Snow Chain Experience/Recommendation

Paddy · 01-05-2006, 04:51 PM

I've got 330i NON-SP with stock tires (17in). I presume they're all season but I don't know for sure (I live in San Diego) so they may be Summer Tires.
I'm planning on visitiing a local Ski Resort for a few days, and don't want to go to expense of buying a set of snow tires.

Has anyone any experience with Snow Chains on 330i stock tires or can anyone recommend a good product. Any tips on getting the chains on would also be appreciated.

Thanks in advance....

UncleWede · 01-05-2006, 05:08 PM

This car is REAR wheel drive, so be sure you put whatever you get on those tires.
I looked at the BMW chains, but I can't see paying $200+ for something I might use twice. I grabbed the two sets of cables I had, both were very close to the right size, but I ended up not needing them.

Lay them down STRAIGHT in front of the rear tires. Drive on so you are just covering the wheel, so you can drape them back over the top and have them hanging down off the top of the tire so you can connect. BE SURE to use the tensioners. Drive maybe 3-5 revolutions and check the tensioners and connectors again. If you hear ANYHTING like a chain on the inside of the wheel well, STOP and make sure your chains are on tight. No faster way to ruin a wheel well than chains flapping around on a tire.

JSpira · 01-05-2006, 05:20 PM

I seem to recall, that there is a speed limit when driving with chains. Something in the order of 50 km/h or so.

UncleWede · 01-05-2006, 05:25 PM

30 MPH, but if you can go that fast, you shouldn't need the chains.

01-05-2006, 04:51 PM	#1
Paddy Captain 74 Rep 664 Posts Drives: 18' M2, AW Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: San Diego iTrader: (1)	Snow Chain Experience/Recommendation I've got 330i NON-SP with stock tires (17in). I presume they're all season but I don't know for sure (I live in San Diego) so they may be Summer Tires. I'm planning on visitiing a local Ski Resort for a few days, and don't want to go to expense of buying a set of snow tires. Has anyone any experience with Snow Chains on 330i stock tires or can anyone recommend a good product. Any tips on getting the chains on would also be appreciated. Thanks in advance....
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

01-05-2006, 05:08 PM	#2
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17998 Rep 9,378 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	This car is REAR wheel drive, so be sure you put whatever you get on those tires. I looked at the BMW chains, but I can't see paying $200+ for something I might use twice. I grabbed the two sets of cables I had, both were very close to the right size, but I ended up not needing them. Lay them down STRAIGHT in front of the rear tires. Drive on so you are just covering the wheel, so you can drape them back over the top and have them hanging down off the top of the tire so you can connect. BE SURE to use the tensioners. Drive maybe 3-5 revolutions and check the tensioners and connectors again. If you hear ANYHTING like a chain on the inside of the wheel well, STOP and make sure your chains are on tight. No faster way to ruin a wheel well than chains flapping around on a tire.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2006, 05:20 PM	#3
JSpira Freude am Fahren 334 Rep 5,254 Posts Drives: Fünfer, Dreier, + Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: New York, München, Wien iTrader: (1)	I seem to recall, that there is a speed limit when driving with chains. Something in the order of 50 km/h or so. __________________ Freude am Fahren. Jonathan E90 2006 330xi E90 2006 325i E39 2003 530i Sport* E46 2000 328Ci* E36 1996 328iS* E36 1992 325i* E30 1991 318is E21 1982 320iS* E21 1979 320 (6-Zyl)* *retired Nominated: Most Contributing Member
	Appreciate 0 Quote

01-05-2006, 05:25 PM	#4
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17998 Rep 9,378 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	30 MPH, but if you can go that fast, you shouldn't need the chains.
	Appreciate 0 Quote