Well, I got my answer tonight.

Bellingham was forecast to get one to six inches of snow; then it was reduced to one to three; then finally no snow at all.

So, I decided to take a trip tonight to a local casino (won $150), had dinner, and then decided to go home. Outside, there was 2.5 - 3 inches of snow.

Started the car, drove a few feet in the parking lot, and since it felt OK, I decided to go home instead of becoming a guest of the local tribe.

During the 26 mile trip to drop off a friend and get back to my apartment, I had no trouble with the go and the cautious slow, however, there was one incident where the X decided on it's own to make a left turn. I was on a down slope in a banked section of the road.

Getting the friend back to his motel was no biggie, but then I did have to descend a steep hill to get back to the apt. I crept down the hill as slow as I could and timed my entry into the intersection - where I had to make a right turn - with the changing of the light.

With cautious braking I was able to get down the hill without sliding, however, the turn was a complete miss.

So, now that I have personal experience I will say:

If you absolutely have to get somewhere in 3- inches of snow, the Damaris 19 inch tires on relatively flat terrain, the X5 can probably make it. However you have to go really, really slow - and hope that nobody on the road does anything that causes you to have to react.

These tires have plenty of go, but any kind of turn above 5 mph - or any sudden turn or stop is a good opportunity to customize your sheet metal.

I would NOT recommend that anyone use these tires in the snow unless they absolutely have to. So unless the streets clear tomorrow - Monday I will be a bus passenger - and damn glad to be one.

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2006 X5 Sport 4.4i