Tire Pressure Monitor (TPM)

[toomanybikes]

Is it possible to add the TPM option if you have the On Board Computer, or is it factory only?

[deilenberger]

When I bought my bike - the TPM wasn't available yet. I was told at that time it would be possible to retrofit it. When I inquired of my dealer about doing the retrofit - they claimed they approached BMW and were told it wasn't possible.

In looking through the parts catalog - the TPM modules for the wheels are available, and I don't believe there is any difference in the wheel itself (the modules fit inside.) The receiver/computer electronics seem to be part of the box that may also contain the factory alarm (the alarm is available in two versions - alarm alone, and alarm with TPM.)

I remember seeing someone somewhere saying that had been told the same thing, and their dealer had installed the wheel sensors and the body electronics, but they couldn't activate it somehow. That may be the problem - finding someone who knows how to tell the instrument cluster that it should be asking the TPM electronics for data to display.

So - dunno. It might be useful to have your dealer bug BMW about it.. if they get enough inquires perhaps someone will be put to the job of making it happen as a retrofit.

[enderw88]

My FLD told me that many who have the TPC don't like it. It has preset limits for its alerts which cannot be changed, so if you are one that likes to experiment with tire pressures, or run with them significantly away from the recommended setting it will whine at you continuously. That and it only works at great than 12mph, so you can't use it to check pressures before you start off for the day.

[Graf]

i have installed an aftermarket TPMS system called SmarTire which I purchased at www.vulcantire.com and I am very happy with it. If you do a search for TPMS treads here you'll find a pic of this system installed on my R12R. It is adjustable system where you can program a different tire pressure as many times as you want....it takes 1 long press of a button and then riding above 6mph....thats all.....it also gives you the temperature for each tire and is smart enough to detect the leak even when the pressure rises when the tire gets warm.....
word of caution....when installing the wheel sensors you MUST follow the exact instructions or the tire mounting machine will break the sensors.....same caution goes when changing the tires......but if everything is done properly there is absolutely no problems....
system - $169, install (2 wheels) - $70 at my local shop, peace of mind - priceless.......(it already warned me once when i had caught a nail on the highway....I was able to pull over safely, plug the tire and ride away happy that I actually bought this)...
alex