What's a safe temp range?
 

Hi guys,

My 240D, when warmed up, usually runs with the engine coolant temp just above the "80" mark.

When climbing hills, or when it is hot out, it goes to 1/2 way between the "80" mark and the next mark up (which is unmarked). That's pretty much where it maxes out.

Is this normal? What is normal?

Thanks,

PE

The unmarked tic = 100. Your next marked one is 120.

Looks like your running fine.

That sounds just fine. The next mark up is 100c and still nothing to be worried about. It will probably run up there in summer city traffic with the AC on, but you're still a-ok.

Thank you guys! I appreciate it very much. I find that I am more fond of my 240D than I thought I would be.

It's a tough and simple car that has already served one family for 30 years, the PO said that he brought both of his kids home in the vehicle. Now, it's being tasked for teenager driving duties. I don't want it overheating or spitting up oil.

Sincerely,

PE

Don't count on it doing that, what you can count on is tireless years of reliable and economical (albeit a little slow) service from your car. You'll be hard-pressed to find a more rugged and simple car than a 240d w123, if they can't kill 'em in West Africa as bush taxis, the streets of America will be a walk in the part. IMO it's a perfect car for a teenager, well maybe not in their eyes as they want SPEED, but it's safe, reliable, and will always get you home.

Ha ha. My wife was MAD when I brought this little guy home a few months back.

She said "I can't believe you bought a used mercedes as a clunker for the teens to drive! Won't it cost a small fortune to fix up and keep running?"

I said:

• No, the W123 is the most reliable car in the world
• It's a tank - extremely safe
• It's glacially slow - the kids will NOT be ripping around in this.
• It's cheap to insure, even with the teens
• Parts are easy to come by
• It was cheap to buy

She thought about it and said "OK, that makes sense. I still can't believe it, though"

She's noticed me spending some time, but really a minimal amount in parts to get it to a very nice shape and I think she is now convinced.

So true! Until I get my own insurance, my mom put me on hers. After all was said and done, I'm down to about $30 for car insurance. :cool: I love it!