TPMS "rebuild"

Greetings Members:

I own a 2007 328xi with sport package, I've just hit 84K. The previous owner of my car (I bought it with 47K) had switched out the original run-flats for 4 Nokian WR G2 (225/40 18). I've been happy with these tires, they're awesome in Connecticut winter conditions. I plan to replace them - question: is it necessary to do a TPMS sensor "rebuild"? The car is 5 years old, some people say that the sensors are good for 10 years. I've had no problem with the TPMS. Please advise.

Thanks,

Alan

a rebuild kit is only new gaskets and washers-- typically not needed unless the valve is removed or leaking.

a whole new sensor is about 50-80 each.

Originally Posted by pastman

I own a 2007 328xi with sport package, I've just hit 84K. The previous owner of my car (I bought it with 47K) had switched out the original run-flats for 4 Nokian WR G2 (225/40 18). I've been happy with these tires, they're awesome in Connecticut winter conditions. I plan to replace them - question: is it necessary to do a TPMS sensor "rebuild"? The car is 5 years old, some people say that the sensors are good for 10 years. I've had no problem with the TPMS. Please advise.

What recommended that?

When we replaced our tires recently my tire dealer (who I trust) recommended rebuilding the TPMS sensors for $8.50 each. At that price I did't over think and just went with their rec. They always put new valve stems when replacing tires as well.

Originally Posted by laser

When we replaced our tires recently my tire dealer (who I trust) recommended rebuilding the TPMS sensors for $8.50 each. At that price I did't over think and just went with their rec. They always put new valve stems when replacing tires as well.

the "rebuild" kits are almost pure profit. a new valve core and a rubber gasket. no new stem, no new sensor.

It is normally recommended when replacing the tires, the rebuilt kit is the valve and hardware, not the TPMS itself, there is a rubber seal that does not crush well the second time that I would do as they are 5 years old .

Same here. My indy quoted $4 per sensor for the new gaskets/cores and suggested their being changed with the tire, as he was pulling the cores to deflate them. Tire Rack said the same thing. I had them replaced.

Originally Posted by pastman

Greetings Members:

I own a 2007 328xi with sport package, I've just hit 84K. The previous owner of my car (I bought it with 47K) had switched out the original run-flats for 4 Nokian WR G2 (225/40 18). I've been happy with these tires, they're awesome in Connecticut winter conditions. I plan to replace them - question: is it necessary to do a TPMS sensor "rebuild"? The car is 5 years old, some people say that the sensors are good for 10 years. I've had no problem with the TPMS. Please advise.

Thanks,

Alan

The rubber grommet (air seal) on your TPMS is now five years old. The rebuild kit contains a fresh replacement, and I would recommend doing this as another 2 - 3 years is too much IMO. Even BMW says that our tires shouldn't be used beyond 6 years!

The real issue is the li-ion battery which has a useful life of around 8 years. From what I know you cannot replace the battery since it is sealed and must replace the whole unit.

Thanks for the info on the ion battery. I'll get the "rebuild" gasket kit (for the tire valves) when I get the new tires installed. Hopefully, I won't have to worry about replacing the TPMS sending units until the new tires have been used up.

Has anybody out there had the ion batteries fail in a 2007 or newer?

Originally Posted by pastman

Thanks for the info on the ion battery. I'll get the "rebuild" gasket kit (for the tire valves) when I get the new tires installed. Hopefully, I won't have to worry about replacing the TPMS sending units until the new tires have been used up.

Has anybody out there had the ion batteries fail in a 2007 or newer?

There have been a few posts of apparent battery failures for 2007 vehicles. I'm not entirely sure that these reports weren't due to TPMS damage from tire mounting/dismounting or contamination/clogging of the unit. Nevertheless, Beru stated battery life of 5 - 9 years IIRC. I've heard of 10 yrs. on the upper end. Certainly the '07 models will be the first to go, and we can expect battery life failures to fall into a 'normal curve' for age at failure.