My rear tire pressure sensor has been intermittently acting up for some time now. And of late, it has been occurring more frequently. BMW calls it the RDC system (Reifendruckkontrolle in German, or Tire Pressure Monitor), and from my online research, most sensors on the R1200GS go around the 3-4 year mark.
Each sensor contains a non-user-replaceable CR2032 battery sealed within the unit. Replacement, while not impossible, is a rather messy affair which includes digging up potting compound, desoldering, re-soldering and re-sealing the potting – all with no guarantee that the unit will still continue to work. The sole local dealership charges a whopping $270 for replacement! And since I didn’t quite trust the cheap Chinese-made “compatible sensors”, I bought an original BMW replacement sensor and replaced it myself.
There are 2 versions of RDC Sensor units for the R1200GS LC. One’s for cast wheels, and the other is for cross-spoked wheels. The one for cross-spoked wheels come with an integrated valve stem – which was the one that I needed.
Physically replacing the RDC sensor was a simple affair – remove tire, remove old sensor, install new sensor, re-install tire. After that, you’ll need to program the bike to recognise the newly-installed sensor. That’s where the GS-911 comes in useful.
The bike immediately recognised the new sensor unit and I’m now a happy camper!
Hi. You went to which shop for the setting up of sensor?
DIY – I had the complete satisfaction of doing it myself.
Where to get the GS911 software?
It’s actually a piece of hardware. The software is built inside the hardware.
I’m quite happy to give the cheap Chinese one a try.! Could you post a URL etc to which ones are compatible. This tyre pressure thing is a scam.!
I’ve not tried any of the Chinese knock-offs and thus don’t know which are compatible.
I posted up on Facebook BMW groups asking the parts number for the tyre pressure sensor. Was told could get a fraction of the price from original manufacturer shroeder.
You have the tools & programme to register the new sensor? Asked about it at Mtechnik, part + installation about 400++.. damm!!!!!
The GS-911 could program new RDC sensors to the bike.
Where to get or how to get the GS911 software?
Motorworld does it. They use Chinese made sensors. Total cost is 100plus. Installation and configuration of the new sensors.
I’ve heard that the Chinese sensors were hit and miss. As the sensors are mounted inside the wheel and require tire removal to replace, I didn’t want to risk having to remove and replace it if it fails prematurely. I did have the GS-911 tool to reprogram the bike to talk to the sensor though.