snow chain

bmwfirst · #1 10-24-2010, 01:54 AM

I would like to purchase a snow chain for my x3. Does any one know where I can purchase from Australia (prefer in Victoria)? I have checked few places and they do not have chain to fit 235/50/18.

JCL · #2 10-24-2010, 02:18 AM

Are you sure you want to do that?

The manual posted on line here gives guidelines for snow chains.

Narrow link chains only
Rear wheels only
Maximum 50 km/hr
May be necessary to turn off stability control.

Sounds like a lot of trouble compared to using good winter tires. I suspect that the front wheels may have a clearance issue, and that the x-drive transfer case may fight the different front/rear traction characteristics, resulting in the above cautions in the manual.

If you do want to proceed, it may be worth posting in the regional Australia forum, to get suggestions on local suppliers. Or send a PM to Fraser, who you will find in that forum.

AZX54.4 · #3 10-24-2010, 03:47 PM

There are places chains or snow tires are required. The ticket for not having them can be pretty high, as well it could be very unsafe. For those who don't live in cold climates but travel to them and only have all season tires instead of a dedicated winter set, chains might be the only option.

This is the category I fall in to. I live in Phoenix, AZ so it would not make sense for me to have a winter wheel set. However, when I travel into the snow I need to have chains with me incase the weather gets really bad. In some cases, if you are pulled over in an area that requires you to have chains and you have chains in the car, the officer will not write you a ticket. He will simply pull you over and now you have to put them on.

Palantirion · #4 07-26-2011, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AZX54.4

There are places chains or snow tires are required. The ticket for not having them can be pretty high, as well it could be very unsafe. For those who don't live in cold climates but travel to them and only have all season tires instead of a dedicated winter set, chains might be the only option.

This is the category I fall in to. I live in Phoenix, AZ so it would not make sense for me to have a winter wheel set. However, when I travel into the snow I need to have chains with me incase the weather gets really bad. In some cases, if you are pulled over in an area that requires you to have chains and you have chains in the car, the officer will not write you a ticket. He will simply pull you over and now you have to put them on.

-As a CA resident I would be in the same potential situation RE snow. We haven't bought an X3 yet but probably will very soon (to replace a 540iT). I'd like to know what "chains" will fit (as opposed to what BMW recommends) on the X3 for safe occasional-use operation. I don't like the idea of dissimilar traction at each axle.

x3oiler · #5 07-28-2011, 08:27 AM

In the Victorian (Australia) resorts chains must be carried no matter what tyres are used. Studded tyres are illegal. So the question is a valid one. the problem is the number 18. I have 17 inch rims on my older X3 for the very reason I can run chains (on the rear wheels) if forced to.

On the plus side I did see chains on a set of 18 inch rims at Brighton BMW last year if that is any help.