[Jonnyr7]

Morning

We are off to France soon in our new G21 M340i Touring :-)

We are going to a Ski resort, unlikely that we will need to use chains, but you never know, so best to be prepared

our car has 19" wheels, so we need to use chains that don't fit around the back of the wheel, thats ok, I have some Konig K34s from a previous car that do that

my question is, if I have to use them, do I fit the chains to the front or rear wheels?

[Bunts]

BMW recommend rear wheels

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84p4MDj19vE

I've also seen advice (not BMW) to fit to the rear for uphill and front for down.

I'd trial fit them beforehand as it's no fun struggling on a mountain pass at -15 in the dark and finding they don't fit!

Another option are snow socks.

[Jonnyr7]

thank you, that makes sense, video says fit to the main drive axle, and as the m340i is (slightly) rear wheel drive biased, then they need to go on the back

I've got some snow snocks too just in case, but they don't comply with new French rules. you need winter tyres all round or chains in the car

[330Stevie]

Where have you seen that snow sock are banned in France?
Noting that it was always Autosock that was the only TUV approved product for France ……. Has that been revoked?

[Jonnyr7]

ok, I've not got that quite right. you can still use snow socks

https://www.service-public.fr/partic...A14389?lang=en

What equipment is required?

In the zones established by the prefects, vehicles shall:

hold metal snow chains or snow socks in their trunk to equip at least two driving wheels; or
be equipped with four winter tyres

[Charlie (Wessex)]

I've got Thule/Konig K-Summit. Expensive but very easy to fit.

[330Stevie]

Personally in your position I’d use snow socks. Much quicker than chains. And on that basis you may not need them arguably better value. If your in that environment a lot then chains better from longevity position.
Im a snowsports professional so I’ve done significant time on snow and have used both and I will be controversial and say socks are as good and possibly better in fully covered roads

[Charlie (Wessex)]

BTW, if you are going to certain areas in France (not sure about other parts of Europe) you need M+S tyres at a minimum along with chains/socks between Nov and end of March. Things change in November 2024 where M+S is changed to 3PMSF.

330Stevie the K Summit takes a minute to put on.

[330Stevie]

Originally Posted by Charlie (Wessex)

330Stevie the K Summit takes a minute to put on.

Yep, have some. Snow socks quicker tho

[BimmerLoyal]

Originally Posted by 330Stevie

Personally in your position I’d use snow socks. Much quicker than chains. And on that basis you may not need them arguably better value. If your in that environment a lot then chains better from longevity position.
Im a snowsports professional so I’ve done significant time on snow and have used both and I will be controversial and say socks are as good and possibly better in fully covered roads

Will chains actually clear on 18 inch oem 790m style wheels ?

I have a rwd and am going to need to use chains. I have the autosock too

[Charlie (Wessex)]

Originally Posted by 330Stevie

Personally in your position I’d use snow socks. Much quicker than chains. And on that basis you may not need them arguably better value. If your in that environment a lot then chains better from longevity position.
Im a snowsports professional so I’ve done significant time on snow and have used both and I will be controversial and say socks are as good and possibly better in fully covered roads

Driving out in a couple of weeks. Think that I might buy a pair of socks too. Last time I had to use chains I had 10 miles up the mountain to go. If that happens again, then I'd use chains rather than socks. But if it is far shorter, then maybe as you say, socks would be easier.

[330Stevie]

Just come back from touring through Aosta Valley and then port du soleil. No snow on roads at all and very little due. Worse January I can recall. Hope more lands soon! Where you heading Charlie?

[Charlie (Wessex)]

Not sure why I thought a couple of weeks.... it's 6 weeks! Usual - Val d'Isere as got free accommodation. No school holidays, either here or in France. So hope should be nice and peaceful.

[330Stevie]

Originally Posted by Charlie (Wessex)

Not sure why I thought a couple of weeks.... it's 6 weeks! Usual - Val d'Isere as got free accommodation. No school holidays, either here or in France. So hope should be nice and peaceful.

Enjoy!