Snow Chains

[we350z]

I just pulled the trigger on these Spikes. Now I am going to proceed to buy my season pass for Alpine Meadows/Homewood in Tahoe.

[yellowbird172]

Originally Posted by _AC_

First post - woot.

I picked up an 05 4.8is last weekend. I have a Mammoth ski trip coming up, so I want to have chains just in case. I don't plan to use them, but may need to in an emergency. First question - has anyone used SCC Super Z-6 cable chains on the big 20s? SCC claims only 1/4" clearance needed on the back of the wheel. According to my calibrated fingers, I have at least twice that space back there. Second question - will they scratch my wheels?

Thanks for any feedback. I am looking forward to a long and enjoyable relationship with my X5 and this site.

Hi - I just picked up your thread on chains & have the same issue also with a recently acquired 2004 X5 4.8iS on 20" rims. In Australia we have to carry chains for an emergency though I haven't needed to use them in >10 years. I acquired a set of TR Rex Weisenteil Group 111 (size) chains which appear to fit. I'm curious to know how you've fared.
I also look forward to enjoying the X5........it's the most fun I've had since a M535i I bought in 1988!

[amacman]

BMW says you can only fit chains to 235/65R17 tyres on the rear of the X5 .
i have seen a sort of matting material wheel cover you can use on any wheel for short journeys in snow or ice .

[sprocket1200]

lots of talk about chains. you guys are funny. just buy some cheap oem rims off craigslist and fit winter tires. easy as pie and much better than chains...

but as for why, I will let you figure that out on your own. see you in the ditch!

[amacman]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

lots of talk about chains. you guys are funny. just buy some cheap oem rims off craigslist and fit winter tires. easy as pie and much better than chains...

but as for why, I will let you figure that out on your own. see you in the ditch!

winter tyres are superb , until the snow gets deep and you get stuck , then you will need to fit the chains , i have been there many times , able to plow through 3 foot snowdrifts with chains and stop/start on steep hills .
do you get the idea .

[stef]

I've tried this on my e53 in heavy snow (like a foot on the road) and it worked perfectly.



Easy to fit, easy to get off and will fit to my e70...

www.trakonline.it

[donovan]

Chains?! I never needed them on any AWD trucks I've had. Just turn off DSC if you get stuck.


I onlystuck once when it dumped 2 feet of snow over ice and I couldn't make it up a steep hill, but then so did everyone else until Mr Plow came around.

[Dking05]

Last week in SoCal we had a good storm. Ran to Big Bear with no chains, almost lost her. (all season 20") After that i put on chains (all four wheels) why? if its only the front, the car fishtails, if its the back, well then the front gives out. Z style works perfectly with these rims and tires.

[LPMM]

Originally Posted by sprocket1200

lots of talk about chains. you guys are funny. just buy some cheap oem rims off craigslist and fit winter tires. easy as pie and much better than chains...

but as for why, I will let you figure that out on your own. see you in the ditch!

I used to live in SoCal and you MUST carry snow chains. At the first snow, the CHP sets up road blocks and checks every vehicle for chains. If you don't have them, you don't go up the mountain, regardless of the tires you are running. Stupid law if you ask me, especially considering they do not care if the chains fit or not, they just want to see them in your trunk.

[AZX54.4]

Originally Posted by donovan

Chains?! I never needed them on any AWD trucks I've had. Just turn off DSC if you get stuck.


I onlystuck once when it dumped 2 feet of snow over ice and I couldn't make it up a steep hill, but then so did everyone else until Mr Plow came around.

What tires do you have on your X5?