Snow Chains

FeelGoodUnInc · #1 12-08-2008, 04:27 AM

I apologize if I'm repeating a thread... but my neighborhood's dsl has been down for a few days and I'm running on 56k temporarily

I'm in Lake Tahoe until next year and there's some heavy storms developing soon and will be purchasing some chains. Now I've always been curious... for AWD cars like ours.. do we put chains on the front or rear?

I might also add that I'm running on 20's staggered. Since I'm already in Lake Tahoe there's no steep roads, but I still want to be safe and put chains on driving around town.

X5Flyboy · #2 12-08-2008, 08:21 AM

Check with the tire dealers - chains are not recommended

- try to find cables that will fit your wheels - still, no guarantee they won't scratchup your wheels - even with cables, a bad snow will bring out the driving restrictions limiting travel only to those that have snow tires AND cables/chains - there is no substitute for a 17"/18" snow tire setup - big, wide tires more often "float" instead of digging into the snow

realchef · #3 12-08-2008, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by X5Flyboy

Check with the tire dealers - chains are not recommended

- try to find cables that will fit your wheels - still, no guarantee they won't scratchup your wheels - even with cables, a bad snow will bring out the driving restrictions limiting travel only to those that have snow tires AND cables/chains - there is no substitute for a 17"/18" snow tire setup - big, wide tires more often "float" instead of digging into the snow

LeMansX5 · #4 12-08-2008, 12:57 PM

BMW snow chains are $695 as shown on page 17 accessory catalog.

You can also try Thule snow chains.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw...fix=thule+snow

primetime · #5 12-08-2008, 02:20 PM

I don't think you need them. If you're AWD system and traction control is functioning correctly you should be fine. I roll on 20's all year long and through the snow and ice. But if you're talking deep deep snow. Thats different.

mrkbbd · #6 12-08-2008, 02:23 PM

it looks like the widest snow chain from Thule is 265 mm

X5 in AK · #7 12-08-2008, 05:12 PM

Putting chains or cables on your big 20's is not a good idea.
They probably won't fit.
Check the clearance between the back of the tire and the inside of the wheel well that will be the tighest point.
I've always put chains on the front of four wheel drive pickups, if chaining one axle. If you do end up with chains (or cables) I would recommend doing the front. You will maintain better braking and steering.
But again, if you are just driving around town, chains or cables should not be necessary at all. Just slow down.

_AC_ · #8 01-07-2009, 07:38 PM

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.

yellowbird172 · #9 10-17-2009, 01:15 AM

Quote:

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!

_AC_ · #10 12-03-2009, 06:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by yellowbird172

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!

I test fit the chains back in January and they didn't rub on the back or contact the face of the rim (so no scratching.) I never needed to mount them to face any snow conditions. As said by others, they stayed in the bag just in case I hit a CHP checkpoint.

I've since moved to Canada, so I now run 18s with Blizzaks. I need to test fit the chains over the new wheels to see if they will work in an extreme situation.