230/8,

You are absolutely correct in pointing out the many variables involved in a/c use. Climate, personal thermal needs and how you drive (city or highway) are all factors.

As an example, I recently met lizem100 in person. He has a very nice 300E and drives from Ft. Worth to Dallas every day, at least a 70 mile round trip commute. He has a simple 134 conversion and is happy with it.

I know his route and it is mostly freeway. Eric is thin and fit, so I don't think he needs to be chilled to the bone as some larger folks would need to be. So, given his particular parameters, the 134 conversion, even in the particular MB chassis that typically provides the worst conversion results works well for him.

Now, if someone who required colder cabin temp to be comfortable and drove stoplight to stoplight in Houston, I doubt that they could be at all satisfied with Erics car. It all depends on your own needs and situation. All this should be taken into account before deciding which way to go with your a/c.

Have a great day,