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[norb2011e92]

purchased a 2011 328Xi with TPMS malfunction error. BMW could not figure out if it's one sensor, or all or if the Antenna is bad or something else.

So, this is what I'm going to do and my question to you is this, am I headed in the right direction or stop and do this instead

Going to purchase new tires/wheels/sensors not part of the trouble shooting process but one tire is different from the other 3 and I'm getting a sweetheart deal if I buy tires/wheels/sensors all together.

Does the new sensors need programming and syncing or just install, do a reset on the iDrive on the car, and drive a few miles?

I'm all ears Gents.
Cheers
NS

[Antetokounmpo]

no programming necessary

[shadow191]

Swapping sensors just requires you to reset or just drive and it will figure it out after a few miles. But based on your description, it may not be a sensor. Usually if one goes bad, system tells you. The whole thing doesn't just error out.

You took it to a dealership and they couldn't tell you the problem? That seems strange.

[norb2011e92]

the wheel shop guy put his TP sensor gauge next to each wheel and wasn't picking up any reading from them. I did not pay 80 bucks to remove each wheel to see if the sensors are there since I'm getting new wheels/tires on saturday.

Lets say it's not the sensors, where do I go next? or if all the sensors are not even there that's the obvious reading for the error, correct?

[shadow191]

If he isn't getting a reading from any wheel, sensors likely aren't there. I'd be surprised to see all die in such a relatively short time (2011). On my '07, 2 of them are still working and I had to replace 2.

[norb2011e92]

I guess in a way if they are all missing that's the best option. Install new, click reset and drive to get ice cream

[Levanime]

you can disable tpms system and switch to FTM

[norb2011e92]

I'm getting CPO cover warranty so it has to pass inspection by Bimmer tech

[norb2011e92]

aftermarket sensors are not recommended on BMW's is that true? is there programming/syncing with those? the BMW OEM brand for sensors is the Huff correct?

[martinm0]

Originally Posted by norb2011e92

aftermarket sensors are not recommended on BMW's is that true? is there programming/syncing with those? the BMW OEM brand for sensors is the Huff correct?

I bought a set of generics off eBay for my 2007 E83 X3 last year and so far, no issues with them. This was before I realized all the changes in the E90 world between pre-LCI and LCI models. Fortunately, it has worked out just fine. Just threw them on, and maybe had to reset TPMS from the car, but I feel like they just synced up automatically.

There is no programming needed.

[TomD335xicoupe]

Look at the valve stems to see if TPMs are there, different then non TPM, reference images on google. Make sure when you order new ones they are the correct frequency for your model year, install, set tire pressure to your desired numbers and press reset and drive till lights go out.