I have a 1997 BMW 328i- Left it idling in the driveway for about 10 minutes, and it over heated, and started spewing rad. fluid out of overflow tank- let it cool down, took off up the road, and it immediately gets hot again- should i change the thermostat first, or is there a way to tell if the water pump is bad?

Make sure all the drains are closed, start filling the rad and allow the coolant time to drain down, then fill again. Keep filling the rad unit it no longer drains down, just make sure to stop filling it when the level in the rad is just barely visible when looking down inside it. Now fill the overflow bottle to the lowest level mark. Start the car and turn you heater on to full heat. Let it warm up to proper temp, may/may not need to put more in rad. Keep an eye on the level in the rad it will expand and may overflow, if it looks like it will overflow use yout tester to remove some fluid. Once you see the coolant flowing throug the rad wait a few minutes, then put the rad cap on. Let it run a few more minutes to get the rest of the air out, then drive like normal. Check the fluid level in the overflow bottle (engine cold) over the next few days fill to proper level as needed.

Most likely your timing belt gave way causing your valves and pistons to hit each other. Its time for a new engine.

Hi Paula, Had same problem with mine,use a can of throttle cleaner.Disconnect air intake from the air filter to the last clamp.Start car (get help) spray into intake and don't be shy about how much you spray. Rev car moderately, car will stall, and just keep repeating the process. You should see black type fluid running out, when it stops you stop.

I would change the oil, disconnect the coil or fuel pump and crank the engine for several minutes to let the oil pump work.
Put a few gallons of fresh gas in the tank, and see what happens.
You may have to run that gas out and then replace the fuel filter.
If it starts ok, just let it idle for several minutes before you raise RPM. Listen for noises and see if the cooling system works.
There is a chance you may have to change the trans fluid and filter after you try to drive it.
And after driving a few miles, be sure and check the brakes and all of the engine hoses for leaks.

to check oil start vehicle in park and let idle, open large allen bolt [normally 17mm] on g/box sump, oil should spill from aperture. if not top up until it does. this must be done at a temperature of less than 30 degrees celsius as oil expands at higher temperatures.

It sounds to me as though you have a thermostat valve problem in the cooling fluid cicuit. The test is to remove it, let it get to room temp. and then place in a cup of boiling hot water. It should open. If it does not, replace. They are fairly inexpensive 5-10$. If you do not know were it is follow the top hose of the rad to the engine block it will be in the housing that the hose clamps to at the block. Caution!!!! when you remove that thermo stat housing you will drip coolant. Catch it in a pail or similar. If you miss the pail, hose down the driveway or whatever because it tastes great to pets but is deadly. ( Ethylene Glycol ).

It could be the thermostat replac eto be sure but also check to make sure the cooling fan is coming on periodically observe engine idling after the motor warms up the fan should come on after 5 - 10 minutes idling if not replace either the fan relay or the coolant fan switch

Put open end of overflow hose in container of water. Start the engine and watch for smokey bubbles in your container. If you have some, you have a blown head gasket Give it about 5-10 minutes idling.

Hi there... with the radiator cap off, start the van and let it warm up. Once the thermostat opens you will see the coolant start to circulate in the rad. let it run for 10 - 15 minutes and add more coolant as needed. you will know when there is no more air because the coolant leve, won't go down anymore. Top up the rad and put the cap back on. make sure the overflow resevoir has coolant in it to the full mark and youre done. Hope this helps you out

If you're talking about the Anti-Theft Security code for your radio, I'm fairly sure that only a BMW Dealership would be able to retrieve and reset the radio.

You could also try disconnecting the battery terminals for 10-20 minutes, and see if it resets.