How come the 2007 Sport Fit Rims do not fit on a 2008?

[MickeyM1212]

I wanted to know why there are 16" or 15" wheels that are selling, such as the stock sport rims. How come it says that the 2007 will not fit on a 2008 model because of a new addition of tire pressue monitors? It says that the 2008 will not fit a 2007 model either. Can you explain that to me? Is that really the case and if it is, what are tire pressure monitors?

[sevenaprils]

The 2008 Fit Sport Alloys contain electronic devices which monitor the tire pressure of each wheel (TPS) and send a signal to a unit built into the car's electronics' system. I haven't seen it, but I assume it will throw some sort of light sensor, probably the little maintenance minder wrench light.
In theory, you could probably take 2008 Sport alloys and put them on a 2007, since the older models don't have a TPS system, so the little devices in the wheels wouldn't affect anything. But, you wouldn't be able to do this with 07 rims transferred to an 08 unless you got a set of TPS units to put in each wheel - which would involve you needing to have your wheels removed, the units placed in each wheel, and then re-mounted. Probably by a Honda tech, just so it's installed properly.
If you have an 08, you can still get aftermarket wheels - just a little bit more work for where evere you get them installed since they'll have to get inside your stock sport alloys to get the sensors out and install them in the new aftermarket wheels. Just a slight PITA but easily resolved.
Gotta love when technology starts stepping on the fun modding factor of our cars...

[kndlewis]

Actually, the '07 wheels will work on the '08. College Hills Honda posted a video (DIYHonda.com Video Podcasts: Podcast Episode #85 - Honda Fit TPMS Sensors in Older Wheels). The wheels for the '08 are manufactured with a recess to allow the TPMS to fit better but it will fit on the '07 wheels.

[MickeyM1212]

I just researched it a little more and you are right, thanks for the information. I also just saw the little video clip by college honda. It looks simple enough to do, but you never know... i dont want to break it...

Anyways, thank you very much for the replies...

[fonedon]

I wonder how out of balance the 2008 rims (with the recess) become if the TPMS sensors are removed. College Hills did not address balancing the 2007 rims with the TPMS installed. They did do a good job of showing how easy it is to break a ($85 MSRP) sensor.

Don

[HONDAMATIC]

ive put sensors on OEM non tpms rims and vice versa, the weight diff isnt that much...

[07fitsport]

what is the cost and looks of the unit that monitors the tire pressure (not in the wheel itself) but the part that monitors the wheel and does it tell what psi is in all 4 tires at once?