Sent in by MF reader Richard W: It looks like we’re starting to see the new tire pressure monitoring sensors showing up on R56 MINI in the United States. According to Tireindustry.org.
>The phase-in has changed slightly: 20% of all new cars must comply by Sept. 1 of 2005, 70% by Sept. 1, 2006 and 100% by Sept.1 of 2007. NHTSA did not address RMA’s petion on reserve inflation pressure although they indicated they will in a separate rulemaking.
That makes them mandatory on all vehicles sold in the US effective Sept 1, 2007. It looks like it is affecting MINIs built during the end of August.
Something that you might want to keep in mind when looking at aftermarket wheels.
Thanks Richard for sending this in!
[ Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems ] Tireindustry.org
I don’t get it. My light isn’t supposed to come on for 20 minutes? Isn’t that a little late for real-world purposes?
seen comments on NAM that the previous R99 wheels will no longer fit with the sensor.
I had heard that this was coming and was hoping my May build R56 would beat the change. Luckily it did. However it looks like it could be a bit of a headache for anyone wanting to go with aftermarket wheels from here on out. And I’m guessing the cost will be a bitter pill to swallow as well.
BTW some BMWs have had this for awhile as well.
This is how it <a href="http://www.northamericanmotoring.com/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=24323&d=1188679711" rel="nofollow">looks on the MINI</a>.
The current theshholds and times are ridiculous. Just as the tire companies suit says – it isn’t strict enough. 25% under inflated before the alarm? 20 minutes of underinflation before alerting the driver? Why even have it?
Another unwanted gizmo from BMW.
What next? How about a sensor to check the nut holding the steering wheel!
<blockquote>Another unwanted gizmo from BMW</blockquote>
Not in the slightest – BMW added because NHTSA has made it manditory… This isn’t a case of a car maker adding an unwanted gizmo… It’s a case of nanny lawmaking…
Yet another reason to hang onto my R53. What can I say. Another nanny law from ninny lawmakers.
I’m not sure what was wrong with the old system? It would work with any wheel or tire mounted on the car. In fact, it would work better with non-runflat tires than it works with runflats because there would be a greater change in diameter as a non-runflat lost air due to the softer sidewalls.
Does the new nanny requirements not allow the old type system? Curious minds want to know.
John
Aside from cost, are there any difficulties with retrofitting sensors to aftermarket wheels?
<blockquote>The current theshholds and times are ridiculous. Just as the tire companies suit says – it isn’t strict enough. 25% under inflated before the alarm? 20 minutes of underinflation before alerting the driver? Why even have it?</blockquote>I agree that 25% and 20 minutes are unreasonable given what is possible with today’s technology. However, those are just minimum requirements. I expect that actual electronic implementations will react much more quickly and not be set to such a loose tolerances.
The system on the R53 works great, sucks that they changed it.
Yup my MINI #7 has the new sensors. I’m very bummed as I was looking forward to mounting my R-99s that worked just fine on my previous R56.
you can mount after market wheels with the TPMS sensors, or winters. It is not a big deal.
My R53 MCS with 17 inch S-spokes and Pirelli Eufori@ runflats (with a leaky valve on one wheel) – I typically inflate to 38 psi (262 kPa). The low tyre pressure alarm goes off when it reaches around 28 to 25 psi (193 to 172 kPa), which is about 26% to 34% pressure deflation on runflats. I’m not sure of what BMW’s official figures are.
The new system triggers at 25%, so based on my calcs there’s minimal benefit to MINI owners in going to the new system.
GregW – probably a better sensor would be one that could measure wheel tension to determine if the wheel nuts are loosening off.
My R53 has 17″ S-spoke alloys with runflats and I’ve had to tighten mine up several times over the past year that have managed to work themselves loose – noticable when you hear a slight creak noise from the wheel?