As a driver, your safety on the road is paramount. One of the critical safety components of any modern car is the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), which is mandated by law in most countries. In this article, we will provide you with a comprehensive explanation of how the 2018 BMW 3 Series TPMS works.
The 2018 BMW 3 Series TPMS is an advanced system that constantly monitors the tire pressure of your vehicle’s four wheels and alerts you if there is any deviation from the recommended levels. The TPMS in the 2018 BMW 3 Series works using a combination of sensors, a control unit, and a display unit.
Tire Pressure Sensors
The tire pressure sensors are responsible for measuring the tire pressure in each of the four tires. The 2018 BMW 3 Series TPMS uses direct sensors, which are mounted on the inside of each wheel, in contact with the valve stem. These sensors use radio frequency signals to transmit the tire pressure readings to the control unit.
Control Unit
The control unit receives the tire pressure readings from the sensors and compares them to the recommended tire pressure levels. If the tire pressure is too low or too high, the control unit will activate the warning system.
Display Unit
The warning system is made up of a warning light and an alert message on the dashboard display unit. If the tire pressure in any of the four tires falls below the recommended level, the warning light will illuminate, and the alert message will be displayed on the dashboard display unit. The warning light is amber and looks like an exclamation point inside a tire cross-section. If the tire pressure in any of the four tires is too high, the warning light will also illuminate, and the alert message will be displayed on the dashboard display unit.
System Operation
The 2018 BMW 3 Series TPMS is designed to operate in two modes – the ignition on mode and the driving mode. In the ignition on mode, the system performs a self-test to verify that all the sensors are functioning correctly. The self-test takes a few seconds to complete, and if there is an issue with any of the sensors, the warning light will illuminate, and the alert message will be displayed on the dashboard display unit.
In the driving mode, the system continuously monitors the tire pressure of all four tires. The system will activate the warning system if the tire pressure falls below or goes above the recommended levels.
How To Reset Tire Pressure Light
VERSIONS
2004 – 2010 (E90/E91/E92/E93)
Using the blinker switch on the side of the steering wheel.
Use the toggle, and toggle up until your dashboard has the tire pressure warning light in between your speedometer and tachometer. (the toggle is where the up and down arrows on the blinker switch are)
Hold down the BC button for a few seconds, then release it.
Hold down the BC button again until a checkbox appears below the tire warning light.
Release the BC button.
Drive the vehicle!
2011 – 2017 (F30/F31/F34/F35)
Select the MENU button on the Idrive system
Select VEHICLE INFORMATION from the main Idrive menu using the Idrive scroll and selector wheel.
Select VEHICLE STATUS
Select PERFORM RESET
Select PERFORM RESET again
Drive the vehicle!
2018 – PRESENT (G20/G21/G28/F80)
Select CAR on the Idrive infotainment screen
Select VEHICLE STATUS
Select TIRE PRESSURE MONITOR
Select TIRE SETTINGS
Choose the correct TIRE TYPE (choose summer or winter if you swap tires for different seasons)
Select SAVE TIRE SETTINGS
If you are swapping between winter and summer tires, follow the same steps but select PERFORM RESET after selecting the season.
Drive the Vehicle!
Everything in this article is applicable to all BMW 3 series versions and models including M competition versions. (328i, 335i, 340i, 330e, M3)
When to Reset TPMS:
After replacing a tire sensor: If a tire sensor is replaced, the TPMS will need to be reset so that it can recognize the new sensor and provide accurate readings.
After changing or rotating tires: Whenever you change or rotate your tires, the TPMS should be reset so that it can accurately monitor the pressure levels of the new tire positions.
After adjusting tire pressure: If you have adjusted the tire pressure in your tires, you will need to reset the TPMS so that it can provide accurate readings based on the new pressure levels.
After a tire has been repaired: If a tire has been repaired, the TPMS should be reset to ensure that it can accurately monitor the pressure levels of the repaired tire.
Common Causes for Tire Pressure Light to Turn ON:
Low tire pressure: The most common reason for the tire pressure light to turn on is that one or more of the tires on your vehicle have low pressure. This can be caused by a slow leak, puncture, or simply normal air loss over time.
Cold weather: In cold temperatures, the air inside your tires can contract, causing the tire pressure to drop. This can trigger the tire pressure light to turn on even if there is nothing wrong with your tires.
Faulty sensor: A faulty sensor in your TPMS can also cause the tire pressure light to turn on. This can occur if the sensor is damaged or not working properly, preventing it from accurately detecting the tire pressure.
Electrical issues: In some cases, the tire pressure light may turn on due to electrical issues such as a blown fuse or wiring problem.
Incorrect tire pressure: If your tires are overinflated, the tire pressure light may turn on as well. This can be caused by using an inaccurate pressure gauge or inflating the tires beyond the recommended pressure level.
Aging tires: Over time, the rubber in your tires can degrade and develop cracks or leaks. This can cause the tire pressure to drop and trigger the tire pressure light to turn on.
It is important to address the cause of the tire pressure light turning on as soon as possible to prevent potential safety issues and ensure proper tire performance. If you are unsure about the cause of the light turning on, it is recommended to consult a qualified mechanic for further diagnosis and repairs. Another option is to use a TPMS tool like this and determine which sensor is faulty.
cONCLUSION
The 2018 BMW 3 Series TPMS is an advanced system that provides real-time tire pressure monitoring to ensure the safety of the driver and passengers. The system works by using sensors, a control unit, and a display unit to constantly monitor the tire pressure of all four tires. If there is any deviation from the recommended levels, the warning system will activate, and the driver will be alerted. By understanding how the 2018 BMW 3 Series TPMS works, you can take proactive steps to ensure that your vehicle’s tires are properly inflated, reducing the risk of any issues on and off the road.