BMW Repair: Ideal Temp, engine temp, coolant

Question
I just bought a used 2000 323I ... on our first long drive the engine temp went up as we went a little faster and down to what I thought was normal when we went a little slower... (80mph High and 55mph normal) the gauge never went into red. Is this normal? Fluid level seems to be ok.

Answer
The gauge should go to about the middle of the gauge to be normal.If it goes over half(3/4 or more)and there is no loss in coolant I would then suspect a bad sending unit.Have the temperature checked.This will also tell you when the thermostat opens/closes.
Being 6 years old you should also have the coolant changed,something that should be done every couple of years.