Diamari's

[sprocket1200]

you could check out the General Grabber HTS, but from the review I have read there are many people having trouble balancing those tires. I would get the Michelins, more expensive generally, but fewer issues with them...

and as AZX stated a winter tire cannot be compared to an all season. If you are heading into winter conditions (from snow to temperatures of just above freezing) get a second set of OEM rims off craigslist for cheap ($400 or less for all 4!) and fit winter rubber...

[Seabass]

I installed a set of 255/55/18 General Grabber HTS tires after reading all the glowing reviews on-line. Couldn't be more impressed. I drove out of the tire shop and into 10cm of fresh snow last weekend and they are performing very well on snow and ice.

I've had them up to highway speed and don't notice any balance issues as per the previous post (I was only able to locate one single on-line review that mentioned balance issues, so don't avoid these tires on that account).

People may poo-poo these tires because they don't carry a higher profile brand label but, so far, they are great in this Canadian winter (or as good as an all-season tire can be).

[sprocket1200]

read the reviews on tirerack, there are numerous balance issues with General tires. I am glad you have had a good experience though. Maybe they did some quality control...

[Seabass]

245 Reviews on Tirerack (which is where I bought the tires). Sort them by rating, you will see that about 6 of the lowest ratings report balance/handling/noise issues. The overall rating pretty much exceeds any other SUV tire that they sell.

I'm not saying they are perfect, I just wanted to post my good experience so fellow X5 owners weren't swayed away from Generals after reading your comment.

So, speaking from personal experience: I'm running General Grabber HTS, in winter, in Alberta, and they perform very well.