328xi chains

[vrsix kevin]

my cousin wanted me to find out what axle you put chains on an xi car.

dont need any comments about ITS AWD YOU DONT NEED IT.

just keep it simple thanks.

(he is too lazy to rtfm, thats why i am here asking)

[mryakan]

I would guess both to keep the x-drive happy and not ruin the differential components.

[Nikolas1]

I would guess both to keep the x-drive happy and not ruin the differential components.

Exactly! This is why it is unadvisable to chain up an AWD car. It's not so much the traction difference between front and rear as it is the diameter change that results from the chains - approximately 1/2".

But if you were in a major pinch and had no choice, I would choose the fronts as they have power and steer.

If you are RWD only then it is not advisable:

[mryakan]

Exactly! This is why it is unadvisable to chain up an AWD car. It's not so much the traction difference between front and rear as it is the diameter change that results from the chains - approximately 1/2".

But if you were in a major pinch and had no choice, I would choose the fronts as they have power and steer.

If you are RWD only then it is not advisable:
I hope that was not you in the Mustang (or someone you know), lol @ chaining fronts on RWD.

[Nikolas1]

I hope that was not you in the Mustang (or someone you know), lol @ chaining fronts on RWD.

Thankfully no that is not me. That was somebody on I80 that clearly did not understand the concept of how chains work.

Oddly enough, I see this just about every season up here.

[mryakan]

Thankfully no that is not me. That was somebody on I80 that clearly did not understand the concept of how chains work.

Oddly enough, I see this just about every season up here.
Or maybe they don't know what RWD/FWD is :stickoutt. BTW, it looks to me like a girl is driving! No comments

[Nikolas1]

Or maybe they don't know what RWD/FWD is :stickoutt. BTW, it looks to me like a girl is driving! No comments

I wasn't there so I can only assume if she was driving, her boyfriend just got back in from putting the chains on. +1 for the ladies!

[nm328xi]

Exactly! This is why it is unadvisable to chain up an AWD car. It's not so much the traction difference between front and rear as it is the diameter change that results from the chains - approximately 1/2".

But if you were in a major pinch and had no choice, I would choose the fronts as they have power and steer.

If you are RWD only then it is not advisable:


My 2007 328xi manual states on page 125:

Only certain fine-link snow chains have been tested by BMW, classified as safe for use and recommended.
...
Snow chains must be mounted in pairs and on the rear wheels only.
...
Do not initialize the Flat Tire Monitor if snow chains are mounted.
...
When driving with snow chains, you may find it helpful to activate the DTC temporarily...

With a car like this, being "too lazy to read the manual" can cause thousands of dollars in non-warranted damage.

Assumptions about what works for one car based on what is right for another car can do the same, too.

[dbh1]

I believe my 2006 330xi manual says something similar. Though I am wondering if they just copied the page from the 330i. Having them only on the rears with an AWD car isn't the most logical given steering is in the front and to make things as even as possible you would want them on all 4. Also, when you "upgrade" to the 18-inch or 19-inch wheels they are sold in offsets where, if my math is right, the front tire is higher and the rear is wider. This would also imply that the front should be able to handle at least a few extra millimeters.

Thoughts?

Anyone have a particular chain they recommend? website?

BTW, I got stuck 3 times in 3 weeks with my AWD 330 in vermont (thought, I admit that I am using all seasons), so it isn't crazy to get chains for an awd car. When you are on an iced over driveway on a hill, you can watch all 4 tires spin.

[Beer Goggles]

Why are chains not necessary on AWD, it's not about the driveline it's about maximizing traction which chains increase. Chains are NOT designed to be used at very high speeds, so you wouldn't leave them on. It would be like saying you don't need snow tires with studs because you have AWD.