Overheated

[ahlem]

After 300 miles my 2001 X5 with 175000 miles went from normal operating to red line in about 2 minutes. A huge cloud was visible out the back. I limped over to the shoulder 90 miles from home. A while back I did a head gasket and Bigsert project and it's been running great. I looked in the reservoir and can see coolant. I think my thermostat stuck closed after we stopped for dinner at Panera and I blew a lower hose. I haven't had time to diagnose. I had just picked up kids from the airport for Grandma's funeral and it was 12:30 AM when we finally climbed out of the tow truck.
Word of advise...Get the long mileage AAA Service, not just the local. I have local and my son who lives in very rural WA has the long distance plan. Fortunately AAA let us use his plan. Mine would have been over $700 for the 90 mile ride. My wife says dump the X5. I think I might replace her aging e46 with something newer to keep her happy. Stay tuned...