Metal tyre valve stems on new BMWs

[AJB]

I was in a MINI dealership recently and noticed that all of the new cars seemed to have metal valve stems screwed into their wheels rather than the old rubber sort. From another thread on here, it seems that BMWs have recently made the same change (maybe MY 2014 or 2015?).

Is this to accommodate pressure sensors? As in have they now now got actual pressure sensors rather than using wheel speed via the ABS sensors?

If so, is there now a battery in each wheel to be replaced when it dies, or are they passive? Also how does this work when tyres are replaced? Previously tyre fitters would just rip out and replace the rubber valve stem, but these look like they've got plenty of potential to corrode themselves solidly into the wheel given a few salty winters...

[AJB]

Thanks for that. Do you happen to know if the reprogramming is DIYable, or is that a dealer trip? Or is there a way to replace the battery without replacing the sensor?

[AJB]

REALIST123 said:

You can't replace...

loads of really useful stuff

....to do it myself.

Thank you very much for such a detailed reply!