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I would rather have a direct TPMS as well, but Audi's indirect system is one of the best in the market. It is not a big deal to me either way, with guys like me who are OCD about their cars, the indirect system is actually better because I don't have to spend hours trying to match the tire pressures on all 4 wheels exactly.
It's a lot less expensive than replacing TPMS in wheels every 4-5 years. OK if you just lease your all-season tired vehicle I guess, but even if you own your S5 with summer performance tires and don't change them for winter/alpine use, the TPMS modules in the wheels require replacement when the batteries wear out and then they have to be synched to the car yet again. I've done this with GM vehicles and it's a pain without the GM kit even with aftermarket TPMS synching kit.
I also have a lease 540i with the TPMS sensors in the wheels and yes it's convenient to have the tire pressure displayed at will on the screen....but that is a cost that is baked into the car...I give Audi credit for NOT going with the TPMS sensors. My E46 M3 didn't have them and it's worked out quite well. My daughter's newish A3 doesn't have TPMS either and it's one of the reasons the car is less expensive than others.
+1. I've had a half dozen flats on my various Audis over the last decade, and not once has the system not notified me of the loss of pressure. Simple (?) and effective without the requirement of buying additional sensors, for extra wheels, or replacing sensors.
The built-in system is only useful when the pressure gets too low. A weekly check of tires is part of my routine for (a) better ride, (b) better handling, (c) safety and (d) tire life
04-12-2019, 09:19 AM
