What's the normal operating temperature?
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Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 19
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From: CA
4-wheel ones
What's the normal operating temperature?
I noticed today while driving our new C350, the temperature gauge stays above the half mark, around 90C to be exact.
Coming from some BMWs that used to overheat, this just brings back A LOT of bad memories and makes me worried.
Is this normal?
Thanks.
Coming from some BMWs that used to overheat, this just brings back A LOT of bad memories and makes me worried.
Is this normal?
Thanks.
Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 101
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'08 C350 Sport & '08 528i
Mine is just about two weeks old and its right about there also.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 2,078
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From: NYC
2012 C300 4Matic
That's exactly the temp it should be running at.
Quite a few threads have been posted about this.
It seems that MB just calibrates their temp gauges this way.
The same behavior can be noted on most models including the W203s.
Nothing to worry about.
Quite a few threads have been posted about this.
It seems that MB just calibrates their temp gauges this way.
The same behavior can be noted on most models including the W203s.
Nothing to worry about.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
Has anyone noticed that there is any variation from this 90'C when the situation changes eg high ambient temp, higher engine load ie towing , climbing slowly up a steep hill? I my experience with the 220CDI ,no matter the circumstances , the engine coolant temp stays at 90'C. This have not been the case on previous cars I have owned.
The only reason I can think of is that the radiator & cooling fan have plenty of capacity unlike other cars.The thermostat must also be well designed. John.
The only reason I can think of is that the radiator & cooling fan have plenty of capacity unlike other cars.The thermostat must also be well designed. John.
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
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Which cars were these previously?
I've owned cars since MY98 and never seen fluctuations of coolant temps on steep climbs. Not even on track days.
However, I do believe that because many problems in cars during the manufacturer warranty periods come from the cooling systems years ago, that most manufacturers put in better thermostats and cooling systems.
I've owned cars since MY98 and never seen fluctuations of coolant temps on steep climbs. Not even on track days.
However, I do believe that because many problems in cars during the manufacturer warranty periods come from the cooling systems years ago, that most manufacturers put in better thermostats and cooling systems.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 3,714
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From: 1 hours drive north of Sydney Australia
2007 W204 220CDI Classic Sedan
I have owned cars since 1964 & each ones temperature guage has varied under different ambient & load conditions up until our first MB.
John.
John.
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Joined: Mar 2008
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From: Manchester, UK
2008 220CDI Sport Auto Estate, Obsidian Black, Black leather, Heated Seats,Pan Roof, Comand,
This info is taken from the Manual. If yours is running at 90 then it's well within the range so nothing to worry about.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is in the instrument cluster on the left-hand side. The coolant temperature may rise to 120 under normal operating conditions and if the concentration of antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor is correct. The coolant temperature may rise to the top end of the scale at high outside temperatures and on long uphill stretches.
Coolant temperature gauge
The coolant temperature gauge is in the instrument cluster on the left-hand side. The coolant temperature may rise to 120 under normal operating conditions and if the concentration of antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor is correct. The coolant temperature may rise to the top end of the scale at high outside temperatures and on long uphill stretches.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2007
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From: Sydney, Australia
190D 2.5 (x2), 190E 2.6, W202 C240,W202 C43 (C55), W210 E55, W212 E250CDI
Benz have a normal operating temp of 87-105C.
The one important thing to note is that the new generation of V6 and V8's have a electronic thermostat so the engine ECU can vary the operating temp between 80-110C depending on ambient conditions. When it's cold outside then the engine will run at a higher operating temp to help keep oil temps up, if it's hot and you need high engine load then it trys to regulate 80C to maximise performance.
Expect the temp gauge to move around a bit.
The one important thing to note is that the new generation of V6 and V8's have a electronic thermostat so the engine ECU can vary the operating temp between 80-110C depending on ambient conditions. When it's cold outside then the engine will run at a higher operating temp to help keep oil temps up, if it's hot and you need high engine load then it trys to regulate 80C to maximise performance.
Expect the temp gauge to move around a bit.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 678
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From: Vancouver WA
'14 GLK250 Diesel
Yes, we've covered this ground before...a lot...
We have extensive experience driving this car in extreme heat - ambient temps well over 100F. It never budges from 90 C. It will occasionally drop as low as 85 C in colder weather, but not for long.
(No, this is not BMW redux...but I understand your concern if you're coming out of a BMW.)
Anyway, not a problem - this seems to be a common misconception based on the way the temp gauge is calibrated - 90 C is where it will settle, notwithstanding the fact that this is past the "midpoint" of the gauge.
We have extensive experience driving this car in extreme heat - ambient temps well over 100F. It never budges from 90 C. It will occasionally drop as low as 85 C in colder weather, but not for long.
(No, this is not BMW redux...but I understand your concern if you're coming out of a BMW.)
Anyway, not a problem - this seems to be a common misconception based on the way the temp gauge is calibrated - 90 C is where it will settle, notwithstanding the fact that this is past the "midpoint" of the gauge.
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Joined: Feb 2009
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From: Troy, Michigan
2001 CLK55 AMG W208
I have a 2001 CLK 55 AMG and I was having this same exact problem as well too! I was getting little worried about my car. It was close to 80k on it. I live in michigan. When I turned on my car, after few minutes it will be at 80 but then fluxuates little higher or lower but around 80. I was going to take it to the dealership and they would probably ripped me off. Now, I see there isn't really nothing wrong with my car. I appreciate everyone help and happy for this website!!! 
