These instructions apply to the BMW 1 Series Mk2 (F20/F21) 2011-2019.
For other models, please choose your vehicle here.
When the tyre-pressure warning light comes on in your BMW 1 Series (F20/F21, 2011–2019), it usually means the system needs to store your current pressures as the new reference — not that a sensor has failed. BMW calls it the RDC / Tyre Pressure Monitor, and you reset it through the iDrive menu or, on cars without iDrive, with a button. This guide covers both.
When to Reset
- After checking or adjusting the tyre pressures (including seasonal changes).
- After changing one or more wheels or tyres.
- After rotating the wheels front-to-back.
Set Your Pressures First
The reset stores whatever pressures are in the tyres at that moment, so they must be correct first. Set all four (cold) to the figures on the placard on the driver’s door pillar, using the laden column for a full load. Never reset with a tyre already low.
Method 1 — Cars With iDrive
- Make sure all four tyres are at the correct cold pressure.
- Turn the ignition on.
- Open “Settings” → “Vehicle” in iDrive.
- Select “Tyre Pressure Monitor (RDC)”, then “Reset” (confirm and drive off).
- Turn the ignition off. The new pressures are stored.
Method 2 — Cars Without iDrive
- Set the correct cold pressures and turn the ignition on.
- Press and hold the tyre-pressure reset button (in the centre console or on the dash).
- Wait about 4 seconds — the TPMS warning light illuminates for around 4 seconds to confirm.
- Turn the ignition off. The reset is stored.
After either method the system finishes learning over the first few miles, so the light can take a short drive to confirm.
Light Won’t Go Out? Work Through This
- A tyre is genuinely low: the system is doing its job — find and fix the leak, re-inflate, then reset.
- Reset not stored: repeat the steps and confirm in iDrive, or hold the button the full 4 seconds.
- Light flashes (not steady): a flashing light points to a sensor fault rather than a low tyre — the car may store a code you can look up on autodtcs.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is RDC on a BMW?
RDC is BMW’s name for the tyre-pressure monitoring system. The reset stores your current (correct) pressures as the reference.
Where is the reset in iDrive?
Settings → Vehicle → Tyre Pressure Monitor → Reset. Confirm and drive off to complete it.
Why does the light come back a few days later?
Either a tyre is slowly losing air, or you reset while a tyre was already low. Re-check all four cold pressures and reset again.
Do I need to reset after just topping up the air?
Yes — any pressure change shifts the reference, so reset after any adjustment.
After tyre or seasonal-wheel work it is worth confirming the service reminder is clear — see our BMW 1 Series F20 service indicator reset guide.
Independent guide — not affiliated with BMW. Always follow your official service manual and safety precautions. Read our full disclaimer.