At least my X5 has sensor in the wheels, which means it is TPM and not FTM. BUT, it doesnt have antenna for each wheel sensor. As long it have received signals from 4 wheel sensors it is satisfied. It doesnt know from which wheel each signal comes. It tells me if there is a pressure loss, but doesnt specify which wheel and the actual pressure and temp. This is like to to go to Rome and not see the Pope :yikes:

Unlikely. Page 27, "These sensors monitor actual pressure and send this information to a module via multiple anntenae." (https://drive.google.com/folderview?...&usp=drive_web)

ETA: Passive transmitters are very low powered with low range.

Well, mine never showed a malfunction since the day I posted. Knock on wood...

Did you mean that somewhere there is a menu and i cannot find it? Or you just didnt see this kind of cheapo system yet? I also thought it will be way out of the BMW style for them to make it this way, but they did.

- intermittent error like this does seem to be battery related... TPM in one or more of the wheels are going out. I replaced all 4 with new as it's going to happen anyway, at the same time I got new rubber. Better than having to break the bead again to replace another TPM.

- Our X (at least the '08s) did not indicate which specific tire.

Ok, looks like the "new" system is supposed to recognize each wheel individually, but it has never worked for me. Since I have the car for 2 years, the TPM has been working, but and sending a proper signalization when a tire is deflated. But wheels positions were never recognized and i couldnt diagnose which sensor was not working intermittently. For the last few weeks i have installed a rear right wheel from my parts car and when my rear left deflates slightly i get message "Rear right tire low" :dunno:


http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/...ps4hgxeu6s.jpg

The system in my 2011 X5 is not much more advanced than the RDC in my 2001 M5. Sure, the X5 has a pretty screen to look at if you have Navigation system but there's no interface and really no information displayed except that the system is 'OK.' That's about as much information I get with my M5 except for the pretty screen. You'd think 10 years of technological advances, a pressure sensor in each wheel and a 9" monitor would actually add something.

Finally Autel TPMS401 sensor reader could be found for under $100 and it is worth every cent of it. Traced my intermittent working sensor for 1 trip, after struggling for 1 year.

Autel MaxiTPMS TS401

http://www.autel.us/Products/ts401.htm

Thanks for the correction ;)
I also found they have universal TPMS sensors (obviously clone of the HUF ones) that are programmable for any car. Sensors are around $20-25 and the programmer ~$55. I plan to buy some and test them. You can directly clone any sensor with the serial #.