Why are TPMS sensors so damn expensive???
03-18-2019, 10:29 PM
#1
Three Wheelin'
Thread Starter
Why are TPMS sensors so damn expensive???
Was just shocked by my local dealer to be quoted at $220 a sensor, and that they have irreplaceable batteries that apparently wear out every 4-7 years.
A literal 3 second google for TPMS sensor porsche 981 yields about a dozen different brands all ranging in cost from $38 for random generic to $159 for Suncoast OEM.
So I have to ask, what the hell is the difference? (tried searching, several threads but no definitive answer) My first thought was that the dealer is fleecing me and I should just go somewhere else, but apparently this is how Porsche rolls for the OEM sensors (although the 25+% markup from Suncoast still pisses me off). I'm considering just ordering the sensors online and asking the dealer to install, and taking my car elsewhere if they refuse; there's only about 8 other dealers within a 30 mile radius to choose from... but I need to know if there's a substantial penalty for cheaping out on the sensors; e.g., they're incompatible, or don't list PSI just warn when they're "low", etc.
Also, should I just wait until I have problems? The "4-7 years" thing has come up in other threads; that's a pretty significant amount of variance, maybe I just cross that bridge when I get there?
I've owned a Porsche for 4 years now, owned 2 Porsches for over a year and paid exorbitant amounts for dealer maintenance, but this is the first time I've truly felt the sticker shock. Mostly because it just seems stupid, like Porsche owners are just too oblivious to question why the hell they're asking so much for something that historically on every other car I've ever owned is about 1/4 the cost.
A literal 3 second google for TPMS sensor porsche 981 yields about a dozen different brands all ranging in cost from $38 for random generic to $159 for Suncoast OEM.
So I have to ask, what the hell is the difference? (tried searching, several threads but no definitive answer) My first thought was that the dealer is fleecing me and I should just go somewhere else, but apparently this is how Porsche rolls for the OEM sensors (although the 25+% markup from Suncoast still pisses me off). I'm considering just ordering the sensors online and asking the dealer to install, and taking my car elsewhere if they refuse; there's only about 8 other dealers within a 30 mile radius to choose from... but I need to know if there's a substantial penalty for cheaping out on the sensors; e.g., they're incompatible, or don't list PSI just warn when they're "low", etc.
Also, should I just wait until I have problems? The "4-7 years" thing has come up in other threads; that's a pretty significant amount of variance, maybe I just cross that bridge when I get there?
I've owned a Porsche for 4 years now, owned 2 Porsches for over a year and paid exorbitant amounts for dealer maintenance, but this is the first time I've truly felt the sticker shock. Mostly because it just seems stupid, like Porsche owners are just too oblivious to question why the hell they're asking so much for something that historically on every other car I've ever owned is about 1/4 the cost.
03-18-2019, 10:45 PM
#3
Rockauto.com May have the sensors at a uuggge discount
03-18-2019, 11:31 PM
#4
Rennlist Member
I replaced a tpms sensor in my Cayman R about a year ago. Did a lot of research and ordered a replacement tpms sensor from tpms.com. Cost was $35 and it arrived within a couple days. Still working great.
03-18-2019, 11:45 PM
#5
Three Wheelin'
Just one? While the batteries last based on usage, my experience is when one goes the rest are not to far behind. When I'm getting new tire I replace the sensors if they are 4-5 years old.
09 Boxster PDK w/Sport/Sport+
09 Boxster PDK w/Sport/Sport+
03-18-2019, 11:53 PM
#6
Rennlist Member
I'll always keep real TPMS in my Porsche, but I'm pretty sold on the BT sensors. For the Miata and my truck, the set of 4 was $35 and has proven to be super-accurate so far. Love seeing the exact measurement at a glance, and definitely gives fair warning if/when something is going wrong to avoid catastrophic issue.
03-19-2019, 01:57 AM
#7
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
I’m fairly certain usage plays a bigger role than time, I’m at 9 years and still on my originals and they (knock on wood) are working fine. I know I’m on borrowed time though.
Dealer prices are always ridiculous. Sunset Porsche has decent parts prices if you want OE, otherwise there are some other options that have already been mentioned.
Dealer prices are always ridiculous. Sunset Porsche has decent parts prices if you want OE, otherwise there are some other options that have already been mentioned.
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03-19-2019, 09:34 AM
#8
I ordered a second set of TPMS sensors from Tirerack when I ordered tires for my new wheels. At the time they were $71 each. Looks like they are now $69. I did a lot of research. Near as I can find these are the OE sensors from the OEM supplier. As far as I can recall the same sensor works in base, S, and GTS.
https://www.tirerack.com/tpms/result...6&autoModClar=
https://www.tirerack.com/tpms/result...6&autoModClar=
03-19-2019, 09:40 AM
#9
Rennlist Member
I got the ones that are $130/4 and it works fine.
03-19-2019, 10:40 AM
#11
Was just shocked by my local dealer to be quoted at $220 a sensor, and that they have irreplaceable batteries that apparently wear out every 4-7 years.
A literal 3 second google for TPMS sensor porsche 981 yields about a dozen different brands all ranging in cost from $38 for random generic to $159 for Suncoast OEM.
So I have to ask, what the hell is the difference? (tried searching, several threads but no definitive answer) My first thought was that the dealer is fleecing me and I should just go somewhere else, but apparently this is how Porsche rolls for the OEM sensors (although the 25+% markup from Suncoast still pisses me off). I'm considering just ordering the sensors online and asking the dealer to install, and taking my car elsewhere if they refuse; there's only about 8 other dealers within a 30 mile radius to choose from... but I need to know if there's a substantial penalty for cheaping out on the sensors; e.g., they're incompatible, or don't list PSI just warn when they're "low", etc.
Also, should I just wait until I have problems? The "4-7 years" thing has come up in other threads; that's a pretty significant amount of variance, maybe I just cross that bridge when I get there?
I've owned a Porsche for 4 years now, owned 2 Porsches for over a year and paid exorbitant amounts for dealer maintenance, but this is the first time I've truly felt the sticker shock. Mostly because it just seems stupid, like Porsche owners are just too oblivious to question why the hell they're asking so much for something that historically on every other car I've ever owned is about 1/4 the cost.
A literal 3 second google for TPMS sensor porsche 981 yields about a dozen different brands all ranging in cost from $38 for random generic to $159 for Suncoast OEM.
So I have to ask, what the hell is the difference? (tried searching, several threads but no definitive answer) My first thought was that the dealer is fleecing me and I should just go somewhere else, but apparently this is how Porsche rolls for the OEM sensors (although the 25+% markup from Suncoast still pisses me off). I'm considering just ordering the sensors online and asking the dealer to install, and taking my car elsewhere if they refuse; there's only about 8 other dealers within a 30 mile radius to choose from... but I need to know if there's a substantial penalty for cheaping out on the sensors; e.g., they're incompatible, or don't list PSI just warn when they're "low", etc.
Also, should I just wait until I have problems? The "4-7 years" thing has come up in other threads; that's a pretty significant amount of variance, maybe I just cross that bridge when I get there?
I've owned a Porsche for 4 years now, owned 2 Porsches for over a year and paid exorbitant amounts for dealer maintenance, but this is the first time I've truly felt the sticker shock. Mostly because it just seems stupid, like Porsche owners are just too oblivious to question why the hell they're asking so much for something that historically on every other car I've ever owned is about 1/4 the cost.
I understand why the battery isn't replaceable, though. Consider the loads the unit has to endure, being inside a rotating wheel. If it were a physically removable and replaceable battery the problem of keeping the battery solidly connected, not rattling around, would be a tough one.
03-19-2019, 11:54 AM
#12
Rennlist Member
03-19-2019, 12:39 PM
#13
Rennlist Member
At 10 years old, I'm not sure if I still have the original ones but since I'll likely be ordering a new wheel & tire combo from Tire Rack in the next year or 2, I'll just have them install new ones so I can swap the wheels myself without needing to visit a shop.
03-19-2019, 12:49 PM
#14
