Yea the 3.0 with all season 17s is all you will need in winter. Dont bother with the snows unless you really want them. Both my cousins have 4.4 with 18s and all season and they do just fine even in heavy deep snow.

I can't comment on capability/limitations of all seasons but am very happy with the 17" snows that I have. Dunlop grantrek from Tirerack. I go deep into Vermont and Maine in the winter for skiing and wanted the extra peace of mind that the snows give.

Some varied opinions here

http://www.xoutpost.com/x5-e53-forum/...up-boston.html