Will Snow chains fit on 255/35 18's ? E46

[danielw]

Optimistically, I may need to fit snow chains on my E46 coupe within the next week or two.

However, the owners manual singles out my size tyres as being "not suitable for snow chains".

Any ideas what the problem may be? Do you think its worth risking it?

[peaktorque]

How much snow are you expecting?
I personally don't fancy using snow-chains on my tyres. Deep snow maybe. What happens when chains meet tarmac?
Chain shaped grooved tyres?

[DaveR]

Snowchains will fit on 255x35/18 rears.

I use these: http://snowchains.co.uk/main/klack_an

The only prob is that with a boot full of gear and limited space between rear wheel and arch, you need to use the jack to give yourself space to work around the wheels. Without doing that it's pretty much impossible. Doing that, it's the work of a couple of minutes per wheel.

Make sure you have the chains handy, a coat handy and ideally some latex mechanics gloves in the case too. Frozen fingers don't help! The nature of the situation is that when you need to fit them in anger, you'll probably be trying to do it in a snowstorm (or the road would already have been cleared). A dress rehearsal in the comfort of your own drive (in the dry) before you leave is also highly advisable!

[Zod]

agree with all the above. It can also be helpful, if you are on the level, to use a jack if you are having real difficulty getting the chains on.