I am looking at the Hella TC-400 TPMS system for my new rims and tires. Anyone running one with Metallic Tint film on their CL / CL-S? Is there a particular brand recommended for our cars? Or one to run away from?

With an investment of $1100-1600 for rims and $500+ for tires, I don't want to find out the hard way that there is a low pressure issue.

Thanks for all the Help Everyone!!

 

forgive my naivity but why would metallic window tints mess with the TPMS in the wheels?

 

It wouldnt, I don't get that either...

 

In reading the Hella description, reviews, etc as well as the special notes on TireRack.com; they mention that it does not work with metallic window tint. I had never heard of such a problem before, so I wanted to ask those who would know ... the A-zine members. I know quite a few members are running a TPMS system. Is it possible that the problem is just with the Hella system?

 

wtf... ?

 

This is from the TireRack.com site:

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http://www.tirerack.com/accessories/detail.jsp?ID=51

Notes:

• This product is not recommended for use on vehicles with aftermarket window tinting.
• Not recommended for installation on any type of trailer.
• May not work on certain Porsche 911 Turbo wheels that require an 8mm valve.

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When you call them, they state that the problem is with metallic window tint specifically. I had never heard of such a problem before. Are they just blowing smoke? Or is there really an issue with TPMS and metallic tint?

 

Hello Everyone. I got some additional information direct from Hella on this. It turns out that this is more of an issue of location for the receiver than a window tint issue. The receiver has to be in a location where it has a certain signal strength from each corner of the car.

There has been an issue with people mounting the receiver unit in an SUV's overhead console for instance and had all the windows ( including the windshield ) tinted. The signal could not get through the heavy steel structure and was too weak coming through the metallic window tint to work properly. Therefore they provide a "word of caution".

They also stated that with the Acura CL or CL-S with any window tint manufactured currently, it should be a non-issue.