The dealer replaced my leaking water pump, flushed my cooling system, replaced the thermostat, refilled with all MB stuff, and now my car runs at about 92 instead of 87 or a little less. That is just past half way between 80 and 100, instead of just under half way between 80 and 100. Actually, at the end of my last thermostat’s life, my car was running low 80s. I liked the idea of running just under 90 instead of just over 90. I don’t think hotter is a good thing. I was thinking about trying to get a lower temperature thermostat. I asked the dealer about it and they said only one 87-degree thermostat was available for my car. I gave up on it, but I still wish it were 87 instead of 92.

On these forums, some have commented that it is not uncommon for a failing thermostat to start leaking and allow lower operating temperatures. That may sound too bad, but I would not have been happy if a failing thermostat finally stopped working correctly and let my car overheat.

__________________
I just couldn't give up on my 1995 E320.

I think it might be like always going back to that same bad relationship with an ex girlfriend.
You feel you love them too much, or you are just too stupid to know any better.



Flickr slideshow of my 1995 E320
http://www.flickr.com/photos/24145497@N06/sets/72157616572140057/