those cars you mention do not have by pass thermostats.

in a non bypass thermostat the only danger is running too cool which is not good but not too dangerous.

in a benz it will cause it to run hot in the warm weather. this is potentially very damaging and costly.

if you dont understand it read ali's post again or look in your repair manual. most of them offer diagrams describing the path of the coolant in a benz BYPASS thermostatic cooling system.

tom w

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.