Hello all. I will be needing to replace my tires on my 2005 545i. I have the TPMS system. Do I need to replace the sensors as well?

 

You mean tire pressure sensors? No your system uses the ABS sensors to monitor for a flat so theres nothing for you to worry about.

I rather like that system more. less costly to swap tires around.

 

I think if you check in your iDrive (open the i menu, then Vehicle Settings) you will see FTM (Flat Tire Monitor). This system does not use air pressure sensors like TPMS, rather uses wheel speed as has already been mentioned.

There is no hardware to replace when replacing tires, but you will need to re-initialize the system after setting new tires to proper pressure. You will need to follow the instructions on the FTM page in iDrive.

Basically, you click "Set tire pressure" while stopped with engine running, then drive off. The status will show "initializing" until it recalibrates while moving, then change to Active. Just keep driving until the system shows active.

 

that system saves us money and its pretty cool....i was wondering would i get a error code when i put my 20s on this spring but this answered my question

 

You shouldnt have any problems, it uses rotational speed of each wheel measured against each axle so as long as its initialized correctly it'll work. I dont like the new system cuz it doenst tell me the "exact" tire pressure and it costs me extra $150 for a place to swap out the sensor and re balance all my wheels.