i3 tire chains

[klineco]

Has anyone been able to find tire chains for the i3? Specifically the one referenced in this post - http://www.bmwblog.com/2014/02/18/guide-bmw-i3-wheels-tires-need-know/? I have asked my dealer about them and tried to find the manufacturer in order that I can query them specifically. I have snow tires (Blizzak) on our i3 REX - but we live in the mtns and there are time when chains would help greatly.

 

[jadnashuanh]

They are made but whether the USA subsidiary decided to import them as an option, is tougher. You might be able to order them from Europe, but shipping could be pretty steep, especially if you need them soon. They are designed for the 429 and 430 wheels. http://www.bmw.com/com/en/owners/accessories/accessoryfinder/finder.html

 

[Leasi3]

Has anyone been able to find tire chains for the i3? Specifically the one referenced in this post - http://www.bmwblog.com/2014/02/18/guide-bmw-i3-wheels-tires-need-know/? I have asked my dealer about them and tried to find the manufacturer in order that I can query them specifically. I have snow tires (Blizzak) on our i3 REX - but we live in the mtns and there are time when chains would help greatly.

The BMW part number for these is 36112344236

They appear to be for sale by many online BMW parts dealers though I don't know how to tell if they are in stock.

NOTE: Description makes it clear that "Only suitable for tire size 155/70 R19", which excludes all season REX rears and all 20" wheels.

 

[TahoeGal]

I found two styles (one link, one diagonal cable) that would work on 175/60R19s but I have not found any except the ones sold in the UK or the BMW OEM version that fit on snow tires 155/70R19.

For 175/60R19...

https://www.qualitychaincorp.com/1134-pl-link-chain (currently $89)
and
https://www.qualitychaincorp.com/qv335-volt-passenger (currently $94)

There are also tire socks (textile snow "chains") that supposedly fit 175/60R19s (currently $57 +$
look for "Sparco Textile Snow Tire Chains Socks XL Size for tire size (175/60R19)" on ebay

A final option would be custom chains - one example (of many) given below - but I have not researched them.

http://kenjonestiresblog.com/blog/custom-made-tire-chains-sometimes-the-only-solution/
Would need to be SAE Class S for limited clearance installations.

 

[TahoeGal]

Whoa! I need to retract what I said in my previous post. I purchased a set of chains from quality chain that I posted previously but it turns out that they cannot be installed due to interference at the wheel. They do fit 175/60R19 tires, as we discovered after having difficulty installing one while the wheel was still mounted. However, it is impossible to remount the wheel due to interference. (I assumed the concern about chains having to be low-profile S-type was due to tight circumference of the wheel well and there is no issue there. In this case there is interference where the wheel is mounted, top inside.)

Bottom line - the Quality Chain Corp chains are very nice quality chains that fit the i3's tire size, but they CANNOT be installed on an i3. My sincere apologies for the misleading post! I am going to try to return mine. :-(

(If I knew how to edit or delete what I posted earlier, I'd do that, but I don't!)

Sorry!

 

[louisgrenier]

I have used the fabric chain with success. And also the kevlar Michelin ones. The first working slightly better. I live in a national park with a lot of snow, so i need those. The fabric ones are easier to put on. I have to remove them once outside the park.