Type Pressure Indicator
The tyre pressure control system (RDC) uses sensors on all four wheels to electronically monitor the tyre pressure. Depending on the model and the equipment fitted, the tyre pressure indicator enables the current tyre pressure to be monitored in the Control Display or the instrument panel.
If there is a difference in pressure, the driver receives a warning signal in good time indicating the possible danger, and information on the affected tyre appears in the display.
To ensure that the tyre pressure indicator functions reliably and precisely, the wheels must be fitted with compatible sensors. Information on the sensors for the various different BMW models is available from your BMW dealer.
After the tyres have been correctly inflated following a tyre change, the tyre pressure indicator must be reset in order to ensure that the tyre pressure control functions correctly.* Details on how to do so can be found in the operating instructions.
Tyre pressure is also dependent on the temperature of the tyre. When the temperature of the tyre rises (e.g. because of exposure to sunlight or when the vehicle is being driven), the filling pressure increases. Pressure may drop when the temperature of the tyre decreases. When the drop in temperature is extreme, this can trigger a warning. For this reason, the tyre pressure should be checked at regular intervals (“cold tyres”).
Emergency spare wheels are not equipped with sensors. If an emergency spare wheel is fitted after a pressure loss has been displayed, the warning message remains in the display until a new wheel with an appropriate sensor has been fitted. When a tyre is damaged suddenly by external factors, it is not possible to issue a warning in good time.
* Standard tyre-inflation units have a measurement tolerance of +/- 0.15 bar.