Yes you would have TPMS - it is/was not an option, just standard equipment up here in Canada as well

 

Okay thanks. Everyone has been telling me I wouldn't need to get the sensors with new wheel purchase, that its not used by BMW in Canada, but from what your saying then, guess I need to purchase a set ?

 

As I understand it, the situation is:

- all current BMW Canadian models use FTM not TPMS as TPMS is not mandatory here

- it is possible some earlier models, such as a 2009 X3, could have had TPMS installed in anticipation of Canada making it mandatory, or just for BMW's convenience

- any plan Canada had for enacting the equivalent of the U.S. TREAD Act has been put on long term hold pending clear evidence that it is needed or would be effective

- having metal valve stems alone is not confirmation of TPMS (but the reset procedure saying ACTIVE is - for those with iDrive)
(years ago metal valve stems were considered a nice upgrade aesthetically)

- some tire shops may sell and install TPMS sensors to Canadian BMW owners that just sit there inactive because there is no way to configure them

 

As I understand it, the situation is:

- all current BMW Canadian models use FTM not TPMS as TPMS is not mandatory here

- it is possible some earlier models, such as a 2009 X3, could have had TPMS installed in anticipation of Canada making it mandatory, or just for BMW's convenience

- any plan Canada had for enacting the equivalent of the U.S. TREAD Act has been put on long term hold pending clear evidence that it is needed or would be effective

- having metal valve stems alone is not confirmation of TPMS (but the reset procedure saying ACTIVE is - for those with iDrive)
(years ago metal valve stems were considered a nice upgrade aesthetically)

- some tire shops may sell and install TPMS sensors to Canadian BMW owners that just sit there inactive because there is no way to configure them

Thanks Supercourse. My thought process is this, I'll assume with about 99% certainty then that I do not have TPMS but FTM, and when switching wheels since I have my own guy, I will have them confirm my suspicion, and if I happen to have them I will switch them over to the new wheel/tire combo.

I do infact have iDrive, so I will pay attention to the reset as you mentioned to ensure I do not have TPMS as well during switch.

My thought process is much like yours, thinking for simplicity sake i ended having metal valve stems without actually having TPMS equipped as BMW thought it just easier, but only time will tell. I just wasn't sure as earlier years (before my '09) were not TPMS, but talk from what I read was they wanted to make the switch, but as you stated newer ones are still not, so I wasn't sure if somehow my model yr being between they tried it for some reason.

Thanks for help guys

 

With no disrespect intended to S/C above, who does have vast knowledge and is helpful to all of us on the forum - I will still say the 2009 X3 came with TPMS, and thus you should have a presser sensor on each wheel. I can say this because I have them on my 2008, and it came with the car (not an option thing, and it wouldn‘t be just in Ontario). At the time I didn’t really want them, because it meant buying new sensors at extra cost (approx. $200) for winter tires with rims, but having said that, although it’s not the most sophisticated system they are helpful and did show one day that presser was getting lower due to a small nail in the tread . ( I keep a presser gauge in the car so was able to determine I could make it to a tire repair place without a problem). There was no change in this regard from 08 to 09. The North American X3 originally came with the FTM system but changed to the TPMS in 06. I agree although it was/is not mandated in Canada to have them ( and the silver shaft doesn’t mean anything) for what ever reason by 08 ( if not prior) that’s how they were sold here. ( unless removed for some reason)I haven’t looked, but once the X3’s newer models started to come with only run flats, they probably joined the rest of the BMW group and went back to the FTM system .

 

That's the button that also applies to indirect FTM (no sensors in wheels) so doesn't tell you if you have direct TPMS.

The metal valves with a nut on them and plastic caps are the best indicator.

 

I didn't realize that...although I thought of another way...

Take 10 psi out of a tire and see if the warning come on immediately at start up or if you have to be driving around.

A direct tpms system will send a signal to the computer of a low pressure scenario. The other system uses abs wheel sensors and measures revolutions of the wheel at speed.

 

My apologizes I meant to simply say X Drive, you are correct.

I do have the metal valves. I'll just continue with my original course of action then, and wait to see what my wheel guy says when I make the switch, and if I do infact have them, I'll simply just switch them over from my stock oem set to my new set.

Seems like the best way of figuring it out from what I can gather so far.

 

for your reference

My 2005 X3 3.0i has the "Tire Defect Indicator".

 

Hey can someone help me out my 07 328xi is telling me that my ftm is inactive, now I'm not sure is that a system failure like the sensor because I checked my tire pressure and all is good??