▀▄ eas | Macht Schnell - TPMS/RDC Emulation Module installation overview

[tom @ eas]

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!

[han405]

Did you guys find out if this works with 2011 m3?
thanks

[shamoo]

This is amazing. What's also amazing is how you figured out how to do all that and which wires to tap/use.

[drchuck72]

Great write up. The instructions that actually came with the module sucked A$$. Can't wait to do this and get rid of the TPMS malfunctioning light on the dash now that my winters are on.

2 Questions though:

1. You say to enter the car, leave the key out of the ignition and leave car off to program the module. If I have comfort access, is there anything I have to do differently? Do I have to get in without the key?

2. Where does the MS Module go when you put everything back?

Thanks guys. You guys do the best DIY writeups. Your DIY for the DICE Silverline Pro Install was perfect.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by drchuck72

Great write up. The instructions that actually came with the module sucked A$$. Can't wait to do this and get rid of the TPMS malfunctioning light on the dash now that my winters are on.

2 Questions though:

1. You say to enter the car, leave the key out of the ignition and leave car off to program the module. If I have comfort access, is there anything I have to do differently? Do I have to get in without the key?

2. Where does the MS Module go when you put everything back?

Thanks guys. You guys do the best DIY writeups. Your DIY for the DICE Silverline Pro Install was perfect.

The modules are pre-set to the ON position, no programming is necessary unless you are looking to turn off the module.

The modules can tuck into the plastic grid the EDC-K module is in now, there should be plenty of room.

Originally Posted by han405

Did you guys find out if this works with 2011 m3?
thanks

Sorry, missed this question. Modules are compatible for all e9x M3 models, as well as M5/M6 and X5/X6M.

[persian54]

O very very nice

[drchuck72]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

The modules are pre-set to the ON position, no programming is necessary unless you are looking to turn off the module.

The modules can tuck into the plastic grid the EDC-K module is in now, there should be plenty of room.



Sorry, missed this question. Modules are compatible for all e9x M3 models, as well as M5/M6 and X5/X6M.

Excellent. Thanks Tom.

[Justin(OKC)]

Thanks for the great write-up!! I'm installing the EDC emulator and this was more help than the instructions Macht Schnell provided!

[tightie]

this is awesome.

[sic]

Awesome product ! Installed and no TPMS !! Finally !!

[KenH]

Two comments:

You state "Aftermarket sensors are not generally reliable". However, the aftermarket sensors most readily available are made by BERU who supply BMW with essentially the same parts. Why should the non-BMW badged versions not be reliable?

The TPM system was changed in September 2009 on E9xs and the following year on some other models (e.g. X5). Although the frequency remained the same, apparently the new and old systems are not compatible. How does that impact this device?

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by KenH

Two comments:

You state "Aftermarket sensors are not generally reliable". However, the aftermarket sensors most readily available are made by BERU who supply BMW with essentially the same parts. Why should the non-BMW badged versions not be reliable?

Correct, BERU manufacturers the TPMS sensors for BMW.

Aftermarket kits generally seen on eBay or elsewhere advertised as "low cost replacements", or in some cases - not compatible with certain aftermarket wheels generally are not recommended.

Originally Posted by KenH

The TPM system was changed in September 2009 on E9xs and the following year on some other models (e.g. X5). Although the frequency remained the same, apparently the new and old systems are not compatible. How does that impact this device?

Yes, however the TPMS system is much different than previous models - changing from 4 separate receivers to just one.

The Macht Schnell TPMS module is also compatible with the new systems.

[w00tw00t]

Paging Tom!

I got the TPMS emulation module today and followed the instructions. I got to the white box and when I pulled it apart there was no RDS module! Ref. the red circle in the picture below... no TPMS/RDS module! there were only three modules plugged in .. one said EDC, the other said PDK or something and the last one said something else (I have more pics if needed)

I have a 2011.5 E92 M3... Tom! Please help!!

[w00tw00t]

why the f**k did BMW have to mess with the TPMS location... I hate TPMS... !!

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by w00tw00t

Paging Tom!

I got the TPMS emulation module today and followed the instructions. I got to the white box and when I pulled it apart there was no RDS module! Ref. the red circle in the picture below... no TPMS/RDS module! there were only three modules plugged in .. one said EDC, the other said PDK or something and the last one said something else (I have more pics if needed)

I have a 2011.5 E92 M3... Tom! Please help!!

TPMS has changed since 2010, going from a 4-reciever system to single receiver. The receiver is located behind the passenger's side rear fender liner.



Installation will use the same procedures as the Gen1 TPMS systems, since it is a 4-wire connection:

- +12V Power
- Ground
- CAN High
- CAN Low

Here are a couple of images to illustrate what I am referring to:

4-wire TPMS connector, BMW harness:



The connectors from the Macht Schnell TPMS module are clipped off and are either soldered to the factory wires, or can be attached using crimped connectors:



Verify all connections and tuck the module and wiring away and reinstall the fender liner.

[w00tw00t]

Thanks Tom - how easy is it to get the rear fender off? ...

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by w00tw00t

Thanks Tom - how easy is it to get the rear fender off? ...

Fender liner is very simple. Self explanatory once the rear wheel is removed.

[w00tw00t]

Originally Posted by tom @ eas

Fender liner is very simple. Self explanatory once the rear wheel is removed.

cool thanks - I'll work on this over the weekend.

[w00tw00t]

finally finshed the install today! Great product and works as advertised! Thank you Tom, EAS and MT! I am so happy that I don't have to worry about dumb TPMS anymore and my wheels need less wheel weights because there is no need for the dumb tpms sensor inside the rim! i check tire pressure manually often and don't need a stupid computer telling me its low..

only suggestion I have is the paper instructions that come with this are a big FAIL! .. you should take a print out of this thread and send that with the box

[deens]

Will this work for 2008 E60 535i? Thanks in advance.

[tom @ eas]

Originally Posted by deens

Will this work for 2008 E60 535i? Thanks in advance.

Should be compatible.

[AMPowerJ]

Maybe a stupid question but I got this and I am installing it today. Once you get everything wired up do you plug the BMW RDC harness back in or do you not need the RDC module anymore at all?