I have a 2009 XF and bought 19" wheels from ebay from someone who barely used them and then upgraded to aftermarket wheels/tires. The problem is there is no TPMS in the new ones. I could pull the old ones from my old tires, which my mechanic says won't be cheap because he's got to pull apart all 8 tires, buy new ones for $200, or go on ebay for used TPMS units. Can anyone help me make the right move? Thanks!

 

I thought the TPMS sensors were in the valve stems. I'm pretty sure they are on the BMW's, I might be wrong though, I'm sure someone will put correct me if I am wrong.

 

The TPMS sensors and the valve stems are one unit in each wheel. Pulling the old tires off rims is not expensive as you are not paying for a balance which is the expensive part. Pulling the new tires off your new rims is required if you want to install TPMS sensors in those rims. Usually you get charged for a re-balance although strictly speaking a skilled tire mounter can put the tire back exactly where it was on the balanced rim so only a de-mount and re-mount charge should be required as for a tire repair requiring an internal patch.

I am surprised the guy who mounted your tires on the aftermarket rims did not ask you if you wanted the TPMS sensors moved at the same time. I'd be asking that guy some difficult questions. The TPMS system cannot be bypassed so if you have no sensors the warning light will be on.

 

You are right that the warning light is on jagular, but it was another guy who bought aftermarket rims. I just bought the take-offs, a set of barely used stock wheels and tires to replace mine. The take offs I bought had no TPMS, as he must have moved them to his aftermarkets. So it sounds pretty clear that since the new tires need to come off the rims either way I should just take the TPMS out of my old rims. Thanks!