We live in semi-rural Aberdeenshire and we do have winters up here, the last three returning to what were 'normal' winters a few years ago. My wife drives a BMW 325M diesel automatic, and we fit winter wheels and tyres from November to March. The vehicle performance has been excellent and she has never missed a day driving, except when the snow was too deep anyway. When I wheel the 'summer' tyres into the garage each autumn I do remark to myself that it is no wonder that modern tyres are no good in the winter - just look at the treads. So to those correspondents who write to you for advice, please take it from us that it is not the 'rear wheel drive BMW’ that is hopeless - it really is the tyres. Incidentally I also fit winter tyres to my 4x4 with excellent results. Vredestein Wintracs are very good - quiet running, good wear characteristics and are quite good to leave on all year - the taxi drivers around here do just that.