Got an E60 or E61 5-series? Going skiing in the Alps?

[phelix]

I have a set of E60/E61 17" wheels with 225/50 17 Vredestein snow tyres that I'm happy to "rent" to people heading to the Alps. I haven't spent a lot of time trying to figure out a fair cost but am thinking that something like 6p/mile (£90 for 1500 miles) should cover it plus an extra charge for kerbing or wheel damage or "tyre hooliganism" I'm in SE Hants and could probably help with the wheel swap and/or store your road wheels while you're underway. I could also ship them via courier but that starts to get expensive as it's probably $40 or more each way.

My personal opinion (having learned to drive in the ice and snow) is that the most important thing for safe and secure winter driving is 4 snow tyres. Summer tyres with snow chains is a recipe for forward traction with very little steering or braking control. Chains are limited to 30 mph and are of no use when there's a few inches of fresh snow or slush on the roads. Also, the rubber on summer tyres doesn't work well in sub zero temps.

[MazDave]

If I'd known about you two weeks ago.....

Just sorted out a set of 16" standard E60 alloys with some 225 55 16 Goodyear Snows. Anyway sods law states that we'd both want them at the same time. I'm off to St Anton Feb 8th. Watching the snow reports on a daily basis already. I think I'm more excited than the kids

[kith]

phelix said:

Summer tyres with snow chains is a recipe for forward traction with very little steering or braking control. Chains are limited to 30 mph and are of no use when there's a few inches of fresh snow or slush on the roads. Also, the rubber on summer tyres doesn't work well in sub zero temps.

I was under the impression that snow chains were mandatory in the Alps in winter and that the police regularly check to ensure compliance?

[phelix]

kith said:

phelix said:

Summer tyres with snow chains is a recipe for forward traction with very little steering or braking control. Chains are limited to 30 mph and are of no use when there's a few inches of fresh snow or slush on the roads. Also, the rubber on summer tyres doesn't work well in sub zero temps.

I was under the impression that snow chains were mandatory in the Alps in winter and that the police regularly check to ensure compliance?

They're mandatory at times of heavy snow when the plows are unable to clear the snow fast enough. The requirement is usually lifted in a day or so when the plows and gritters and sunshine have cleared the road back to tarmac.

[flattotheboards]

phelix said:

I have a set of E60/E61 17" wheels with 225/50 17 Vredestein snow tyres that I'm happy to "rent" to people heading to the Alps. I haven't spent a lot of time trying to figure out a fair cost but am thinking that something like 6p/mile (£90 for 1500 miles) should cover it

What if you carry them in the boot untill there needed?

[phelix]

flattotheboards said:

What if you carry them in the boot untill there needed?

Don't quit your day job!