nell

I have a 08 535XI on 245/40x18. Any one know of tire chains/cables that will work without interference. Wheels are style 124. I was looking at SCC chains and they offer a few models. SHUR GRIP Z SZ339,SUPER Z-6 SZ139, Z-CHAIN Z-555 and RADIAL CHAIN SC1036. Any one with experience with these? BMW chains are silly priced. Thanks.

NY530i

I used to have a 40 mile commute each way to work and looked into get snow chains. Several people told me itll eat up my rear end. not sure if this is fact or not didnt wanna risk it. maybe the pros can chime in.

SteveD518

Have you considered studded snow tires?
Steve

nell

Yes, I live in Calif. and the use of studded tires are prohibited. Living in your area, I too would have a second set of winter tires. I only need them for the trips to the mountains. The oem tires are simply trash for real winter use and so the idea of a set of chains is a fall back for those trips.

Thanks.

SteveD518

here's a link. http://www.autoaccessoriesgarage.com...ac-Tire-Chains
Steve

norsecarnut

So you'd rather be very unsafe right up until chains are required? Sounds like a bad idea to me. Why not just get a great set of tires that will be fine all season, something along the lines of the Nokian WRG2 or Continental DWS.

nell

I live in mild climate and don't need any thing except for when I am going to the mountains.

norsecarnut

Which is why I mentioned 2 tires that would be perfect for your needs / location. Seattle hardly ever gets snow so it's about the same here.

Look into them. You might find it a great route. We've had the WRG2 on our Audi S4 for two years now and it's been awesome all winter but also all summer. I looked into the DWS recently too as a possibility for the BMW.

You might like something quick and easy though too like Thule's K version.

Kell

While I can't comment on the X drive, I can say that I bought chains for our 530d M-sport.

I've got winter tyres anyway, but they're not 'snow' tyres as such, so wanted the back up of chains as we were travelling to the Alps.

Anyway, to cut a long story short, didn't need the chains at all in the Alps, but did need them just before Christmas in England.

Because ours is the M-sport, there's less clearance in the wheel-arches - especially in the rear which, as mine is RWD, is the crucial part for me. I therefore had to get the narrowest chains possible - 9mm - but the most important thing is the clearance because you have to be able to get your arms in between the tyre top and wheel arch.

I just managed it, but it was a struggle. Anyone with a lowered car wouldn't be able to do it with the type of chains I have. I think there are chains that can be fitted in a different way, but from my initial research last year, they were four or five times the price. And of course, you'd need two sets as yours is 4WD.

In essence though, I'd probably echo other people's comments about winter wheels and tyres.

If you do decide to buy, there's a useful guide on this site which allows you to input details and they'll tell you which models will fit, and which won't - Although a quick check indicates that they're only considering European E61s and not those with X-drive.

http://www.roofbox.co.uk/snow-chains/