can chains clear 18" wheels on 335i sport sedan?

[freestone99]

I would like to use my existing 18" OEM wheels as my snow tire wheels, and buy a new lighter set of 18" forged ones for my regular rims.

Problem is, I am not sure that chains will fit over the 18" given my 335i has sport suspension.

Yes, chains ARE ABSOLUTELY necessary, as in the mountains around here they have chain control and won't let you past many of the snowier days unless you have chains installed - or awd with snow tires on them. Not optional period.

But I am not sure if there is enough clearance to mount chains, even if I went with 225/40R18 all around on both front and rear wheels.
Does anyone know?

Thanks. I just hate to get a lighter set of regular rims, and then a set of 17" snow rims to mount chains - much rather use the 18" oem if clearance allows.

[ITnurse]

Not enough clearance for chains. Cables will work. That's as much as I know. Good luck.

[Thuppu]

Real winter tyres own those chains 100-0 and you can drive perfectly normal with them. And with a real winter tyres I mean tyres like this, ment for snow and ice:

http://www.bertilssonsdackservice.se/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/NokianHakkapeliitta7.png

[Hoolie]

Get some snow tires.. Summer tires doesn't cut if for winter use. The thread and rubber mix just isn't ment to cope with the conditions..

Both studded and studless winter tires are made to fit your car.

I've seen cars here with 255/30x20 studded tires ^^

[Jhunter]

OP said AWD and snow tires. Since he doesn't have AWD it does no good to tell him to get snow tires.

[Hoolie]

OP said AWD and snow tires. Since he doesn't have AWD it does no good to tell him to get snow tires.

I have rwd and snow and i get around fine in the snow.. And i live far up north.. Just under the arctic circle.

Chains are just for unstucking and you wont like driveing for any distance with them on.. And if you have traction al the time you can have the momentum so you get up the hill and not having to get stuck and mess around with chains..

Proper snow tires will last you for the season and some a cpl seasons more. Get ones with studs if they're legal in your area. .

[Thuppu]

Modern wintertires are perfect for snow and ice driving. We have quite hard winters here and I have never had any problems with my rwd's.

http://koti.mbnet.fi/pro-ht/Kuvat/bmw_530da_touring/e39%20530dat%20winter%2001.JPG

[freestone99]

I appreciate the comments but apparently I was not clear enough.

In the mountains in CA under heavy but not unusual snow conditions there is a booth manned by police who stop each car and check it.

You can only pass if you have chains on. Doesnt matter if you have snows or studs (If you have awd, and have snows on, and have chains in your possession, you can also proceed. )

If you don't you go home or wait till the conditions allow opening the roads generally. That could be days. These are real mountains and the pass is at 7,500' ft. Big incline and decline.

Last year we got 80" of snow in 2 days. Not 8" but 80".
500" years are common.

This is also unpredictable so we avoid the extremes when we can. And I have an awd but on rare occasions I will need to use the e90 and only when I think it won't be too bad.

If it is really bad they just close the road. many times a year this happens.

Happens ALL the time. Ever hear of the Donner party?

http://www.dot.ca.gov/hq/traffops/trucks/ops-guide/chains.html