I've got an Automatic 240D. All 63 horses under the hood (when it was new), coupled with the fact that the transmission shifts so early it never gets into its power band -- 4th gear by 30 -- means that I get 0-60 times ranging from 25 to 30 seconds, with the A/C on.

That's a problem.

With the A/C off, it's reasonably peppy although still shifts early.

I was thinking about some way to wire the tranny kickdown switch into the A/C circuit that, when floored WOT, the compressor clutch disengages.

Is this feasible? I was thinking, a normally-closed relay triggered by the kickdown switch. But I don't really know where to tap the circuit, to make this happen. Anyone have any ideas?

__________________
1983 Mercedes-Benz 240D
Automatic, A/C, Power Sunroof, Power Right Side Mirror
231K Miles FOR SALE MAKE OFFER

When I first got my 240D, I considered doing the same thing but I never bothered. I was going to install a switch on the throttle linkage and put a relay in the power supply to the compressor clutch. I wouldn't use the kickdown switch because that would force you to downshift as well. I was going to set the switch for about 3/4 throttle.