thanx to kenny for bringing up the matter and to ron for the suggestions....

regards
izzy

: Kenny, first, don't worry about the momentary high temp reading after restarting your car, that's normal, as long as it settles in after about a minute, or until you get moving and air gets across the radiator.
: As for the temp creep in traffic, it can be several things, but don't ignore it. Heat-ups like the ones you describe can lead to head gasket troubles which is big $$$. Check the following and see the archives where noted.
: 1. thermostat--if it's opening/closing correctly, the upper rad hose should be HOT after driving a while. Cheap fix--$20-30
: 2. auxiliary fan--this is the small electric fan that sits in FRONT of your radiator. It does nothing while driving, but in traffic, its role is to switch on at preset temp intervals (before the RED zone) and when A/C is on and pull air into the radiator. The ez check on this one is to switch on your A/C with car in park, get out check to see that the fan is operating. Possible causes if it's not can be bad fan, bad resistor, or simply a blown fuse. Archives have much info.
: 3. fan clutch--again, doesn't do much while your car is moving ("free-wheels"), but in traffic, it's supposed to "grab" and pull air across the engine. Check archives for more info. About $65-70 for a new one)
: 4. Check the radiator cap and check/tighten all hoses. Pressure losses usually show up when car is in traffic. Usually small, no leak or smell, but just enough to allow pressure to escape.
: 5. Get the radiator checked. It SHOULD be ok with your mileage and vehicle age, but i've heard of a few early failures. They usually last about 8-10 years if properly maintained. A new one will set you back about $300 +labor.

: Good luck and get it fixed before the really hot stuff gets here!

: ron 89 525i