Glen:

You must be right on this as my 1991 300E was bought in April 1991 so it might be a late production model.

Bo

It is some 91's I guess, as I had jotted that down from an older post from the archives....

John,
Why would you prefer a 96 or + C-class? I would understand if you said, 97 (5 spd trans), or 98 (newer [not necessarily better] engine, or updated body trim, but 96? What's newer about that (key?), or maybe the interior appointments...?
Hmm, now that I'm asking, I think I was able to answer my own question!
Oh well, enlighten me.

TMK, there is not much difference in operation of the A/C system, it's mostly asthetics and physical way of operation (newer climate control Push Button Unit). Am I correct?

No John, I recall SteveBFL saying that all C-class W202 cars had that variable compressor.
But I can surely agree with the rest of what you're saying.