Snow Chains / Snow Cables

mshobe · 12-09-2009, 09:02 AM

For those interested, I've ordered a set of snow cables/snow chains that fit the OE size tire/wheel combo (style 161) for the 325i.

I went with the SuperZ6 size SZ137 from SCC (link) because they had the lowest clearance of anything on the market that I could find with a reasonable price. They're available on Amazon (where I got them) and various other online marketplaces.

I just test fit them and can report the following:

They do not rub or make any noise up to their recommended max speed (30mph/50kph).
The clearance between the tire and the fender makes installation a bit difficult if you follow the instructions.
It is pretty much mandatory to do a test fit so you can deveop a method and practice.

At first, I installed according to the instructions which has you reach over the tire, but the clearance was too tight for my hands (see photos). I found it easier to reach up from behind the vehicle where there is plenty of clearance -- or to clasp everything except for the top inside clasp and then reverse a quarter of a rotation to easily get to it from the rear of the tire.

I have yet to use these on the mountains, they're just a fall-back. So far, winter tires have been plenty.

Photos:

Jeff@TopGearSolutions · 12-09-2009, 09:07 AM

UncleWede · 12-09-2009, 09:47 AM

Are the gators for your arms in the bag? I just ordered front/rear set for my 325 since we are spending Christmas week above 6000 in Alta Sierra. I have the stock 156 in 205/55-16 so I ordered the SZ131, also from Amazon.
I would think, and will try it out, that turning the front wheels to an angle will let you reach behind easier.

UncleWede · 12-11-2009, 09:33 AM

Got mine last night, no gators

I'm going to try the mounting routine this weekend so I still havee time to return them if they are th wrong size.

Best regards,
Wede

UncleWede · 12-14-2009, 09:16 AM

That was the EASIEST install I've ever done. Granted, there was no snow on the ground and my hands weren't cold.
From the picture above, mine seem to be a bit smaller, the hooks that are connected to the chains barely reach my tire in most cases, where yours are all well into the rim space.

Best regards,
Wede

12-09-2009, 09:02 AM	#1
mshobe New Member 2 Rep 15 Posts Drives: 2006 325i Sedan Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Bad Windsheim iTrader: (1)	Snow Chains / Snow Cables For those interested, I've ordered a set of snow cables/snow chains that fit the OE size tire/wheel combo (style 161) for the 325i. I went with the SuperZ6 size SZ137 from SCC (link) because they had the lowest clearance of anything on the market that I could find with a reasonable price. They're available on Amazon (where I got them) and various other online marketplaces. I just test fit them and can report the following: They do not rub or make any noise up to their recommended max speed (30mph/50kph). The clearance between the tire and the fender makes installation a bit difficult if you follow the instructions. It is pretty much mandatory to do a test fit so you can deveop a method and practice. At first, I installed according to the instructions which has you reach over the tire, but the clearance was too tight for my hands (see photos). I found it easier to reach up from behind the vehicle where there is plenty of clearance -- or to clasp everything except for the top inside clasp and then reverse a quarter of a rotation to easily get to it from the rear of the tire. I have yet to use these on the mountains, they're just a fall-back. So far, winter tires have been plenty. Photos:
	Appreciate 0 Tweet Quote

12-09-2009, 09:07 AM	#2
Jeff@TopGearSolutions 3441 Rep 79,211 Posts Drives: C6 Z06, 09 335i, 10 335xi Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: www.TopGearSolutions.com iTrader: (37)
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-09-2009, 09:47 AM	#3
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17980 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	Are the gators for your arms in the bag? I just ordered front/rear set for my 325 since we are spending Christmas week above 6000 in Alta Sierra. I have the stock 156 in 205/55-16 so I ordered the SZ131, also from Amazon. I would think, and will try it out, that turning the front wheels to an angle will let you reach behind easier.
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-11-2009, 09:33 AM	#4
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17980 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	Got mine last night, no gators I'm going to try the mounting routine this weekend so I still havee time to return them if they are th wrong size. Best regards, Wede
	Appreciate 0 Quote

12-14-2009, 09:16 AM	#5
UncleWede Long Time Admirer, First Time Owner 17980 Rep 9,377 Posts Drives: G01 X3 M40i Dark Graphite Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Oxnard, CA iTrader: (0)	That was the EASIEST install I've ever done. Granted, there was no snow on the ground and my hands weren't cold. From the picture above, mine seem to be a bit smaller, the hooks that are connected to the chains barely reach my tire in most cases, where yours are all well into the rim space. Best regards, Wede
	Appreciate 0 Quote