snows, but there are several varieties in that size.

Let me know, if any interest. Maybe we could meet half way, in Autumn.
GL, mD

Thank you for that info! For some reason, I had it in my head that the E53 used the direct system. One less thing to break is a good thing on an E53!

Thank you for the offer! PM sent!

Got it, thanks and back to you...:)

You may have gotten that impression if reading a thread about the pre facelift e53s. I believe they used the direct system (sensors in the wheels).

Let me check some info I have.

EDIT: Yep, up to a 4/2004 build date...the direct tire monitoring system was optional on the e53. Then starting with the 4/2004 build date-up...the indirect system became standard equipment. :thumbup:


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