TPMS Question
Members
Joined: Jul 2011
Posts: 235
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From: Belgium
My Ride: BMW 525dA 2007 pre-LCI.
Model Year: 2007
TPMS uses the in-wheel sensors and all wheels operate independently and have nothing to do with the ABS system. My 08 535i only showed air loss if it was below 5-6 psi or more and came on a number of times during my ownership. It would only show the individual tire that was at fault.
FTM (Flat Tire Monitor) does not use in-wheel sensors but relies solely on the ABS system. It typically only indicates a problem only if the tire is virtually flat, especially with run-flats that maintain their shape. The FTM senses when one (or more) tires is rotating at a different speed from the others (just like ABS).
My F10 has FTM (BMW Canada is cheap) while my retired E60 had TPMS.
The FTM only came on when my run-flat tire was completely flat.
IMO, the TPMS is the best system as long as the in-wheel sensors are working.
FTM (Flat Tire Monitor) does not use in-wheel sensors but relies solely on the ABS system. It typically only indicates a problem only if the tire is virtually flat, especially with run-flats that maintain their shape. The FTM senses when one (or more) tires is rotating at a different speed from the others (just like ABS).
My F10 has FTM (BMW Canada is cheap) while my retired E60 had TPMS.
The FTM only came on when my run-flat tire was completely flat.
IMO, the TPMS is the best system as long as the in-wheel sensors are working.
In wikipedia the ABS system is refered to as indirect TPMS. The sensor system by Direct TPMS.
If have the ABS system with Runflat tire. It worked perfectly, one tire had a small puncture which wasn't noticable looking at the tire. Measuring the pressure there was still over 1.5 BAR pressure in it.
Members
Joined: May 2011
Posts: 124
Likes: 0
From: SC
My Ride: 2008 535i2008 535i Monaco Blue
PP, SP, SAT w/paddles, AS, CA, L7,
NAV, PDC, Heated F Seats, SIRIUS,
iPod+Aux, Bamboo Anthracite Wood Trim
The new F10s here show the following info. in iDrive:
Senior Members
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
My Ride: 2012 535i X-driveSpace Grey/Black Dakota, Fineline Anthracite Trim; Executive Package (Rear View, Lumbar, Nav, Voice, SIRIUS, HiFi Pro) Technology Package (Hi Beam Assist, Lane Departure, Blind Spot Detection, Surround View) BMW Apps (Apps, Smart Pho
Model Year: 2012
Even when my tire was completely flat with 0 psi/BAR, the run-flat looked exactly like the others. However, I did notice that the tire was 'squirmy' and something was obviously wrong. The tire had a 3.5 inch tapcon screw dead centre in the tread. I filled the tire to 40 psi, reset the FTM and drove to my tire specialist. It was only as I pulled into the garage that the iDrive popped on and the FTM told me I was driving on a flat tire (0 psi/BAR). And as advertised after a number of km, the tire sidewalls were starting to flex outward. The tire was completely shot and had to be replaced.
Senior Members
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 521
Likes: 0
From: Toronto, Canada
My Ride: 2012 535i X-driveSpace Grey/Black Dakota, Fineline Anthracite Trim; Executive Package (Rear View, Lumbar, Nav, Voice, SIRIUS, HiFi Pro) Technology Package (Hi Beam Assist, Lane Departure, Blind Spot Detection, Surround View) BMW Apps (Apps, Smart Pho
Model Year: 2012
My F10 has the same image (English, of course) without the readings. The tires are as shown in green. The FTM does tell you which tire is flat.
The paper manual discusses both systems while my on-board manual only shows specs for my car so only shows the FTM pages.
BMW Canada is cheap.
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