06 525. How does the flat tire monitor work? I don't see any wires, transmitters, etc..I gots to know!

 

The FTM uses the anti-lock brake sensors to monitor the spin of the wheels. A tire which is low or is going flat will spin faster (smaller circumfrence) than the other tires. This increase in speed will be detected by the sensors and set off the FTM. It is fairly sensitive, going off when one tire is as little as 5-7 PSI lower than the other tires.

Later models use the TPM or Tire Pressure Monitor, where each tire has a sensor to monitor individual tire pressures.

 

I have an 04 530 and it has th FTM. Will it also have a TPM installed?

 

Nope, two different systems. Early cars like our 2004's used the FTM. At some point in 2006 (can't recall exact timeframe) BMW switched to the TPM system. TPM has sensors on each wheel and will tell the driver which tire is low. FTM simply flashes a warning on iDrive that a tire is flat. You then need to check and see which is low. It could be a very obvious flat or just low pressure and you'll have to check all four tires. I have had my FTM go off with one tire being 5-7 lbs lower than the other three...

 

Which system is installed on my 06 525? It says FTM, and an indicator pops up saying there is a flat, doen't tell you which one though.

 

That's the Flat Tire Monitor. Same as mine, uses the anti-lock brake sensor to detect the wheel spin. Will not tell you which tire is low. Keep in mind that the the TPM system was not introduced until mid-year '06 sometime (in terms of US model year).

 

Can someone explain how the 2007 TPM work. How does the TPM read the sensor on each wheel. I am planning to purchase OEM 166 with General tires. Are the sensors hard to put on by a tire center or do I have to go back to the dealer?
I spoke to a guy in a tire center and he had no clue to what I was talking about in regard to the sensors.

Thanks!

 

This may be your first clue to seek out a different tire center. Many cars have tire pressure sensors in the wheels these days, not just high-end cars like BMW. If your guy was clueless about sensors, then I'd run away as fast as possible.

I'm not yet familiar with the different sensors but I know you can buy them from BMW -- I think they mount inside the wheel at the base of the valve stem. There may be more than one type depending on the wheel, etc. so you need to be careful that you get ones that fit your wheels. Once that's done, any reputable tire shop should be able to install them and mount the tires on the rims. If you're at all worried, I'd say you're better off sticking to a BMW dealer to do the mounting...

 

ahh... that explains it, so now on my 2008 I have a sensor...should I worry abou the sensor being damaged when I replace tires?