ddeliber

Also how well does it work with run-flat tires?

DerekACS

Yes, of course ! My mistake !

DerekACS

From my experience of having flats with both BMWs (with RFTs) and MBs (w/o RFTS), I would say there is no difference in the performance of the TPMS.

noka

Then I guess the ABS-based TPMS must be sensitive enough to detect the speed increase of the RFT that lost air pressure.

BeachBunny

Does anyone have an idea why a different system is used in Canada? I'm guessing it's due to the cold temperatures and batteries not working well in cold weather.

ddeliber

This is a bit surprising to me. I just wouldn't think a RF would deflect nearly as much as a conventional tire when low and/or flat. I also thought that late model BMWs came with TPMs in Canada for this reason. NOTE: I have no direct experience here, it is just what I heard and the reliability of that source is questionable .

ddeliber

Its because Canada is full of,,, welll, Canadians! What more justification could there be?

BeachBunny

I could buy that excuse if the Canadian cars said "Start Parktronic, eh?" on the screen... Oooh...how do we change the text on the instrument cluster? This could lead to evil things.

DerekACS

Not in the F30/31- 3 Series; they have the same TPMS as MB for Canadian W2014/5 and W211/212. Perhaps some of the higher end models use the US style electronic sensors for each wheel ?

DerekACS

No, no, after engine shut-down, the screen reads: "Don't forget your key, eh ?

BeachBunny

Sounds like a job for MBenz.NL.

5634MG

No, even my S-Class doesn't have the American style tire monitoring system. When the system alerts me to check tire pressure, I have to pull over and check each tire manually with a gauge.

Arrie

Why do you guess it is about batteries and cold temperature. They have U.S. specification cars in Alaska. You think it is warmer there than in where most of Canadians live?


How about International Falls, MN? One of the coldest places still livable in the U.S.


I think the reason for the two different TPMS between U.S. and Canada is that the government in Canada has not come up with the law requiring the real pressure monitoring in the tires yet. But it is coming I believe...

BeachBunny

My understanding of the US TPMS requirements are that the car notify the driver that there may be a problem, nothing more. I've seen US-spec cars which only have a single idiot light, making the driver guess: 1) What the heck does that symbol mean, 2) which tire might be to blame.

My 2004 M45 shows individual pressures, a coworker's 2008 Chrysler only had a single light. I've also driven a 2012 VW Passat which only had a single indicator.

noka

Sorry for continuing this OT discussion (relative to the OP) but I just had to comment. My '13 X3 had TMPS with individual sensors and the display that showed by color (grn, yel red) the offending low tire, but although the sensors were capable of measuring and transmitting individual pressure numerics, the display would not show those. However, I could purchase an 'Enet' cable to connect to the OBDII port and use special software (easily obtained on various forums) to program the numerics to be visible. My guess is that they dumbed it down so as not to confuse drivers with numbers and use easily understandable traffic light colors instead. They could probably have used both methods (colors + numerics) with the 'flip of a bit'. How silly.