Driving 2008 528i on snowy roads

I will be driving 2008 528i on snow..I have continental tires on it, I am not aware of any Anti-skid kind of features in my car, is their any ?And what is your recommendation on using Chain, which one shall I buy ?

Originally Posted by amitkumararora5

I will be driving 2008 528i on snow..I have continental tires on it, I am not aware of any Anti-skid kind of features in my car, is their any ?And what is your recommendation on using Chain, which one shall I buy ?

Depending upon how much / how often / how long you will encounter snow, you might want to consider a set of snow tires all around. If you have all-seasons on now with a fair amount of thread, that's the next best option, but if you have high performance summer tires on, you will have issues with snow. I have never heard of anyone using chains on a bimmer, except maybe in Finland. That's for really serious snow!

Originally Posted by Jay Arras

Depending upon how much / how often / how long you will encounter snow, you might want to consider a set of snow tires all around. If you have all-seasons on now with a fair amount of thread, that's the next best option, but if you have high performance summer tires on, you will have issues with snow. I have never heard of anyone using chains on a bimmer, except maybe in Finland. That's for really serious snow!

I am going for a trip, I don't need tires permanently. I am expecting around 100-200 miles of drive in snow

Assuming you are driving through mountains on a road trip, being your location is Phoenix, I would definitely get snow tires. I was caught once with performance summer tires with a little snow on the ground, and even on a flat straight expressway it was not a fun experience. Those tires barely got any grip.

Originally Posted by amitkumararora5

I am going for a trip, I don't need tires permanently. I am expecting around 100-200 miles of drive in snow

I would check Bimmerfest classified section, eBay, or BMW CCA for a used set. May want to call and see if local dealerships rent them (never heard of that but you never know).

Originally Posted by DAI

I would check Bimmerfest classified section, eBay, or BMW CCA for a used set. May want to call and see if local dealerships rent them (never heard of that but you never know).

will do, but what is your experience with chains? are they not recomended

Originally Posted by amitkumararora5

I am going for a trip, I don't need tires permanently. I am expecting around 100-200 miles of drive in snow

Why don't you just rent a car. That will be cheaper and safer especially if you are just
using it for a small trip.

Shall i get a 4WD, how do I know rental car has snow tires or not ?

Originally Posted by amitkumararora5

will do, but what is your experience with chains? are they not recomended

Roadways around me don't allow chains.

BMW, according to the manual, only recommends fine link on rears and to 30 mph. Still would look at snow tires (or renting a 4wd/awd vehicle) since chains, if allowed on the roads you are travelling, still won't help steering or do too much for braking if you still have summer performance tires up front.

Originally Posted by amitkumararora5

Shall i get a 4WD, how do I know rental car has snow tires or not ?

You don't need a 4 WD. Any FWD should do well on upto half feet of snow. You can ask for 4WD if you want to.

I live in MN and I always used Blizak's in the winter! I would wait to switch them until the first snow. Best 2 wheel snow vehicle I ever owned!
Now I bought a 528XI.

Lots of places I know they won't let your car past certain checkpoints unless you have winter tires installed (with the mountain/snowflake symbol, not AS tires).

Here's an option to consider: the auto sock.

Originally Posted by SoLucky

Here's an option to consider: the auto sock.

I'd LOVE to read a review on that, lol!

Originally Posted by Jay Arras

I'd LOVE to read a review on that, lol!

I've never used them, but on Amazon they get mostly positive reviews. They seem to fit the OP's need perfectly...

Originally Posted by SoLucky

I've never used them, but on Amazon they get mostly positive reviews. They seem to fit the OP's need perfectly...

I have to disagree. Reading about the product and the reviews, it appears to be an emergency use product ( i.e. got caught in a snow storm) and is not intended for the OP's stated use. IMO, I would not trust that product with my car, or my life and the safety of others on the road, when purposefully driving a couple hundred miles in snow. If there was under a 10% chance you would encounter snow, then having the AutoSock would be fine as a low probability of use back-up plan, but anything above that I wold recommend doing it right and have snow tires on.

Originally Posted by DAI

I have to disagree. Reading about the product and the reviews, it appears to be an emergency use product ( i.e. got caught in a snow storm) and is not intended for the OP's stated use. IMO, I would not trust that product with my car, or my life and the safety of others on the road, when purposefully driving a couple hundred miles in snow. If there was under a 10% chance you would encounter snow, then having the AutoSock would be fine as a low probability of use back-up plan, but anything above that I wold recommend doing it right and have snow tires on.

You are right... If the OP knows for *certain* he will be driving on unplowed snow covered roads for 100 to 200 miles, then winter tires is the *best* option. Only he knows the full and most likely scenario given his planned trip. Most roads, including mountain roads are plowed and treated, in which case all-season tires would be sufficient if the OP was willing to wait until the roads are cleared. If he absolutely must drive through a snow storm to keep to a fixed schedule, then I suggest he rents a Jeep and leaves the e60 at home...