Snow Chain Recommendations?

[Broadsword]

Looking for some recommendations on snow chains that'll fit a
13 Premium? Any help would be greatly appreciated as well already received 5 inches of snow already today.

[ndabunka]

I've used the SCC "Z-chains" on my prior 7-series (Z-563) and the Highlander Hybrid. They are low profile and can be bought at reasonable levels online ($50-$80/set). I typically only buy fronts as they have the majority of the traction in slick environments. Here is a link to their site. You will need to pick out your vehicle in their system to find the right model number...
http://www.scc-chain.com/Traction%20...Trac_home.html

Here are the ones I am considering for my 20-inch (214) rims. The size is right (based on SCC's table) but the Amazon site indicates that they are not designed to fit my vehicle so one of them is wrong. You may want to call them directly to verify which ones fit your particular tire/vehicle.
http://www.amazon.com/Security-Chain...keywords=SZ435

PS - I have already sent them an eMail asking for guidance specific for my '12 X5d with the optional 20" Sport rims (model 214)

[Ben_XI]

Originally Posted by ndabunka

...I typically only buy fronts as they have the majority of the traction in slick environments...

Just an fyi, BMW (X5 manual) recommends placing the snow chains on the rear wheels.

I thought the same the thing, the front wheels would help with manuevering and traction, but the manual says otherwise.

[ndabunka]

Originally Posted by Ben_XI

Just an fyi, BMW (X5 manual) recommends placing the snow chains on the rear wheels.

I thought the same the thing, the front wheels would help with manuevering and traction, but the manual says otherwise.

That may be do to the suspension clearance issues on the front. I haven't measured anything but it doesn't look like a lot of space up front. Here is what the folks @ SCC responded to me with...

We list three "Z" products for your 275/40-20 tires.

All of these are excellent winter traction products. The first, Z-575 is in the same product group as the Z-563 you owned.

Here’s links to videos for all three.

• Z-575 Z-Chain - http://www.scc-chain.com/Videos/Z%20...0EN%20high.wmv
  
• ZT735 Super Z LT - http://www.scc-chain.com/Videos/Shur...0EN%20high.wmv
  
• SZ435 Super Z6 - http://www.scc-chain.com/Videos/Super-Z6_a_h.wmv

Now, because of the restricted clearance issues you mentioned I would hope that you’ve read your owner’s manual or spoke to BMW about the use of traction products on your X5.

If it states that you need to use a product that meets SAE Class “S” clearance requirements, any of these products will work for you.

If they prohibit the use of or limits you to certain traction devices I’d suggest that you consult your dealer about what they allow.

Our Super Z6 cables (SZ435) were designed to be used on vehicles with extremely limited clearances. They only require 6.3 mm (1/4”) of operating space (at 30 mph.) But again, if BMW prohibits the use of or limits you to certain products I can’t recommend them for your application, you would have to make that decision.

Thanks for your inquiry, I hope one of our products will work for you.

[Broadsword]

Thanks for the information. Now I just need to find a retailer that'll ship to military overseas.

[Nick Daffern]

Thule K-Summit. Easy to install, available on Amazon, but pretty darned expensive. I have a pair I use with Pirelli Scorpions when necessary. I've been happy with the combination.

YMMV

[ndabunka]

Originally Posted by Nick Daffern

Thule K-Summit. Easy to install, available on Amazon, but pretty darned expensive. I have a pair I use with Pirelli Scorpions when necessary. I've been happy with the combination.

YMMV

Holy crap batman those ARE very EXPENSIVE ($549?)!!!
Also, Amazon says that these are not sized to fit the 2012 X5 so it would be interesting to learn which sized wheels/tires you use and which K-Summit model do you have?

[Nick Daffern]

Standard 20 inch X5M wheels, 275/20 and 315/20 Scorpions. Search around and you'll find a set sized for that combo.

Like I said, pretty darned expensive. Google them and look for the videos showing them in action. They're easy to install and convenient to use.

[scollins]

Originally Posted by ndabunka

Holy crap batman those ARE very EXPENSIVE ($549?)!!!
Also, Amazon says that these are not sized to fit the 2012 X5 so it would be interesting to learn which sized wheels/tires you use and which K-Summit model do you have?

Etrailer says the version that fits my X5 (255/50x19) is $700!!!!!!


http://www.etrailer.com/Tire-Chains/...H02230K66.html

I couldn't get Thule's website to find a proper fitment (at least on my iPad).