What is a Tire Pressure Monitoring System
Picture a guardian angel for your BMW 1 series’s tires, always watching over them and warning you of any danger. This is exactly what the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) does. With cutting-edge sensors, the system continuously monitors your air pressure in each tire and sends a warning signal to the dashboard if it drops below a certain level. No more guesswork – the TPMS keeps track of everything in real-time. Want to know how this amazing system works, when to reset it, or the most common reasons behind that pesky tire warning light? Keep reading and uncover the magic behind the TPMS!
How to Reset BMW 1 Series Tire PRessure Warning Light:
VERSIONS
2004 – 2011 (E81/E82/E87/E88)
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 – Present (F20/F21/F40)
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!
Everything in this article is applicable to all BMW 1 series versions and models including M competition versions. (128i, 135i, 1M)
How Does the BMW 1 Series TPMS Work?
The BMW 1 Series Tire Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS) uses sensors on each wheel to monitor the air pressure in the tires.
These sensors wirelessly transmit the data to the car’s onboard computer, which processes it in real-time.
If the air pressure in any BMW 1 Series tire drops below a safe level, the TPMS sends a warning signal to the car’s dashboard.
The warning light will appear as a visual exclamation point symbol as well as make an audible sound to notify you.
The TPMS constantly checks the tire pressure and updates the BMW 1 Series dashboard display accordingly.
In newer BMW 1 Series models, the TPMS may provide information on the specific tire that needs attention and the severity of the pressure drop as well as current tire temperature.
When to Reset BMW 1 Series TPMS?
After any tire pressure adjustment.
After performing tire rotations, tire balancing, or wheel alignments.
After replacing one or more tires.
When installing new rims or wheels, remember to transfer the old sensors to the new wheels.
After the TPMS warning light remains on even after inflating a tire to the correct pressure.
After swapping seasonal tires, such as switching between winter and summer tires.
Following any tire or wheel-related service or repair work.
After replacing the vehicle’s battery.
After jump–starting a dead battery.
When a TPMS sensor is repaired or replaced.
What are Common Causes For Tire Pressure Lights to Turn On?
Low or high tire pressure in one or more tires.
A flat tire or slow leak due to a puncture or damage to the tire
A crack in one or more rim or wheel. (This is extremely common in all BMW vehicles!)
Significant changes in the ambient air temperature greatly affects tire pressure and is the number one cause of setting off TPMS warning lights in all vehicles!
Dead or dying tire pressure sensor battery. (to figure out which sensor is dead or dying you need to use a TPMS tool like this)
Vehicle weight overload. Too much weight in, on, or being towed by the vehicle can set off the TPMS light.
Malfunctioning, leaking or damaged TPMS sensors.
TPMS software or calibration issues. (some newer system software may need to be updated)
A dead vehicle battery that’s jumped can cause the TPMS light to come on.
What Happens When your BMW 1 Series Tires are Underinflated?
Low tire pressure in a BMW 1 Series can cause a variety of issues, such as reduced fuel efficiency, increased tire wear, and compromised handling and braking. These issues can lead to expensive repairs and replacements, as well as an increased risk of accidents while driving. Therefore, maintaining the correct tire pressure is essential for optimal performance and safety of your BMW 1 Series. Regularly checking and adjusting tire pressure can prevent these problems and ensure a smooth and enjoyable driving experience. We recommend checking tire pressure at least once a month and before embarking on long trips to keep your BMW 1 Series performing at its best!
