I have a model year 2006 525i, built date 8/2005. I recently changed my rims and am getting the flat tire warning. I thought that only the mid-2006 models had TPS and before that the system uses the ABS sensors. Can someone please clarify this? Also, is there a way to tell if the tires have TPS installed (In my last car, the TPS rims had chrome valves). Thanks...

 

Did your old rims (on this 2006 525i) have metal valve stems? In the iDrive settings menu, does it show the letters "FTM" or "TPM?"

TPM (or metal valve stems) means you have the system that uses sensors.

FTM (or no metal valve stems) means you have the system that uses rotational (ABS) sensors.

 

I am pretty sure that you do not have TPM.

I think that it started in the 2007 models (built in 4/2006).

As Rudy stated, your I-Drive should give you the answers.

You are probably lucky not to have TPMs, as it adds a little more trouble to installing your new wheels.

 

I also forgot to state the more obvious part -- if you end up having FTM, then you simply need to initialize the system once you're certain that all your tire pressures are correct. Once that's done, the warnings will cease...

 

Good glad you caught yourself before I had a chance to blast you! hahaha J/K...

Yes All you have to do is reinitialize the FTP monitor..

 

Or the FTM monitor...no files need to be transferred...

 

Well, since we're well into this...I'm considering buying a wheel/winter tire combination from TireRack for my 2007 530xi. I don't have run-flats, and do have TPM. When I buy from TR, there's an extra $196 in the package for the TPM system (two pieces each wheel). When I get the new wheels & tires, can I just change them out (OE wheels off, TR wheels on), and then reset the TPM system?

 

Yes. I believe that's all you need to do...