ScudRunner

Well, I just got done ordering my new wheels/tires from the Tire Rack, and I learned something I thought I'd share. After reading thread after thread, I was under the impression that the Tire Rack offered a TPMS sensor that was compatible with the system in our car. While that might have been the case at some point, it is no longer true. They told me they do not stock OEM type TPMS sensors. All they offer is a standalone TPMS with a little radar detector looking thing that runs off of 12V power and will tell you if something's wrong with one of your tires (or for $50 you can get an add on display that will actually tell you tire pressure and internal air temp for each tire). So, I had to order my wheels and tires loose, and will have them mounted and balanced with Mazda TPMS sensors when they arrive.

RX-Nut

Hmm.. I just ordered a mounted set from Tire Rack and asked them about this and the salesman said they will install some aftermarket sensors that will work with the stock system..

Oh man, please dont say he was BS-ing me...

ScudRunner

The sensors they tried to sell me were a standalone system...maybe the salesman I had wasn't up on Mazdas and TPMS and what not...but I'd double check...

RX-Nut

Thanks for the heads up.. I hope its the right ones. I'd sure hate to install the tires and figure out after the fact that there's nothing in my wheels...

Anyhow, I asked him multiple times and he said they will work with the TPMS, Then he even gave me directions on how to set the wheels.. turn the ignition on, turn it off, wait 15 mins then drive the car for 15 minutes or something.. He did say that I might be getting aftermarket ones that do work with the system though..

Anyhow, I'm crossing my fingers.. I'll post back results.

PS do you remember your salesperson's name?

rx8cited

I have the highest confidence in Tire Rack ....... I'm sure the TPMS units they sell you will be fine.

In case you've never seen this before: Tire Pressure Monitoring System Service Tips which describes how the TPMS works and contains the initialization instructions.

rx8cited

PS: How much do the TPMS units/nuts from Tire Rack cost?

ScudRunner

His name was Oscar...and the TPMS kit they tried to sell me was $250...a full setup of Mazda sensors and nuts will run you $381 or so shipped from Trussville...so, if it works, you definitely saved yourself some money...

RX-Nut

Yea, you got me wondering now... my order details that was emailed to me after I placed the order over the phone doesnt show much of a charge for the sensors even though asked numerous times.. On my order email all I see is the following:

4 Required tpms sleeve for rx8 $5.00 $20.00

Hmmmmm.

Wes@theRack

Wes back once more by request of one of your fellow forum members, a customer of mine (Sorry, don't know what his user name is here). We DO have the TPMS sensor for the RX-8-That is not an issue. Again, we do have the sensors, they are a Mazda part, and will work seemlessly with the existing system.

I think what the other salesman might have been suggesting is the Smartire system which is a stand alone TPMS that would mount on the dash because of price. The OE sensors are $114/sensor (Yep, per sensor). The complete system from Smartire is about 250. This represents a significant savings over the Mazda part. So, my GUESS is that he suggested this to save you some cash. Can't be certain, though, as I am not he.

Hope this clears up the confusion. My buddy Connor moderates this forum and is extremely familiar with the car, as well. So if you have any questions, shoot him an email directly or just post-He'll get right back at you.

cozmzm

I too just ordered from TireRack. The two line items on my invoice for the TPMS sensors were the following:

4 Mazda rx-8 tpms sensor In Stock $109.00 $436.00
4 Required tpms sleeve for rx8 In Stock $5.00 $20.00

Yep, they are expensive, but I live in Colorado and will probably be running the winter tires five to six month out of the year (it is already snowning in the mountains), so I wanted the sensors.

RX-Nut

I second that.. the boys at Tire Rack, Bruno and Wes fixed up my order and it now shows the same items as cozmzm.

TireRack is AWESOME.

Thanks to the guys @ TireRack and thanks to this board!

PS, what wheels did ya get cozmzm?

ScudRunner

Not so awesome in my opinion. They told me they did not stock the OEM sensors, so I had to buy them myself. It cost me only $381, so I got them slightly cheaper than $114 a wheel; however, I had to pay to get them mounted and balanced (which I assume Tire Rack would have done for me for free), and that cost me $196 (I probably paid too much, but I wanted it done at the same place as my 10,000 mile servicing and brake line installation, so I could get everything back at the same time). So, basically I ended up losing $121 bucks, and had to wait two days to see my sweet *** new wheels on my car because somebody gave me bad info at TireRack. But, otherwise, I was very pleased with the rest of my interaction with TireRack, and would buy through them again.

connor@tirerack

Hello to all,
My name is connor and i work at the tire rack. I was asked to help moderate the tire and wheel forum and offer assistance in ordering tiitres, wheels, and accesories when possible.

We do carry and sell the OE tire pressure sensors and mounting sleeves for the RX8 TPMS system. THey are currently listed as follows:

MAZDA RX-8 TPMS SENSOR ----------- 109.00 each
REQUIRED TPMS SLEEVE FOR RX8 --- 5.00 each

all you would need to do when you recieve your tires and wheel would be to mount them on the car and program the location of the tire on the car. after thats done your ready to roll.
Just give me a call when ordering and i can make sure that everything is mounted correctly with the sensors.

When placing an order simply call 800-428-8355 X269 and i will be happy to assist you.

Thanks,
Connor

RX-Nut

Welcome connor.. I see I have brought us forum members some attention. Heehee.. thanks TR!

cozmzm

Sorry to hear about your experience ScudRunner.

To answer RX-Nut's question, I got the Kazera KZ-A's with Pirelli Winter Snow Sport tires. A budget buy yes, but they are winter tires after all.

Check out this post for pictures and more info :https://www.rx8club.com/series-i-wheels-tires-brakes-suspension-55/kazera-kz-31161/

RX-Nut

UPDATE:

I ordered a set of SSR GT7s from Tire Rack with the TPMS installed. Two of the four wheel/tires have leaked from the valves due to the stupid sensors.

So far these TPMS sensors have been a nightmare for me.

Note this is just a informational post. I hope I dont have to turn it into a rant about TR, I'm giving them a chance to resolve this.

cozmzm

Good to know, I haven't checked mine. The tires are sitting the garage in a corner waiting for my '8 and forcasts for the first snow. I don't have my '8 right now - it is in the body shop. (Some rear end-ed it last month, but that is another story.)

When the time comes to mount them, I'll post any news.

connor@tirerack

I would suggest calling your salesman and we will get this taken care of for you. it is very rare that we cannot assit a customer remotely to accomodate your needs. you can also call our customer service department and they to could assist you. personally i would recommend going straight through customer service. they will probably send you to a local shop to verify the problem. If the problem is due to a faulty part or bad installation we will obviously pay for everything.

Tire Rack customer service 800-428-8355 X269
As always let me know if i can be of assistance.

RX-Nut

Thanks.. I'm in the process with working with him. Problem is, this is the 2nd tire. I've already ordered and paid for one replacement. I just hope the other tires dont exhibit the same problem. So far I'm in the hole for 6 wheels... of course I'm returning the defectives, but still I probably wont get full credit and I'm getting dinged with shipping.

I'll keep you posted.. thanks connor!

Ellar

Is there any way to specify the sensors through the online ordering system, or do you have to call your order in?

connor@tirerack

I would suggest calling your order in. If you place the order over the internet and forget something or for what ever reason accidentally click on the wrong part it would be your responsibility. if you do it by phone i can verify everything first hand and if by chance there are any problems i can take care of them for you.

RX-Nut

Yup to get sensors, you'll have to call em in and tell the rep....

And connor's right, the sensors on back order .. until 9/18.. at least thats what I show