Here's what I got for for our snow trip to Tahoe this last Spring (February=Spring....!!) after a bit of going around with the distributor in LA and then checking with the Manufacturer.

BMW says to fit them on the rear. SCC Z-chains (cables), model Z 575. They fit the 285/45 19's just fine.

List on mine was $131.25 and with the car club discount I paid $115.00. A nice chain bag is included. And, as usual, they are a bitch to get back in the bag once unpacked. Look at how they are rolled up before unrolling them for a good hint as to how to get them back in the bag. Don't forget to rinse the salt off and spray with a rust inhibitor before storage. I wrapped mine up tight using zip-ties...made them easier to get back in the bag.

Go to http://www.scc-chain.com for more info. Also lots of good winter driving info and tips here.

My son and I picked up the original set I ordered thru our local dealer in the size that was recommended by the distributor in LA (..."Yeah, fer sure they'll fit"....from some guy who has probably never seen snow). Since I always like to try things like this out before leaving the dealer my son and I got the key to a 19" equipped X5 on the new car lot and unpacked the cables that the distributor had sent to the dealer's parts dept.

Customers and the sales guys at the dealership enjoyed the show....a lot of them were in the "I thought that was all-wheel drive?" mode.

We got them on okay but something didn't look quite right (like, "fer sure", too loose). So I called the manufacturer while we were out there on the lot and discussed the fitment with them.

Anyway the guru at the manufacturer recommended that we go with model Z 575.

The dealer did an overnight trick with the parts and we replaced the loose ones with the Z 575s, mounted them up again, and they fit as they should. There is not a lot of clearance on the backside between tire and suspension parts so a proper fit is essential.

These cables are the quick install design with one slip connector on the backside and an adjustable slip connector on the outside of the tire. Once you have figured out the install routine they go on really quick. I always carry a big folded piece of cardboard to lie on while installing chains in the snow or slop. If you have a chain monkey install them make sure you look at all of the connections yourself before you pay.

I always drive a short distance and then check to see if I need to retighten something.

I think SCC has a newer model on the market that may be something to consider as well. I understand that it requires even less clearance than the ones I got. SZ6...something...don't know if they have it for the 285/45s.

I lived in Sacramento for 30 yrs and it was rare that I ever had to install chains when heading up the hill (drove either the 4WD Toyota Pickup or any 2WD depending on the forecast). But as some of you may know the CHP can be REALLY narrow-minded when the sign says "4WD with Snow Tires OK, Carry Chains" and you don't got the chains part of that equation when the "Chains Required" signs go up.

The Michelin Diamaris tires fitted on most of our trucks apparently do NOT qualify as a "defined" snow tire here in Cally (i.e. it is NOT a snow/ice tire)....even though it says 4x4 on the sidewall, I haven't been able to run down a definitive answer to this question so why take the chance...I'd rather spend the money on beer, food, lift tix, or gas (in no particular order) than on a traffic ticket for not having chains in my possession.

On my next go around I think I'll go with the Pirelli Scorpion Ice. They have the OEM 19" sizes and they are V speed rated and I understand they do quite well in sporty mode on dry pavements. But I'll still carry chains....

V-bike
San Diego area
2005 4.4