I have an 81 240D that consistently runs at about 98C when cruising, it reaches about 102C when under load climbing a hill. When I got this car I changed the water pump, coolant lines and thermostat as it had a few small leaks and soft hoses when I got it. It doesn't leak now and had been running at this high temp now for several weeks.

I had a 79 240D for 3 years before this one and it never ran over 85C under heavy load and typically about 82C when cruising.

Is 98C normal or is there something wrong?

IR Temp gun seems to say that the engine is indeed this hot (checked it at the engine side of the stat housing), I've tried two different thermostats (80C), not losing coolant.

Any ideas?