SRacing, thanks for the advice. Sounds like you've had similar issues.

Yes, I agree. I really wasn't impressed with the fit of the Snowsweat chains. I spent ages at the upper car park at Mt. Hutt yesterday trying to get them to fit snug before realising the design is sh*t.
Couldn't get them snug or nice and even on the wheels. Where the tension was taken up on the inner side, that's where the flappy end was hitting the wheel well/chassis, even though I'd doubled looped them to make as small as possible.

I've had two Subaru ski hacks before finally buying the X5- I'm really impressed how smooth the ride is driving up to Mt. Hutt in comparison to the Subaru's, even with the sport pac suspension on 19's.

I downloaded the owners manual today after reading your reply- Yes, I can now see its recommended chains on rear, and 17" wheels if not an I.S. when using Snow chains. I wonder if this is to suit "BMW approved" brand of chains.

If you can get a decent fit with 20" wheels, I think I'll see what Hamco have for the rear 19's before buying any used 17 wheels.

I spoke with someone at work today about the issue I had with the snowsweat chains, he said he's had trouble with them before too. He recommended them same Veriga chains you mentioned. He uses them on his Ute for the alpine passes. Said they are great because all the tensioning is done from the front, and they self tighten. He did mention they can be a bit tricky to remove though, but well worth the money.

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2003 E53 3.0
2001 E46 330ci Msport
2001 E46 325i Touring wagon