[BMthusiast]

Originally Posted by streborx

Please don't ever put chains on a luxury automobile. Crosslinks frequently break and the consequences are not pleasant. Buy good snow tires. Buy studded snow tires if you need them and if legal in your area. If chains are imperative, stay home.

No disrespect at all......what honestly is the difference from super to luxury to a basic vehicle in terms of covering terrain? Shoes are shoes. Snow tires plus chains and you can 100% rest assured you're good in light to mid snowy conditions. I just like to be extra careful in snow with chains equipped. But I really don't know about thick snow, just the light stuff.......Obviously in whiteout snow conditions I fully agree with you, stay where you're at.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by streborx

Please don't ever put chains on a luxury automobile. Crosslinks frequently break and the consequences are not pleasant. Buy good snow tires. Buy studded snow tires if you need them and if legal in your area. If chains are imperative, stay home.

In certain area (such as Tahoe) chains are mandatory even you have awd + 3pkfl tires.

[jad03060]

My vehicle is parked in a garage most of the time, and I can't see the tires while driving, so that leaves actually looking at the vehicle from the side only when I'm not home for the most part as I walk up to it. I could care less what other people think about how it looks. With that in mind, I generally choose the tire that has the best chance of a good ride, which generally means the smallest wheel available on the thing. It also means that replacing them is less. I'd rather save that money for other things that give me more pleasure and functionality. Now, if I was tracking the vehicle, that would change the perspective.

If you use any of the OEM tire/wheel size options, they are all, within a very small variance, the same OD, so have no impact on gearing, the all-wheel drive system, or odometer/speedometer readings.

[MtgMaster]

Get the Pirelli Winter 2 in 22s

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by streborx

Please don't ever put chains on a luxury automobile. Crosslinks frequently break and the consequences are not pleasant. Buy good snow tires. Buy studded snow tires if you need them and if legal in your area. If chains are imperative, stay home.

I don’t know what you are taking about. If bmw qualify as luxury car, all of mine have used chains, including a E39 M5 and my current 45e. Previously also use chains in qx60 and mdx.

I would say maintain the chains and install it properly are probably the important aspects.

[kiw1]

Originally Posted by BMthusiast

It's a bold move to go with a tire setup in winter that BMW doesn't recommend for snow chains. Definitely nothing wrong with putting the 22" setup away for the winter and replacing with 20's temporary just in case.

You don't need chains with winters. I carry snow socks for R2 in Cali, because they are required. You shouldnt be out driving in R3.

[kiw1]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

In certain area (such as Tahoe) chains are mandatory even you have awd + 3pkfl tires.

You need to have them on you for R2. As I said in the previous post, R3 you shouldn't be out there.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

In certain area (such as Tahoe) chains are mandatory even you have awd + 3pkfl tires.

Just to add more details. This is Not just Tahoe, it is entirely California, mostly sierra mountains, and can be Santa Cruz mountain sometime. With R2 condition, all cars all cars without dedicated snow time requires chains. Regardless of how many wheel drive. When R3 is declared, all cars requires chains, even snow tires. Also regardless of how many wheel drive.

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by kiw1

You need to have them on you for R2. As I said in the previous post, R3 you shouldn't be out there.

You don’t plan to get out there in R3. But if you are already out skiing, you can get caught in R3 in your way home. It has happened to me a few times.

[jad03060]

Per the user's manual:

"Use
Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped
with the tires of the following size:
▷ 265/50 R19.
▷ 275/45 R20.
Follow the snow chain manufacturer's instructions.
MOBILITY Wheels and tires."

And, ensure you disable rear-wheel steering when using chains or risk damage to the vehicle.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by kiw1

You need to have them on you for R2. As I said in the previous post, R3 you shouldn't be out there.

In reality I never see R3, it is always highway closure at that point

[kiw1]

Originally Posted by alanzyy

In reality I never see R3, it is always highway closure at that point

Happens all the time here but as you said, they close it which is a good thing.

Some idiots last winter tried to get around a closure by using a back road and got stuck. No reception, they had to walk out and almost died from hypothermia.

I carry chains in both my vehicles because of R2 restrictions, but my experience is that winters are just better in every way.

[aaaaaaaaaz]

Originally Posted by kiw1

Happens all the time here but as you said, they close it which is a good thing.

Some idiots last winter tried to get around a closure by using a back road and got stuck. No reception, they had to walk out and almost died from hypothermia.

I carry chains in both my vehicles because of R2 restrictions, but my experience is that winters are just better in every way.

Last winter traffic was a huge mess all the time but snow was good for ski season

[eelnoraa]

Originally Posted by kiw1

Happens all the time here but as you said, they close it which is a good thing.

Some idiots last winter tried to get around a closure by using a back road and got stuck. No reception, they had to walk out and almost died from hypothermia.

I carry chains in both my vehicles because of R2 restrictions, but my experience is that winters are just better in every way.

In my limited encounter with R3, high way will still open in day time, but close when it gets dark. But even open, due to chain control, and traffic control, mostly cars just get stuck for 10-12 hours on I-80. Even with best tires and chain, you are unlikely to go anywhere.