kawa9

Short answer NO, NO, NO!! I had a 220d for a while (16months)and enjoyed it to a point, the turbo lag was something I just couldn't get used to. I had to either time it right when leaving a junction or simply gun it. At the end of the day it's a diesel. Unfortunately/fortunately I was given a 250 Auto as a courtesy car whilst the 220 was being serviced and thought it was fantastic. This experience bugged me for a couple of months until I bought what I should have in the first place an auto 250. Economay isn't high on my agenda but don't think there is a vast difference considering diesel is more expensive and in anycase your getting a far better car for a couple of mpg. You will miss out on mid range torque but flooring the 250 even in auto mode is great (not as good as a boxster I suspect) Hope this helps, 250 every day of the week.

IS 250 Auto with 18" wheels. Would like to have a set of spare wheels with winter tyres. Can anyone give advice on which size to get. on ebay there are some IS 200 17" wheels on sale would those fit ok. Any help would be great.

Hi Andy, I emailed the company and they recommended size AS685 for the back. As an update I've done probably 100miles on snow and ice without issue but when the thaw came and tarmac was visible the socks wore down very quickly.They are indeed fantastic at getting you out of a pickle but not for running about on. I've ordered another set for the next batch of white stuff but will NEED to ensure they are removed with any sign of tarmac. Another set of wheels with winter tyres for me next year or a RX. hope this helps, Eddie.

I'll have them. Eddie

IS 250 Sport 255/40/18 at the back - Last winter this car was nothing more than a half ton of usless metal when the white fluffy stuff arrived. This year I got a set of four Autosocks and the transformation is incredible. I now have a car I can use in the snow/ice. I have no idea how long they will last but they are superb initially. Previous poster stated that they were impossible to fit. I will agree that they are indeed very difficult to fit at the back (front not too bad) due to the clearance of the wheel arch and the width of the tyres. In order to make it easier I had to jack the car up to give me the required clearance - not handy in a blizzard and on a slight incline. Having a partner help hold may also make it easier. Reading through the forum I do feel that I should aquire another set of wheels and fit winter tyres if for no reason other than convenience. Due to the fitting issue of the socks I am reluctant to remove them, therfore risk destroying them on tarmac when the roads get partially cleared. Hope this helps.