TS version or a separate TPMS tool – which one pays off?
The short answer: for a workshop with one diagnostic workstation, the TS version is almost always the cheaper solution. On the MaxiDAS DS900 the TS surcharge (as of October 2026, incl. VAT) is 420 €, on the MaxiCom MK906 Pro 320 € – whereas a separate TPMS tool such as the MaxiTPMS ITS600 costs 519 €. The TS version therefore saves money and a second device on the workshop trolley. A separate TPMS tool only makes sense once two workstations need to run in parallel during tire season, or a diagnostic tool without TS is already in place.
What "TS" actually means
TS versions come with an integrated TPMS radio module (tire pressure monitoring system). It lets you activate and read tire pressure sensors directly at the wheel (315 and 433 MHz), read sensor IDs from the control unit and write them back, diagnose the TPMS control unit and program Autel MX-Sensors – either as a clone of the old sensor or as a new sensor. Tire pressure, temperature and sensor battery status are displayed along the way.
An important distinction: even tools without TS usually handle TPMS programming via OBD – i.e. the relearn of already mounted sensors through the diagnostic socket. What they lack is the radio module: they can neither read sensors at the wheel nor write new MX-Sensors. Yet it is exactly these two steps that tire service is all about when an old sensor is defective or a second set of wheels needs to be fitted.
The cost example for tire season
All prices (as of October 2026, incl. VAT):
| Solution | Components | Total price | Savings with TS version |
|---|---|---|---|
| Option A: diagnostics + separate TPMS tool | MaxiDAS DS900 (999 €) + ITS600 (519 €) | 1.518 € | – |
| Option B: TS version | MaxiDAS DS900-TS (1.419 €) | 1.419 € | 99 € + one device fewer |
| Option A: diagnostics + separate TPMS tool | MaxiCom MK906 Pro (989 €) + ITS600 (519 €) | 1.508 € | – |
| Option B: TS version | MaxiCom MK906 Pro-TS (1.309 €) | 1.309 € | 199 € + one device fewer |
The math is clear: if you are buying the diagnostic tool anyway and offer tire service, the integrated solution costs less than the combination of a base unit and a separate TPMS tool – and you don't have to switch between two devices during the season.
Then there is the workflow in tire season itself: with the TS version everything stays on one screen – read the sensor at the wheel, write the ID to the control unit, start the relearn procedure, done. With the two-device route, the same work steps keep moving back and forth between the diagnostic tablet and the TPMS handheld. For the occasional wheel change that hardly matters; at thirty wheel sets a week, the extra handling adds up noticeably.
MaxiDAS DS900-TS – TS solution with wireless interface
The top model of the DS900 series combines complete ECU diagnostics including coding with the full TPMS function set and a guided relearn procedure. The vehicle connection runs wirelessly via the MaxiVCI V150 Bluetooth interface, and 2 years of software updates are included.
MaxiCom MK906 Pro-TS – the premium route
The MK906 Pro-TS combines the diagnostic performance of the MK906 Pro (octa-core, 128 GB, DoIP and CAN FD) with the complete TPMS module including MX-Sensor programming. It ships as the international version with 1 year of updates.
When the separate TPMS tool is the better choice
The MaxiTPMS ITS600 (519 €) is no stopgap but a fully fledged TPMS specialist tool: it programs up to 20 MX-Sensors at once, relearns sensors via OBD, diagnoses the TPMS fault memory and includes DOT functions for tire aging. It makes sense in three cases:
- Your diagnostic tool is already in place (without TS) and is not due for replacement – then the ITS600 is the cheapest route to a complete TPMS service.
- Two workstations during tire season: while the diagnostic tablet is busy in the workshop, wheel changes continue in parallel with the ITS600.
- High-volume tire shops that benefit from batch-programming several sensors.
Who doesn't need TS
Honestly: if you don't offer tire fitting and hand TPMS work over to the tire shop next door, you need neither the TS version nor an additional device. TPMS programming via OBD – for instance after a sensor replacement by your partner shop – is handled by the base versions as well. In that case the money saved is better invested in a larger display or a longer update period.
Frequently asked questions
Can I retrofit the TS function later?
No, the radio module is permanently built in. If you want to offer TPMS service later, you add a separate tool such as the ITS600 – or choose the TS version right away.
Which sensors can a TS version program?
It programs Autel MX-Sensors (99 % market coverage according to the manufacturer). Beyond that, all common OE and aftermarket sensors in the 315 and 433 MHz bands can be read and activated.
Isn't TPMS programming via OBD enough?
For the pure relearn of mounted, working sensors, often yes. But as soon as a sensor is defective, needs to be cloned or a new set of wheels is to be fitted, you need the radio module of a TS version or a separate TPMS tool.
Is TPMS even mandatory?
In the EU, newly type-approved passenger cars have been required to have a tire pressure monitoring system since 2012, and all newly registered passenger cars since November 2014. In everyday workshop practice, TPMS work is therefore part of the wheel change on almost every recent vehicle.
Conclusion
When buying new and offering tire service, the TS version is clearly the more economical solution – it costs less than the combination of a base unit and a separate TPMS tool. The ITS600 plays to its strengths as a second device and at high throughput. Purchase on invoice is available via Klarna or PayPal. We are happy to answer questions about the right solution by phone: 0711-3654 4645.