Tire Pressure Monitoring System (RDC) — Basic Information and Component Replacement (BMW 3 Series E46)

Basic information

1. The tire pressure monitoring system (RDC) is installed as an optional extra on most BMW 3 Series models. The system consists of a transmitter mounted on the tire valve, a receiver mounted in the wheel arch behind the poker, and a control unit mounted behind the glove box on the passenger side. If the tire pressure deviates from the specified pressure, a corresponding warning lights up on the instrument panel. Please note that the transmitter has a certain mass, so when changing tires, they must be balanced.

Replacement of components

Control unit

2. Disconnect the cable from the negative battery terminal (see chapter 5A).

3. Remove the glove box on the passenger side (see chapter 11, paragraph 27).

4. Carefully remove the plastic cover located behind the glove box.

5. Release the wiring connector, then disconnect it. Press the lock and remove the control unit.

6. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal. Program the system to a specific tire pressure (see your vehicle's owner's manual).

Receiver

7. Raise the relevant part of the vehicle and support it (see "Raising and Supporting the Vehicle"). Remove the screws, take out the retainers and remove the wheel liner of the relevant wheel.

8. Disconnect the electrical wiring connector from the receiver, unscrew the two mounting screws and remove the receiver (Fig. 13.8). Keep in mind that the receivers for the right front and rear wheels are located on the back of the poker.



9. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal.

Transmitter

10. The transmitters are installed on the tire nipples of each wheel. Remove the tire.

11. Remove the slotted head screw and disconnect the transmitter from the nipple. Observe the following precautions:

• a) Do not blow compressed air into the transmitter.
• b) Do not clean the tyre rim with pressure cleaning devices.
• c) Do not wash the transmitter with solvent.
• d) If you have used a tire sealant, you must replace the valve and transmitter.
• d) The valve does not work when the transmitter is removed.

12. Insert the spoke into the valve sleeve hole and unscrew it.

13. Insert the new valve (together with the bushing) into the transmitter and screw in (only by hand) transmitter mounting screw.

14. Install the unit on the disc. Make sure that the hole in the sleeve faces outward. Tighten the sensor mounting nut. Insert a spoke into the hole in the sleeve and hold the valve from turning (fig. 13.14).



15. Tighten the transmitter mounting screw to the specified torque.

16. Install the tire.