Snow chains front or rear??
 

I just bought a set of SCC Z-chains Z-571 for my 18 inch wheels. I want to know to put in on the front or rear. I think the manual says rear? but the pictures I see on this forum the person has it in the front. Thank You.

Rear only, page 149 from the '06 Manual
found on front page of this site.
GL,mD

Book says rear: commonsense says front ;)

That's what I do, anyway. Who wants the front wheels sliding, when you're trying to steer away from trouble?

The rear has 65% power of torque compares to front 35%.

Front clearance is too limited.
Rear only.

Fair call: I change from 19" to 17" for winter, but with the same rolling radius as an 18" I'd query whether the clearance is significantly less: unless the tyre width is more of an issue?

Yes Heli, the tire width is the issue; the inside of the tire passes very close to suspension components on the front.

the manual states that only 4.8 should use 255/55/18 and all other models should use 235/65/17. I have 4.4 and it comes with 255/55/18 and I got the Z-chains for that size. Anyone know it would be OK to run that even if the manual says it shouldn't? How come the 4.8 can handle wider tire size? is is the fender flare?? but I thought it is the same with the 4.4.

94502,

I hear what you say about the manual and tire size. The manual also tells you to use only 'BMW' chains :-) I'm sure your local dealer can quote a price !

I suspect the manual is considering ye olde chain-link style chains in this advice.

I have used the ZT735 on the rear of 4.4 non-sport (255/55/18). Works just fine, the ZT chains are S class clearance and more of a chain->cable hybrid. I would'nt try them on the front tho'.

IMHO the Z-chains are a very useful addition on ski trips with all weather Michies on the wheels. No manner of DSC or X-drive can defy the laws of physics, Cap'n.

And remember - on loose snow/sand, turn off that DSC.

Usage scenario illustrated below. A few hours after this photo I was roaring thr' Death Valley - just a 'tad warmer.

oh today i saw an idiot put snow cables on a x3 and put it on the front tires :s

Thanks for the input Scotty. I just bought the Z- Chains yesterday model Z-571. So which one suit the X5 better? I noticed that you have the ZT 735.

Can't say which suit better, 'Z-chain' or 'Super Z'.

I have SCC Super Z LT 735. Worked great for me, rubber tensioners and really easy to install; $99 at local off road store in SD.

Let us know how the Z-571 work out for you.

For others reading the thread, I've added images of both the 'Z-chain' and the 'Super Z LT'. The Super Z LT has the rubber tensioners, the Z chain does not.

Not enough snow in the eastern Sierra right now to need them ! Darn !

Going back to the question about why the 4.8 is recommended to use 18" wheels, could this be because the 4.8 uses a larger diameter disc's?

Don

Thanks for the input Scotty, I will let yall know how the chains are when I have to use them. Don, I think the manual recommends using 18" wheels for the 4.8 because it has fender flare where the 4.4, and 3.0 doesn't? Thats why all other models recommends using 17" wheels?? I am not sure. Someone correct me if I am wrong. Thanks.

It is the brake rotor diameter on the 4.8 that requires the minimum 18" wheel. That is why the spare is different than the 3.0/4.4 as well.

Good to see I was on the right track then. :thumbup: I use 17"ers but have the arch extensions. (3.0d)

Don

It's a fair point, but the front does perhaps 65-70% of the stopping and 100% of the steering, so from a pure safety standpoint the front seems to make more sense. Of course if they don't fit, they don't fit.

Thanks, but I don't know why it recommends all other model 4.4 and 3.0 to use 17" wheels with snow chains? Why not use the original 18" that is already on the car?