Snow chains/cables on 19s?
 

Has anyone tried using snow chains or cables on the OEM 19" wheels/tires? If so, did you put them on the fronts or the rears? Did you have to use spacers? Also, what brand of cable/chain would you recommend? I know that 19s are not optimal for snows, but I don't see enough snow to warrant a separate dedicated set of 17s or 18s with snow tires for Southern California weather (only makes a couple of trips per month up to the mountains). Thanks.

I have the same question as well. I am located in Northern California and only take a few trips a season up to Tahoe, and it dosen't even snow every time. What is the best option out there to address this problem?

I am in the same boat, I am actually thinking to sell my 19"and get18"wheels instead.

I actually have a set of snow chains for the rear 19's that I've never used and am looking to sell. They're from scc chain, part # ZT 741. The ones listed on their website aren't the right ones and I had to do a little research to find the correct ones. The website has a sizing for the front but it will hit suspension components and couldn't find anything else that fits so I don't know of anyone that makes chains for the front. I've been told having just the rear only helps a lot and is better than not having chains at all obviously.

I just got a set of 17" dedicated snow tires so I'm actually looking to sell my the chains if anyone is interested in Southern California. They were never used, just test fitted.

I wonder if they make chains for the staggered 20's! :wow:

Your manual recommends 17" rims if you need to use chains(rear only) - no mention of cables that I saw - the guy I bought my X5 from used it to to go skiing in Vermont - he sold the X5 rather than buy snow tires, since the 19" rims and Diamaris had him skating all over the place - his loss, my gain - remember, narrow tires work best in snow.

With only rear chains needed, has anyone tried chains on 19’s? and if so, how did it turn out? Chains from RevJunky sound very appealing…

Those chains from RevJunky does sound appealing, but going to scc's website shows those chains to be rather bulky, which might presents some clearance issues...but some spacers should solve that. A second issue that I'm seeing with those chains are the complicated "webbing" design that cradles the outer sidewall may not be so kind to the rims.

After a little bit more research, I'm starting to like the cable solution more than the chain. This is the one I'm thinking of getting and they do come in the 285/45-19 size => http://www.tirechain.com/CABLE_MOUNTING_INTRUCTIONS.HTM
If anyone has experience with those cables, your thoughts on them are much appreciated. Thanks.

The cables look a lot better for the wheels, especially with low profile tires. On second thought, the cables will probably still scratch the wheels. I’m wondering if I should just get a cheap set of wheels with some all-seasons, seems like a waste for just use probably no more than 10 days a season, if it even snows.

Yes...we know the manual recommends 17" rims for chains, but as I've stated earlier, I don't see enough snow to warrant a dedicated 17" tires/wheels. The chains/cables are only for the extreme emergency cases (in case I get caught in the middle of a snow storm) where the highway patrol won't let you through unless you have chains/cables. The very lease, I will be getting some all-season tires with M/S to replace the summer tires...so that should help somewhat with the skating issue.

Even in that 10 days, you will probably only see snows on the road maybe 5% (only if you get caught in the middle of a storm). So...that's why I'm only considering cables for insurance purpose...to get me through that 5% of the time. For the rest of the 95%, I think some all-seasons with M/S should be good enough...that is, unless you're crazy and drive it like you stole it in the snow :)

Well if you are going to stick with 19's make sure you have Toyo's all seasons on there and not summer tires. With summer tires you will be in a ditch by the time you think you need chains.

That's the damn truth. An X5 with 19's in the snow should be reclassified as a sled.

Dammmnnn…looks like it’s better to be safe….what are my most cost effective options in terms of tire/wheel setup?

Chains/Cables for 19's
 

Here's what I got for for our snow trip to Tahoe this last Spring (February=Spring....!!) after a bit of going around with the distributor in LA and then checking with the Manufacturer.

BMW says to fit them on the rear. SCC Z-chains (cables), model Z 575. They fit the 285/45 19's just fine.

List on mine was $131.25 and with the car club discount I paid $115.00. A nice chain bag is included. And, as usual, they are a bitch to get back in the bag once unpacked. Look at how they are rolled up before unrolling them for a good hint as to how to get them back in the bag. Don't forget to rinse the salt off and spray with a rust inhibitor before storage. I wrapped mine up tight using zip-ties...made them easier to get back in the bag.

Go to http://www.scc-chain.com for more info. Also lots of good winter driving info and tips here.

My son and I picked up the original set I ordered thru our local dealer in the size that was recommended by the distributor in LA (..."Yeah, fer sure they'll fit"....from some guy who has probably never seen snow). Since I always like to try things like this out before leaving the dealer my son and I got the key to a 19" equipped X5 on the new car lot and unpacked the cables that the distributor had sent to the dealer's parts dept.

Customers and the sales guys at the dealership enjoyed the show....a lot of them were in the "I thought that was all-wheel drive?" mode.

We got them on okay but something didn't look quite right (like, "fer sure", too loose). So I called the manufacturer while we were out there on the lot and discussed the fitment with them.

Anyway the guru at the manufacturer recommended that we go with model Z 575.

The dealer did an overnight trick with the parts and we replaced the loose ones with the Z 575s, mounted them up again, and they fit as they should. There is not a lot of clearance on the backside between tire and suspension parts so a proper fit is essential.

These cables are the quick install design with one slip connector on the backside and an adjustable slip connector on the outside of the tire. Once you have figured out the install routine they go on really quick. I always carry a big folded piece of cardboard to lie on while installing chains in the snow or slop. If you have a chain monkey install them make sure you look at all of the connections yourself before you pay.

I always drive a short distance and then check to see if I need to retighten something.

I think SCC has a newer model on the market that may be something to consider as well. I understand that it requires even less clearance than the ones I got. SZ6...something...don't know if they have it for the 285/45s.

I lived in Sacramento for 30 yrs and it was rare that I ever had to install chains when heading up the hill (drove either the 4WD Toyota Pickup or any 2WD depending on the forecast). But as some of you may know the CHP can be REALLY narrow-minded when the sign says "4WD with Snow Tires OK, Carry Chains" and you don't got the chains part of that equation when the "Chains Required" signs go up.

The Michelin Diamaris tires fitted on most of our trucks apparently do NOT qualify as a "defined" snow tire here in Cally (i.e. it is NOT a snow/ice tire)....even though it says 4x4 on the sidewall, I haven't been able to run down a definitive answer to this question so why take the chance...I'd rather spend the money on beer, food, lift tix, or gas (in no particular order) than on a traffic ticket for not having chains in my possession.

On my next go around I think I'll go with the Pirelli Scorpion Ice. They have the OEM 19" sizes and they are V speed rated and I understand they do quite well in sporty mode on dry pavements. But I'll still carry chains....

V-bike
San Diego area
2005 4.4

Here is another option for you.

spider chains

I am looking to sell my 18's off my new 05 3.0 sport. Car has only done 2500 miles so wheels and tires are basically brand new.
PM me if you are interested.

Thanks, everyone (especially Ventanabike) for your valuable and thorough insights on the subject.

I have a set of "Z-Chains" for my 19" tires. They seem to fit well when I test fit them, they did not come in contact with the rims. Apparently, the real clearance problem is in the back of the tires where loose chains could damage the height sensors. Also, to my knowledge the only "MS" rated tires available are the Pirelli Scorpions. Are there others?

The "Z-Chains" are really cables.

Thanks for all the informative responses guys. It looks like a set of Z Chains will work out perfectly for my needs, considering that I may not even see snow. Quick question, when I see the “CHAINS REQUIRED SIGN” am I okay with just having chains in the rear?? And how does this do performance wise when compared to having chains all around (however based on some posts, it seems like this is not possible due to clearance issues with the front suspension).

As jditom indicated, Toyo also makes some all seasons with M+S ratings.