So if I read correctly, the photo indicates where the car is on the road, but it rises to the hash mark just above when you park the car idling. Does it stay there, or slowly cool down while idling?

I think you confused things a little by replacing both the T-stat and the sender at the same time. It is often best to take things one step at a time (that is, one component change at a time).

The sending units are notoriously inaccurate.

Check the wire that attaches to the sender for any signs of cracking or chafing; this will alter the reading.

Also if you are using a IR thermometer, I would point it at the upper radiator hose, not the thermostat housing.

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Mac
2002 e320 4matic estate│1985 300d│1980 300td
Previous: 1979 & 1982 & 1983 300sd │ 1982 240d

“Let's take a drive into the middle of nowhere with a packet of Marlboro lights and talk about our lives.” ― Joseph Heller, Catch-22