Z4 Coupe to Alps. Winter wheels/tyres or snowchain needed?
Discussion
My Z4C couldn't even make it out of our carpark without being pushed when we had all the snow and ice recently, wouldn't like to try one in the alps.
The problem is that the steepest parts of the roads will be those near the resort and they're the ones most likely to be covered in ice and snow. I wouldn't fancy the chances of having to stop on an incline then get going again.
Do you know the state of the roads where you're going? Another (pretty rubbish) option may be to drive the majority of the way then ditch the coupe in a local town carpark and taxi the rest of the way.
Doesn't really answer your question, sorry!
The problem is that the steepest parts of the roads will be those near the resort and they're the ones most likely to be covered in ice and snow. I wouldn't fancy the chances of having to stop on an incline then get going again.
Do you know the state of the roads where you're going? Another (pretty rubbish) option may be to drive the majority of the way then ditch the coupe in a local town carpark and taxi the rest of the way.
Doesn't really answer your question, sorry!
Vroomer said:
I'm driving to the Alps soon in my Z4 Coupe, which has the standard runflats.
Do I need to invest in winter wheels/tyres or snowchains? Or should I just chance it? (It's motorway until the last bit.)
Thanks for advice.
This is the second time this has come up today.Do I need to invest in winter wheels/tyres or snowchains? Or should I just chance it? (It's motorway until the last bit.)
Thanks for advice.
You don't tell us which way you are going, but if you
have the standard English summer tyres and you have a little
adventure out there, local Plod will be wondering why you've
been negligent and not fitted winter tyres.
Expect a lot more hassle from them as a result.
Legal requirement in most European countries, except UK.
Common sense should also tell you that a powerful RWD chariot
will need all the traction it can get.
Vroomer said:
I'm driving to the Alps soon in my Z4 Coupe, which has the standard runflats.
Do I need to invest in winter wheels/tyres or snowchains? Or should I just chance it? (It's motorway until the last bit.)
Thanks for advice.
I drove to Italy nearly 2 years ago ( was February actually ) and if I were you I'd get some winter tyres. That's just me though....Do I need to invest in winter wheels/tyres or snowchains? Or should I just chance it? (It's motorway until the last bit.)
Thanks for advice.
Silver993tt said:
I've just ordered a second set of alloys shod with winter tyres for my new (to me) 330D Touring (E91). £800 all-in and a no brainer IMO. They'll last quite a few seasons (Nov-March). I'm off to Austria in a few weeks and wouldn't go without them.
That's a good price. Where did you get these from? I've got the same car and am looking at doing the same for a ski trip in Feb.pdw said:
Silver993tt said:
I've just ordered a second set of alloys shod with winter tyres for my new (to me) 330D Touring (E91). £800 all-in and a no brainer IMO. They'll last quite a few seasons (Nov-March). I'm off to Austria in a few weeks and wouldn't go without them.
That's a good price. Where did you get these from? I've got the same car and am looking at doing the same for a ski trip in Feb.By law on most French alpine roads, after a point, you are required to have chains if you want to proceed.
Winter tyres are optional. Winter tyres are law in switzerland. Winter tyres will help on snow, but for ice you'll need chains or Scandinavian studded tyres.
As most resorts relie on people getting there for their income (which is mostly in 3 months out of 12) they are usually very good at making sure the main roads are clear. But the drive way to your chalet may be deep in snow.
I'd get chains to get les flicks off your back (~£40) & 4x snow socks as these are less likly to take a chunk out of your wheel arch/wheels.
Winter tyres are good, but it'll be 10-20 years before we have an other cold winter like this one (last really snowy uk winters where 83 & 61)
admittedly if you live in Scotland then they are probably a good investment.
Custard (currently in megeve)
Winter tyres are optional. Winter tyres are law in switzerland. Winter tyres will help on snow, but for ice you'll need chains or Scandinavian studded tyres.
As most resorts relie on people getting there for their income (which is mostly in 3 months out of 12) they are usually very good at making sure the main roads are clear. But the drive way to your chalet may be deep in snow.
I'd get chains to get les flicks off your back (~£40) & 4x snow socks as these are less likly to take a chunk out of your wheel arch/wheels.
Winter tyres are good, but it'll be 10-20 years before we have an other cold winter like this one (last really snowy uk winters where 83 & 61)
admittedly if you live in Scotland then they are probably a good investment.
Custard (currently in megeve)
custardkid said:
Winter tyres are good, but it'll be 10-20 years before we have an other cold winter like this one (last really snowy uk winters where 83 & 61)
admittedly if you live in Scotland then they are probably a good investment.
Custard (currently in megeve)
Well, the winter tyres are not snow tyres only - they will provide benefit in temperatures under 7degC for most cars and the UK will definitely have several weeks each winter where this is relevant. Its funny that UK people think winter tyres are only for snowadmittedly if you live in Scotland then they are probably a good investment.
Custard (currently in megeve)
Having said that, I drove to Denmark before Xmas and back after the new year and my car was woeful on summer tyres so I am definitely going to take my own advice this year!
My question is not quite as daft as it sounds!
I've driven to Austria/Switzerland many times before in a 5-Series and a Saab and never used the chains I had with me – as a previous poster said, the resorts are very good at keeping the main roads clear.
I'm just feeling more nervous about doing it in the Z4 because, I too, couldn't even get it out of the car park in the recent snow!
I've driven to Austria/Switzerland many times before in a 5-Series and a Saab and never used the chains I had with me – as a previous poster said, the resorts are very good at keeping the main roads clear.
I'm just feeling more nervous about doing it in the Z4 because, I too, couldn't even get it out of the car park in the recent snow!
Vroomer said:
I've now been told that snow chains cannot be used on a Z4 fitted with 255/35 R18 tyres, thus I'm faced with the prospect of taking the risk or buying a special set of winter wheels/tyres. Ouch.
Option 1 is both illegal and stupid.Option 2 is a runner. Price up some cheap steelies or cheap
alloys if you have to, and ring round a few tyre dealers
for matching tyres.
Change winter/summer tyres when the clocks change in the
spring/autumn.
The only real extra cost is the extra set of wheels, because
you can only have one set of tyres on at a time.
I got a quote of £250 for a set of cheap alloys for my chariot.
What price safety ?
custardkid said:
By law you'll need chains, even with winter tyres!
Chains can be bought for all wheel sizes (google snow chains)
how ever if you use them is an other matter. It has been know for the plod to pull cars into a 'chain putting on area'
Custard
That's only in France. The Alps also exist in Switzerland, Austria & Italy. In Austria winter tyres are sufficient since they are a lot more realistic when it comes to visitors - much nicer place also Chains can be bought for all wheel sizes (google snow chains)
how ever if you use them is an other matter. It has been know for the plod to pull cars into a 'chain putting on area'
Custard
custardkid said:
By law you'll need chains, even with winter tyres!
Chains can be bought for all wheel sizes (google snow chains)
how ever if you use them is an other matter. It has been know for the plod to pull cars into a 'chain putting on area'
Custard
Believe me, I've done lots of googling!Chains can be bought for all wheel sizes (google snow chains)
how ever if you use them is an other matter. It has been know for the plod to pull cars into a 'chain putting on area'
Custard
And BMW say chains cannot be fitted to my tyres
Vroomer said:
custardkid said:
By law you'll need chains, even with winter tyres!
Chains can be bought for all wheel sizes (google snow chains)
how ever if you use them is an other matter. It has been know for the plod to pull cars into a 'chain putting on area'
Custard
Believe me, I've done lots of googling!Chains can be bought for all wheel sizes (google snow chains)
how ever if you use them is an other matter. It has been know for the plod to pull cars into a 'chain putting on area'
Custard
And BMW say chains cannot be fitted to my tyres
Vroomer said:
custardkid said:
By law you'll need chains, even with winter tyres!
Chains can be bought for all wheel sizes (google snow chains)
how ever if you use them is an other matter. It has been know for the plod to pull cars into a 'chain putting on area'
Custard
Believe me, I've done lots of googling!Chains can be bought for all wheel sizes (google snow chains)
how ever if you use them is an other matter. It has been know for the plod to pull cars into a 'chain putting on area'
Custard
And BMW say chains cannot be fitted to my tyres
except these:
http://www.snowchains.com/product_02.asp?productID...
http://www.snowchains.com/product_02.asp?productID...
http://www.snowchains.com/product_02.asp?productID...
http://www.snowchains.com/product_02.asp?productID...
if they clear the wheel arch is an other question!
custard
(ps no connection with the company.. its just the first result on google!)
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