Kevin70

Interested in a set of winter only wheels and tires I came across a complete set with near new tires but no TPMS.

If I were to install these will there be a TPMS alarm each time I start up ? If so can that monitor be deactivated ?

Thank you !

mej16489

I believe TPMS on the A3/S3 is via the rotation sensors in the hub sensors, not via modules mounted to the inside of the wheel valve-stems.

19hole

that is correct, Audi does not use sensors in the wheels. They use speed sensors (part of the ABS system) and calculate the diameter. When it changes, it posts an alarm.

I still don't get why they just don't use actual pressure sensors. They are available in the VWG parts bin. Porsche uses a great system and it really does not cost all that much and you get the actual pressure in real time from each tire.

snagitseven

Otherwise known as Passive TPMS. I believe only the A8 series and RS8 still use the Active TPMS with the battery powered valve stem sensors.

The biggest reason for moving to the passive system is lower cost, both for the manufacturer and the owner. The valve stem sensors can be costly and must be replaced every few years. For those with summer and winter tires an additional set of sensors is required or they nust be swapped out twice every year.

markN1689

do all s3's have TPMS?

didnt see it on the sticker

19hole

All cars sold in the USA must, by law, have some type of TPMS system installed.

whitby

It is a passive system, on all A3/S3 and not very impressive.
I have found it to be worthless unless you have a seriously under inflated tire - i had to get a puncture before the alarm went off.

mej16489

My experience is the opposite. I had an alert from my left front a few days ago, it was down only 3 PSI.

Fixeroh

Just have to reset the TPMS each time you swap out wheels and tires. I asked my Audi techs last year. Assumed sensors were in the wheels but they are not. Simply mount your new wheels/tires, make sure the tires have the exact pressure you desire then reset the TPMS via the MMI. Good to go at that point. I cannot speak to the accuracy of when the alarms sound however. Most stories seem to indicate that the pressure must change by 20% or more. I'm OK with that as I check my pressures fairly frequently and I like to believe I can actually seat of the pants feel a tire down by 5 PSI or so. Then again, I'm the best driver on the planet. Just like all of us on this forum are! LOL Would recommend anytime you actually check tire pressures, summer or winter tires, set all the tires the same then reset the TPMS via the MMI.

Alloy07

I have put aftermarket wheels and tires on most cars that I own. When I bought a Mustang in 07 I was not aware of the new TPMS requirement. If I had known I would have bought an 06. I find it to be a pain. Sensors are easily damaged, batteries have to be replaced, difficult to train, added expense etc.

I was very happy to learn that Audi does not use a wheel mounted system.