36 11 533 Removing and installing/replacing RDC wheel electronics (2nd generation/3rd generation)

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IMPORTANT: Before removing and installing, check which generation of RDC wheel electronics module is installed! (see BMW Spare Parts Catalogue).
If the wheel electronics have been removed, the complete valve must be replaced.

NOTE: There are two different wheel electronics. The SP303 wheel electronics module must be used with RDC-01 and RDC-02 from model year 03/06.
The Gen3 wheel electronics must be used with the RDC-LC from model year 09/2010 (all F0x/F1x vehicles).
If a tire sealant has been used, replace the wheel electronics.
When a tire has been removed, do not clean the rim with installed wheel electronics with high-pressure cleaning equipment.
Before the installation of new wheel electronics with valve, thoroughly clean the valve bore of the wheel rim.
Do not treat wheel electronics with solvents, cleaning agents etc. If dirt contamination, wipe with a clean cloth only.
Do not clean wheel electronics with compressed air.

Necessary preliminary tasks:

REMOVE TIRE

Labelling of generation 2.3 wheel electronics

Transmission frequency of wheel electronics
Large Torx socket screw
BMW part number
Tightening torque of Torx screw and union nut
Width across flats of union nut
Serial number of wheel electronics

Fig 1: Identifying Wheel Electronics Labelling (Generation 2.3)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.
Production date of wheel electronics

Labelling of generation 2.4 and 3.3 wheel electronics

Data Matrix code
BMW part number
FCC ID = radio authorization
Wheel electronics ID
Transmission frequency
Pressure sensor
Production date of wheel electronics
Tightening torque
Width across flats of union nut

Fig 2: Identifying Wheel Electronics Labelling (Generation 2.4 And 3.3)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Labelling of generation 3.4/3.41 wheel electronics

FCC ID = radio authorization
Tightening torque
Pressure sensor
Data Matrix code
Production date of wheel electronics
Transmission frequency
Wheel electronics ID
Width across flats of union nut
BMW part number

Fig 3: Identifying Wheel Electronics Labelling (Generation 3.4/3.41)
Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

NOTE: The following illustrations only show removal and refitting of the 3rd generation wheel electronics module. The instructions also apply without alteration to the 2nd generation wheel electronics.

Removing wheel electronics

Release union nut (1).

Fig 4: Identifying Union Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Remove wheel electronics and valve (1) from valve hole.

Fig 5: Identifying Wheel Electronics And Valve

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Using suitable pliers (2), unscrew valve (1) from the thread of the square-head bolt (3), while holding the wheel electronics module (4) firm. Completely unscrew valve (1).

Remove square head screw from fixture for wheel electronics module.

Installation note:

The valve must be renewed!

Failure to replace the part leads to leaks!

Fig 6: Removing Square Head Screw From Fixture

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

IMPORTANT: Before the installation of new wheel electronics with valve, thoroughly clean the valve bore of the wheel rim!
Also make sure that the valve bore is free of burrs

Installing wheel electronics

Insert new square-head bolt (1) in wheel electronics module (2).

Screw single-use valve insert (3) three turns onto square-head bolt (1).

NOTE: Make sure the square bolt head (1) fits exactly in the fixture for the wheel electronics module!

Fig 7: Identifying Wheel Electronics Module And Bolt

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Insert valve insert with wheel electronics into cleaned valve bore.

Both outer feet on the underside of the wheel electronics module must be resting against the rim wall.

Fig 8: Identifying Wheel Electronics Module

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.

Screw on union nut (1) by hand as far as it will go.

Tighten union nut until the inner strip-off ring breaks. Breakage is perceptible audibly and tangibly (momentary drop in torque resistance).

Then fully tighten union nut (1).

Tightening torque 36 11 1AZ .

IMPORTANT: Fixing must not under any circumstances be retightened!
The square-head bolt should be located precisely in the wheel electronics module fixture.
After tightening, the wheel electronics module must fit snugly on the wheel rim!

Fig 9: Identifying Union Nut

Courtesy of BMW OF NORTH AMERICA, INC.