Originally Posted by Skippy

American cars don't usually have "real" gauges. German cars generally do. A while ago, American car manufacturers figured out that many American drivers were worried when the gauges in theirs cars showed fluctuations in temperature and oil pressure, which were normal responses to changes in load and operating conditions. So, rather than attempt to educate their customers, the OEM's came up with gauges that hovered in the middle of the range most of the time. German manufacturers figured their customers were well enough informed to know that engine temperatures and oil pressures vary during normal operation.

BTW, my 300D normally runs about 100C, and has since I replaced a bad thermostat about seven years ago. Before that it wouldn't get above 60. I just replaced my water pump today (leaking badly), so we'll see if that changes the running temperature by much. I also discovered that my fan clutch is seized. Will work on that later.