Do I need chains?
 

Going to Mammoth Mountain in CA next weekend to snowboard, have factory installed 18's. Anyone think I need to get chains as well, and if so are two enough, and if so should I install them on the rear tires, and.. and.. and...

Thanks.

Right now the roads in mammoth are clear. if your going up the 395 at this moment its clear also. it is best to have shains just in case! you have 4x4 in the X5. And you want your tires to be in good shape lots of tread!. Buy your chains out of the area.

With the E70, BMW says to only install the chains on the rear wheels. It's in the Owner's Manual somewhere ;) It also discusses the sorts of chains that you should get.

I didn't think that you had a choice on installing chains or not at some ski locations in CA. Don't they insist on chains -- even if you have a 4-wheel drive?

only at certain levels of snow must you have chains on a 4x4 in mammoth

this is the number to Caltrans and you can find out the road conditions :) (800)427-7623

Hey, I might see you there next weekend.

It's always recommended to carry chains because weather conditions do change in a moments time. There's snow forecast for next Wednesday in Mammoth so who knows if it spills over the weekend.

CHP will require chains depending on conditions even with 4x4. The X5 can handle snow but when it gets icy late at night or early morning could be a different story.

Chains should be installed in rear tires and you only need a pair.

PEP boys sells the ZLT cables for about $90 bucks and they install in about a minute. No need to move your car back and forth.

we always bring them in hopes it will dump and we will get snowed in at the mountain!!!!!!!!!:thumbup:


we should be in tahoe in a couple of weeks

I was up in Tahoe over Christmas and it was snowing heavy on the way up. Chain control was in force but they let me go. BTW, X5 handled like a dream, no issues at all, of course I didn't try doing something crazy. I did not feel like it was necessary but it dosn't really harm if you have a pair lying in the back.

One issue that I noticed on the way back was that snow gets into the alloy wheels and sticks in there and messes up the balance. It felt really weird because of that, had to pull over and take the snow out of the wheels, then things were back to normal. I would recommend taking the snow out of the wheels before heading back.