315-35-R20 snow chains

[Tomaz]

Does anyone have experience running Z chains on 315-35-R20 tires?

I want to take my 2013 M sport up to the mountains and want chains if it gets really icy or deep snow. It appears I have enough clearance around the tire but would like to hear of any firsthand experience. I like the low profile cable Z chains. I've looked into "tire socks" but they don't look very impressive. Thanks in advance for any advice.

[blue dragon]

What winter tires are you running the Pirellis? I've run Blizzak LM01s, then DMV1s and now DMV2s, I've never needed snow chains. Is it the law that you have to run snow chains in the mountains in your area?

[Tomaz]

I have my OEM Bridgestone's. I only use chains when I drive to the Sierra's. Where I live I never encounter snow. The chains are only if things get really bad and I want to keep moving. It's the law if you have a 2 wheel drive. Occasionally even if you have 4 wheel drive chains are required but by then you would have to be crazy to be out driving.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by blue dragon

What winter tires are you running the Pirellis? I've run Blizzak LM01s, then DMV1s and now DMV2s, I've never needed snow chains. Is it the law that you have to run snow chains in the mountains in your area?

Legally you have to have them in your car in my area.

[Proflyer]

You guys likely need to read the law a bit more. If you don't have AWD then you generally need specific snow tires OR chains. If you have awd you're good. If it's even more strict (which it gets in CO sometimes) then you need awd AND snow tires OR AWD and chains.

Your M wheels will suck in the snow, but i'm not sure if you'll find chains that'll fit those rears as they're super wide. Plus, wide tires are bad in the snow. Skinny snow tires are the best.

I have two sets of wheels for our X5, one is the 18" set with snow tires and the other is the M set with summer tires. Swtich them out between Nov and April.

[ard]

Originally Posted by Joshdub

Legally you have to have them in your car in my area.

Originally Posted by Proflyer

You guys likely need to read the law a bit more. If you don't have AWD then you generally need specific snow tires OR chains. If you have awd you're good. If it's even more strict (which it gets in CO sometimes) then you need awd AND snow tires OR AWD and chains.
.

LOL. Only comment with certainty based on the limits of YOUR knowledge. (ie Colorado)

In California- where OP is- the state law requires you CARRY chains even with AWD (or 4x4) with snow tires. So while you can drive past the chain check with snows on AWD, they COULD ask to see chains in the back In other words even in R2 conditions you need to be carrying chains to meet R3 if required.

Caltrans Winter Driving Tips Chain Controls


I have never been asked, in 25 years of mountain driving. But it is the law in CA.

[Joshdub]

Originally Posted by Proflyer

You guys likely need to read the law a bit more. If you don't have AWD then you generally need specific snow tires OR chains. If you have awd you're good. If it's even more strict (which it gets in CO sometimes) then you need awd AND snow tires OR AWD and chains.
.

"All vehicles, including 4-wheel drive, are required to carry tire chains. This requirement applies to all vehicles (including four-wheel-drive), regardless of tire type or weather conditions"

[bawareca]

I have bought a set of chains for the E53 sport package and now they reside in the trunk of the E70. Never have been used, but should fit.

[Tomaz]

Originally Posted by bawareca

I have bought a set of chains for the E53 sport package and now they reside in the trunk of the E70. Never have been used, but should fit.

I suggest you try them on when you are at home. The worst thing is to be on a snowy mountain road and then learn they don't fit. This happened to me one time and I only needed to learn that lesson once.

[bawareca]

Originally Posted by Tomaz

I suggest you try them on when you are at home. The worst thing is to be on a snowy mountain road and then learn they don't fit. This happened to me one time and I only needed learn that lesson once.

Good advice. Will do