Anyone use Snow chains with Tiger Claw alloys?

[NZBM]

At the beginning of the ski season I bought some snow chains to fit the rear wheels (working on the theory that's where the majority of the drive is, 70%)
They are the correct size for the 285/45/19's

The E53 drives great on the ski resort access roads, but was up there today and had to use them for the first time to get down. I had some slight clearance issues and took them off as soon as I got an area to pull over.
Where the chain had the slack taken up on the inside edge of the wheel must have been "clacking" against the plastic wheel liner, or the underseal on the chassis. No damage but was a worry for a few minuets!!

I'm certain this is a clearance issue as its pretty tight up there. Anyone have any luck with snow chains on the 19's? or am I un-aware is this a big no-no with 19's. I'm thinking I might have to find some used 18's to use with chains for the ski access roads, I'm guessing the 18's are much narrower?

[SRacin]

Keen to know also. Want to fit to 275 35 20 on 4.8 is. Went into hamco and they reckon they had sold several sets of the 267 size for x5s with this tyre size with no issue.

[NZBM]

Originally Posted by SRacin

Keen to know also. Want to fit to 275 35 20 on 4.8 is. Went into hamco and they reckon they had sold several sets of the 267 size for x5s with this tyre size with no issue.

Awesome, just had a look at their website- looks like they have some options, and they specify minimum clearance required for each set too. They're local so might have to go have a chat with them.

The ones I have are the "snowsweat" brand, which just don't work on the E53 with this tyre size. Wish I was able to try before I bought.

I'm tempted to get a pair for the front wheels instead this time. A bit more clearance up front and would help with steering in the snow.
Not a lot of clearance at the rear with the larger factory rear wheels.

[SRacin]

I'm not sure there is any more clearance in the front due to steering arms and all that sort of stuff. The manual definitely states rear wheels only and also only for 17's and 18's. I would have got some of the 267's veriga's but had sold out of that size. Self tightening and a smaller link size for more clearance.

Hamco.co.nz - New Zealand's widest range of specialist motoring leisure accessories.

They guys are good there and will try them on for you.

Now snow sweat chains. A lot of hate for these. I have been using these for many years on my old ski hack (Lexus LS400), not exactly snow friendly. They are horrible to fit, can never get tension properly, have stupid flappy ends of the chains you have to deal with, never get tight on the tyre and always flap around. That combined with Mt Hutts conservative chain fitting requirements means you have to drive for miles on plain gravel.

Actually that's pretty much story of why I have an x5 now, because snow sweat chains are sh*t.

[SRacin]

It was the "stop and go" ones that seemed like the business.

Instructions STOP&GO Car | Veriga

The catalogue actually listed the 265 size for my tyre, but in reality it didnt fit and had to go up a size to 267.

[NZBM]

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.