Overview:
Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) is an electronic system designed to monitor the air pressure inside all the pneumatic tires on all BMWs manufactured since 2006. Within a predetermined pressure level, a RF signal (433mHz) is sent to each of the receivers located in the wheelwells. These systems report an error message to the driver when pressure is low.
Battery-powered Radio Frequency based TPMS have several disadvantages. Batteries eventually become exhausted and represent a maintenance cost to the consumer. Batteries are chemical systems with lifetimes that unfortunately perform very poorly in extreme temperature environments typical of North America and European climates and in aerospace applications. In order to conserve battery life and to conform to various countries communication authority standards for short range radio communications, the power levels of battery powered TPMS are kept very low . As a consequence of these very low power levels, the construction of certain steel belted radial replacement tires and vehicle metallic geometries can block the low power signal transmission paths.
The so-called total cost of ownership for direct systems is much higher than for indirect systems due to battery and wheel changes and broken/damaged parts. Replacement TPMS sensors from your local dealer can be in excess of $300USD/set with the lithium batteries mounted in the sensors with a 5-6 year shelf life. Aftermarket sensors are not generally reliable.
For those that have multiple tire sets for the track, this is simply not practical. The Macht Schnell TPMS/RDC Emulation Module installs in about 15 minutes and will fully emulate a full-pressure TPMS signal when activated. Module can be activated/deactivated by lifting up on the driver’s side window switch for +5 seconds with the key off.
Here's a typical TPMS lamp that does not see a sensor installed:
Macht Schnell Macht Schnell TPMS/RDC Emulation Module features:
- The ability to run racing tires/wheels or other environments in which TPMS sensors are not compatible
- Easy 15-minute installation process with no wire cutting
- Proper emulation of the TPMS/RDC monitoring system
- No dealer visits or coding required after installation
- Completely removable at any time
Ignition will need to be off and key removed.
Installation overview will be performed on a MY08 M3. Start by removing the battery cover in the trunk on the passenger side. Disregard the additional cabling as there is an aftermarket audio system, which will not interfere with the installation procedures covered here:
Remove compression rivets with a trim removal tool in order to remove interior trunk liner (passenger side):
Remove trunk cover trim plate (fastened in by compression rivets):
Remove liner and push emergency fuel filler through insulation:
Remove cable holders and pull back insulation to access TPMS/RDC module grid:
Remove TPMS/RDC housing:
Remove RDC/TPMS module from housing:
Release connector from module by releasing swingarm locking mechanism:
Remove connector from housing, sliding outward:
Remove Orange/Green (BMW PIN2) & Green wires (BMW PIN18):
Insert Red (MS PIN11) into BMW PIN2 and Black (MS PIN3) into BMW PIN18:
Insert Red (MS PIN10) and Black (MS PIN2) into supplied 2-pin connector housing:
Insert Green/Orange to Red (MS PIN20) and Green to Black (MS PIN2) using the supplied 2-pin connector housing:
Using supplied T-Tap, tap into Brown wire (BMW PIN16), plug in brown wire from harness:
Connect Red wire from module harness to constant +12V, (battery terminal):
Plug harness into module:
Green LED on module will flash when connected properly, detecting CAN activity:
Module can be activated/deactivated with the window switches on the door - modules come in an "active" state to simulate an TPMS-enabled environment.
Configuration:
1. Enter vehicle (key off/removed from ignition) and close drivers door
2. Lift Driver/Passenger window switches to 2nd position and hold for +5 seconds.
3. Blinker indicators on gauge panel will indicate whether module is activated/deactivated:
<= only, module is OFF
<= => at same time, module is ON
Insert key into ignition and press START button to exit programming mode.
When activated, TPMS malfunction indicator will no longer be illuminated. Module can easily be turned on/off at any time.
Enjoy!