Snow Chains
 

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.

Check with the tire dealers - chains are not recommended :rtfm: - 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

:iagree:

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

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.

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

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.

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.

AC, if you really plan to keep your X5 and go skiing, I strongly suggest you look into a snowtire wheel set (18" for the bigger brake clearance) - I picked up my 2001 X5 from a skier who tried to use it for ski trips to Vermont and other east coast resorts - he ran the 19" Diamaris and slid all over the place - Granted, you're not in snow for a very long time - And running snows restricts you to drive less than 100mph - even with chains or cables, those 20" wheels are not going to get you through a heavy snowfall - remember my Rule #1, "noboby gets hurt".

Hell, I'm here in SC, with 70+ temps. I just maybe the only vehicle in the coastal Low Country running 4 snows, only because I have trips to Atlanta, and the NY/NJ/CT tristate area in the next couple months. besides, snows are also a great wet weather tire. just my opinion.

Solid feedback, Flyboy, but I can't justify the expense of 4 wheels and tires for one three day trip. I ordered the Super Z6 chains today, so I'll update this thread with a fitment report once they arrive. These chains will be kept in the vehicle as an emergency aid only.

I think I will rent a car if the weather report looks really bad.