With A/C off, I get pretty good power from the 3.8; not fast, but satisfying response to the pedal. But with the A/C switched on, it gets a little sluggish and doesn't downshift as well. I figure there is some bit of power penalty from driving the compressor, but how much is normal for a Benz?

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1985 380SE Blue/Blue - 230,000 miles
2012 Subaru Forester 5-speed
2005 Toyota Sienna
2004 Chrysler Sebring convertible
1999 Toyota Tacoma

Try it on a OM617 or a OM616 its even more noticible....A/C is a big power drain and you are going to notice it...more than a little.

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Proud owner of ....
1971 280SE W108
1979 300SD W116
1983 300D W123
1975 Ironhead Sportster chopper
1987 GMC 3/4 ton 4X4 Diesel
1989 Honda Civic (Heavily modified)
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Section 609 MVAC Certified
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"He who fights with monsters might take care lest he thereby become a monster. And if you gaze for long into an abyss, the abyss gazes also into you." - Friedrich Nietzsche

That engine should have enough oomph that you would never know the compressor is kicked in. I think that the difference is probably that when you DON'T have the a/c on it is cooler weather. Cool air is more dense, thus giving more power.

Good luck,

A/C certainly has an affect on the 2.3. Like raymr said, it seems to not want to downshift when it should. For me, moderate hills with a/c means full throttle with no acceleration
Is this what I can expect with my engine?

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1992 190E 2.3
150,000 Miles

Yes, with a small four cylinder this would be normal, but not with a powerful V8.

Have a great day,

That of course begs the question whether the 3.8 can be considered a "powerful V8." It has 155HP, I do believe.

Sorry Larry, couldn't resist.