BMW: overheating, fan clutch, cooling systems

Question
1997 328is automatic
Thanks a bunch!
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Followup To

Question -
my car has recently been overheating only when i turn the air conditioner on. if the heater is on the  thermostat is perfectly fine, but if i try and turn on the ac it instantly goes towards the red. any suggestions as to what the problem may be?

Answer -
Sean,
 It is vital for me to know what type of BMW you own... The cooling systems are different based on what year/model you have.
 Thanks,
 Josh

Answer
Sean,
 First off, NEVER, EVER, allow the engine to run hot.  I dont care how much you have to sweat, it beats paying thousands of dollars to replace an engine that's been overheated.  You may already know this, but I must say it anyways, just in case you didn't.

 The A/C puts quite a load on the engine, it's hard to turn that compressor, so the engine must work harder to idle.  This working harder transfer's into heat, and is causing the overheating problem.  This should not normally happen, but it looks like your fan clutch, or thermostat are not working properly.  I would bet on the fan clutch.  Its a simple fix and relatively inexpensive.

 Good luck,
 Josh