I have the sensors? Do I need special valve stems or anything along that order?

I know the TPMS stems are metal but I'm not sure if they are specific to the task.

Thanks in advance. I searched here but it was inconclusive.

 

Jonathan, I'm a little unclear as to what you already have...

You say "I have the sensors?" but since there's a question mark there, I can't tell if you're asking or telling me about them.

Basically, if you are buying new wheels for the snow tires, then yes, you'll need sensors mounted on the wheels (before the tires are mounted.) I had the dealer install the sensors into my snow tire/wheel package and everything works great. The metal stems are now present (were rubber before) and I think the sensor is actually part of the valve stem assembly. My only minor complaint is that the stems on the snow tires seem to stick out a bit farther than I expected. I think it's possible that I could damage them on a curb but I plan to not hit any...

If you're mounting snows on your factory wheels, then you should already have the sensors...

 

I had purchased new sensors and stems when installing my new 166's last spring, as I kept my original wheels and tires intact.

The sensors sit inside of the wheel and the special stems mount inside the sensors like "ball and socket" joints. The stem has the ball side and the sensor has the socket. So the angle of the stem can vary a bit until tightened down. The stems are a specific part that mates with the sensor. These are not one part.

Good Luck.

 

Yesterday I went over to the local BMW dealer and got the stems (had picked up the sensors when my car was redelivered on Monday).

So I now have wheels, tires, stems, and sensors. Sounds like I am good to go.

Thank you both for your input.

 

Jonathan - Are you back in NY now? If so, you should try and make it up to the M5 meet next week (Dec 11th) in Harrison. It would be great to finally meet you in person.

 

I am back. The car is back.

I don?t have an M5 though

What?s the story with the M5 meet?

 

I'm guessing he means http://forums.e60.net/index.php?showtopic=47403

 

Correct. Thanks Rudy.

 

Looks like a fun dinner but I am already committed to a holiday party at a friend?s house. Thanks for the invitation.