No TPMS

[Need4Speed3]

Ever since I bought my 2008 MS3 two months ago I noticed that the TPMS light would intermittently blink or stay on. I called the dealer after I bought it and they told me to either release some pressure in the tires and then put more air in them to bring them back to the correct pressure. Even after I attempted that it still didn't fix the problem. Being as they were aftermarket tires I just assumed that was why it was behaving the way it did.

I took my car in to the dealers for another issue (smoking turbo) and asked them to also check the TPMS. To my surprise they told me that there were no sensors on the wheels! They recommended that I return it to the dealer where I bought it to have the sensors put in. When I called the dealer where I bought the car the person I spoke to didn't have a clue about what I was talking about and just told me to make a service appointment.

First of all I don't even know what type of wheels these are. Does anyone know?

Can the MS3 sensors even work with them? Is it a big deal if I just ignore the TPMS?

 

[Galvatron]

You bought the car with those wheels on it? Sorry, but they are horrid. I'd have demanded factory wheels.

In any case, the dealer you bought it from for sure should pay for new sensors. Yes they should work in your wheels.

 

[chief_wiggum]

if you bought used and 'as is', then you may be out of luck on getting them to pop for sensors. However, since they didn't disclose that no sensors were on the wheels at the time of purchase, you should have a pretty strong case to have them add them -- play the safety card big and heavy if they balk -- they removed a factory safety feature, which at the time the car was new, was mandated by law.

 

[disturbedfan121]

its not a safety feature at all though....there are more cars that come without it than come with it.

i have a set for sale if you want them though

 

[Need4Speed3]

its not a safety feature at all though....there are more cars that come without it than come with it.

i have a set for sale if you want them though

From what I've read, TPMS has been mandated by law on all new vehicles from 2008 and up. So one could argue that a missing mandated safety feature should at least be disclosed. I'll hear what they have to say before deciding if I want to spend money to replace them.

 

[disturbedfan121]

you're half right.

after reading it says if your car comes with them they have to be working. sounds like if the car is sold without them due to aftermarket wheels and tires. they might be in the free and clear.

but yea give it shot see what happens.

 

[RichB]

You didn't notice the light during the test drive?

This can go either way. I hope you get the sensors though. If not, check eBay there are tons for sale there. New they run from $200 - $300. Used you can get em from $70 - $120.

You do have to get the tires unmounted, re-mounted, then balanced to install them so there is a hidden cost there.

Good Luck

 

[MikeHTally]

I don't mind sayin' it: I kinda like those. Bet they'd be a b!tch to clean. Personally, I couldn't stand having that light on. TPMS is a very handy thing to have.