Snow chains

Snow chains provide additional traction and safety for the BMW 5 Series G30 in wintry conditions. This chapter explains which tire sizes are approved and how to fit the chains correctly. Chains may only be used on the rear axle and with suitable tires. Notes on tensioning, maximum speed and deactivation of Integral Active Steering are also included. Correctly fitted and tensioned, snow chains significantly improve driving stability on snow and ice.

Fine-link snow chains

The manufacturer of your vehicle recommends the use of fine-link snow chains.

Certain fine-link snow chains have been tested by the vehicle manufacturer and classified as road-safe and suitable.

Information on suitable snow chains is available from a manufacturer service partner, another qualified service partner or a specialist workshop.

Use

WARNING Fitting snow chains to unsuitable tires can cause the snow chains to contact vehicle parts.

There is a risk of accident or damage to property. Fit snow chains only to tires that the manufacturer has classified as suitable for the use of snow chains.

Use is only permitted in pairs on the rear wheels, with tires of the following size:

• 225/55 R 17.
• 245/45 R 18.
• 245/40 R 19.

Observe the instructions of the snow chain manufacturer.

Make sure the snow chains are always sufficiently tensioned. If necessary, re-tension them in accordance with the snow chain manufacturer's instructions.

Do not initialize the Tire Puncture Warning while snow chains are fitted, otherwise incorrect warnings may occur.

Do not initialize Tire Pressure Control while snow chains are fitted, otherwise incorrect warnings may occur.

When driving with snow chains, activate Dynamic Traction Control briefly if necessary to optimize traction.

Maximum speed with snow chains

Do not exceed a speed of 50 km/h with snow chains.

Rear-wheel steering with snow chains

General

To ensure the wheels have sufficient clearance when snow chains are fitted, Integral Active Steering rear-wheel steering must be switched off.

Safety information

WARNING With rear-wheel steering switched on and snow chains fitted, the snow chains may contact the body. There is a risk of accident or damage to property. With snow chains fitted, switch off rear-wheel steering.

Switch off rear-wheel steering

Setting that snow chains are fitted switches off rear-wheel steering.

Via iDrive:

1. 1
   "My Vehicle"
2. 2
   "Vehicle settings"
3. 3
   "Snow chains"
4. 4
   "Snow chains fitted"

Above the maximum permissible speed with snow chains of 50 km/h, rear-wheel steering is switched on automatically again.

The notes on using snow chains on the BMW 5 Series G30/G31 show that safety on winter roads depends heavily on the correct equipment. Only approved tire sizes and tested chains ensure safe use without damage to the vehicle.

The requirement to switch off rear-wheel steering when snow chains are fitted is particularly well considered. This reliably prevents contact between the chains and the body. This setting is easy to activate via iDrive, which makes it easier to use even in difficult conditions.

The BMW 5 Series G30/G31 shows how precise engineering and safety requirements work together to give the driver optimal support in snow and ice.