Adding TPMS
 

Hi Everyone,

My uncle plans to import a 2011 Mercedes E550 from Canada to the USA and that requires a Letter of Compliance from MB Canada. Now the problem is that, they're stating its not eligible for importing due to it not having TPMS and has TPLS instead.

The TPLS runs off the speed rotation off the wheel to determine if the tire is under deflated.

Is there a way to retrofit and add proper TPMS system that will display in the instrument cluster? I've read it's been done in the past with older model vehicles. They've simply added the module, sensors and some programming. Any additional insight or part numbers/guides would be helpful.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

I thought TPMS was a standard option for all models.
do you have wheels with tpms sensors installed?
if not you should get them (right frequency ofocarse , because they have multiple) and you should be good to go.

unless things are not so simple

TPLS does not use any sensor in the wheel. I think this may be a big deal to retrofit. There may be aftermarket systems that are way cheaper to install. If they will buy the cap based system, I would install that and then discard it once the car is here, unless State inspections would require you to keep it active.

Things are not so simple. If the car did not have TPMS you would need to add the necessary antennas in the car (4 corners) plus any module and programming necessary to make it work. It's not simply installing TPMS sensors in the wheels.

I don't know about canada, but I think all new cars sold in the US (after a certain date) are required to have TPMS. I think it was 2007 or 2008.

It is US law only that all cars starting in 2006 (?) have to have factory TPMS.
That said TPMS exist for about 20 years and I still have an add-on system I used 15 years ago on motorhome. Such systems today cost like $200-300
Question is would US law accept add-on system, but sometimes it is better not to ask.
If you install such system and go to test station, the technician might sign off existing system without additional comments.

...unless the car didnt have an option for tpms , and there is no screen for it in gauge cluster.
Thats crazy though , even my moms honda crv got it

Does anyone know where the factory TPMS module is located? I read that I just require the module, sensors and programming. I want to check if the car is pre-wired for the module.

Thanks a bunch!!

Try something like this. Please note that I have never try it or endorse it. This is a tire cap TPMS system.

With these type of system, you don't need to have them reinstall the tire stem and remount the tire.

Problem is that the US border requires OEM part numbers with an invoice to be retrofitted in before bringing it over.

Thanks!! Will check tomorrow if the car is pre-wired. If it is, going to attempt this retrofit!

Did you successfully retrofit TPMS ?