I have a 1998 E300D TurboDiesel, and I have had no problems starting in sub-zero Fahrenheit temperatures, as long as the glow plugs are all functional. As for traction, my car has the ASD feature, which I find pretty useless. Tires are likely the most influential factor - I use an all season tire and have had very few instances in 100,000 miles of driving where traction was an issue and never at any normal driving speeds. The traction control system seems to be ok with underpowering the car to the point where you can't lug it up a hill in low traction situations like you can a typical W123 with a manual transmission. I was surprised to hear people think those cars were poor performers in the snow. I loved all my 240Ds and never, ever got stuck, or had to turn back due to snow. One must be careful when taking the foot off the throttle as on really slick surfaces that is like pulling the emergency brake. The rear wheels lose traction and slow to less than the vehicle speed by the engine compression. One must push the clutch in before taking the right foot off the throttle. Jim

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Own:
1986 Euro 190E 2.3-16 (291,000 miles),
1998 E300D TurboDiesel, 231,000 miles -purchased with 45,000,
1988 300E 5-speed 252,000 miles,
1983 240D 4-speed, purchased w/136,000, now with 222,000 miles.
2009 ML320CDI Bluetec, 89,000 miles

Owned:
1971 220D (250,000 miles plus, sold to father-in-law),
1975 240D (245,000 miles - died of body rot),
1991 350SD (176,560 miles, weakest Benz I have owned),
1999 C230 Sport (45,400 miles),
1982 240D (321,000 miles, put to sleep)