Problem with the water temperature?

[zeemax]

Hello everyone! I just purchased a 1997 E320 with 49K miles on it. Everything seems to be working alright, but the temperature gauge is always at 82-83 degrees when driven normally, and it goes up to 85 when going up a hill or when the car is idling for 2-3 minutes. I always thought that the temp indicator should stay at 80 (half way) no matter the driving conditions. I replaced the thermostat, but no change. Any suggestions? Is the engine running too hot? Thanks in advance!

[Jackd]

This is totally normal.
What you have on a lesser car is a temperature "indicator". On most cars, it stays half way to tell you not to worry, it is within acceptable limits.
What you have on a Benz is a temperature "gauge".
It tells you degree by degree the real temp. of the coolant liquid like a real thermometer would do. Don't worry if you see the gauge going up to 90-95-100 in heavy traffic when the outside temp. is 95F. This is normal.