I too have a 96 C280 that has been overheating. It stays at 87C and rises to 100C during idling times.
I have changed the water pump, thermostat, some kind of electronic magnetic valve next to the firewall on the passenger side, a new fan clutch and it still sits at the same temp range.
Before the new water pump it set below 80C and never rose above that.
I had a 1987 190E 2.6 and it set below 80C and never moved much, except down.
My question is, what should the temp be set for, why did the new water pump change the temp range and what else could be down to return it to the proper range?
Steve Dale
Lubbock, Tx.