[JB Newbie]

Has anyone put on snow chains on your X3?

I have a 2016 X3 with factory 18 inch rims. Owners manaul does not really help as far as what type of chains/cables to use.

Can I use any brand or type of snow chains or snow cable that will fit my tire size? Or would there be a more specific kind that I need to use? This will be the first time I will be using snow chains/cables.

Thanks.

[JB Newbie]

Correction: my rim/tire size is 245/45/19 OEM

[red30xdrive]

I would have thought it would be better to just get a set of winter tyres and wheels and swop them over each spring and autumn . Have you ever tried to fit snow chains at the side of the road ( all 4 wheels remember ) and then remove the chains as you get back on tarmac -- bet you wont do it more thane once

[JB Newbie]

I live in SoCal where we dont get snow. I go up the mountain once every couple of yesrs. Big bear and Mt. High does not always require chains. This will be the first time we will be heading up to Mammoth which might not require chains anymore but I want to bring one as a back up.

[Sephanite]

Just confirming... all 4 wheels for the x3? So I will have to purchase 2 sets of snow chains?

[davidk]

Nope, per the owners manual, only rear tires get chains.
Use only in pairs on the rear wheels, equipped
with the tires of the following size:
▷ 205/65 R 17.
▷ 225/60 R 17.
▷ 245/50 R 18.
▷ 245/45 R 19.

[Ol' Fart]

If you have good winter tires I would doubt you will need chains. The BMW all wheel drive system is one of the best in the industry. I live in N/E Pennsylvania and went all last winter with all season tires and never had an issue. I live in the country and have a steep winding driveway, still no issues. Just my $.02 worth.

[CalRick]

I have a set of Z chains that I bought for the mountain trips. My BIL bought a set of the BMW chains that are twice or more the price but do seem to be easier to install.

Here i Calif we are required to carry chains in the mountains in winter, irrespective what tires are mounted. We are usually waved past the chain control stops with AWD and AS or snow tires, but still must have chains on board. Winter is something that we travel to, not live in, so we don't know how to drive in snow.

[kevink1]

A couple years ago, I drove up to Colorado in the winter. The first time I had ever done so. As an emergency, just in case, I bought some Autosocks for my X3. No worry about clearance, with the assumption that if the weather was bad enough I wouldn't drive anyway. Just there in case "chains" were required. And didn't take up much space in the back.

Actual chains are probably better if you know you will be using them, likely more durable.

[dskurth]

Originally Posted by CalRick

I have a set of Z chains that I bought for the mountain trips. My BIL bought a set of the BMW chains that are twice or more the price but do seem to be easier to install.

Here i Calif we are required to carry chains in the mountains in winter, irrespective what tires are mounted. We are usually waved past the chain control stops with AWD and AS or snow tires, but still must have chains on board. Winter is something that we travel to, not live in, so we don't know how to drive in snow.

So what did you do? Live in SoCal myself and parents live in arrowhead..so yes, must carry the chains regardless of the tires on the car. Are there chains for the 20” perfotmace tires with the 275/45 R 20 on the back?

Need to know...