X5 in the snow Results

[paulgt3]

I got to drive my X5 in a mix of snow ice and mixed rain and snow today going from my house to my place in Mammoth today. I was VERY impressed with grip. I felt no slippage anywhere until I back into my parking spot that had about 4-6" of snow and only then very minor. I bought a set of
Michelin MXV4 Energy Plus tires on a spare set of 18" BMW wheels.
I replaced my summer 20" chrome wheels and the Diamaris.
I have had toyotas before for this, Landcruiser and this BMW did as well.
I purposely tried to slide to a stop and no slippage. I wasnt too agressive I had the family in the car but still.
I dont want the truck for bouldering, I am too old for that now. BUT for driving in snowy weather on Hwys and roads that have been cleared and not so cleared. I am very satisfied.
Tomorrow its supposed to snow some more and I will be taking the kids up to the main lodge and the road up there is up hill and will be a bit more challenging so I will post that on this thread.

[paulgt3]

BTW where do you put chains on a 4X4? the CHP stopped everyone and was making sure we were carrying chains. I guess I have to put a set in my back.

[LeMansX5]

Originally Posted by paulgt3

BTW where do you put chains on a 4X4? the CHP stopped everyone and was making sure we were carrying chains. I guess I have to put a set in my back.

On the tires. I saw them available on ebay.

[dkl]

On a more serious note...BMW recommend putting chains on the rear. I guess the front struts tend to interfere with chain usages

Take some pictures! Do let us know how those all-seasons michelins perform going up snowy/icy slopes.

[paulgt3]

I will know tomorrow. THe main lodge at Mammoth aint a bad road but it does go up! I have a camera and will take some pics.

LeMans The Michelins werent my first choice but they came with the rims and so far they are doing OK. I wanted Blizzaks. but beggars cant be choosers.

[UncleBob]

Originally Posted by dkl

On a more serious note...BMW recommend putting chains on the rear. I guess the front struts tend to interfere with chain usages

i'm not so sure about that. i fairly certain that you have to put chains on all four corners or else you'll have problems with the traction control since tires with no chains will slip a little.

i thought this was in the manual or some other official BMW source.

[paulgt3]

DKL the Trojan. No problems coming up the main lodge road at mammoth. I was happy with the grip. Mix of ice and compacted snow.
Not to mention I go VIP parking in the Main lodge parking lot. SO now with the kids out boarding I can sit here in the main lodge and surf all day.

[dkl]

Originally Posted by UncleBob

i'm not so sure about that. i fairly certain that you have to put chains on all four corners or else you'll have problems with the traction control since tires with no chains will slip a little.

i thought this was in the manual or some other official BMW source.

You, sir need to go read your user's manual again. This is what's written in my 2004 user's manual about Snow Chains (page 142):
"...These snow chains are approved exclusively for use in pairs on the rear wheels with the tire sizes 235/65R17...When you are driving with snow chains, it can be beneficial to switch off DSC briefly"

[UncleBob]

Originally Posted by dkl

You, sir need to go read your user's manual again.

you're right. same wording in my '02 manual. ooops.

i did some research into chains a few years ago and i remember reading somewhere that they recommended all four corners. but i guess the owner's manual should be considered as the reference.

[paulgt3]

THis is going to be a more serious test than I thought. They are closing the top of the mountain for avalanches and we may be "stuck" here for a couple days.
5-6 feet of snow today and tomorrow.