I drive my SD all winter in Minnesota. I've never had an issue. I guess growing up in a rural area where blizzards were common taught me how to drive in the snow and ice. I don't even have snow tires, just a good set of all-weather tires.

Back to the OPs remarks, I drive in the Twin Cities area regularly, maybe about 4-600 miles/week. I usually see one or two other diesels per month. They are just few and far between.

__________________
2009 ML320 Bluetec
1985 300CD
1981 300TD

Past Mercedes
1979 300TD
1982 300TD
2000 E320 4Matic Wagon
1998 E430
1984 300SD
1980 300SD