You need to scan for fault codes, including the BMW specific ones.

 

This.^

• How to Install BMW Standard Tools

 

On top of scanning for codes, get that cooling system checked before you nuke your engine. Your coolant warning light is on and leaving it unchecked on the M54 is absolutely playing with fire.

 

Indeed, one of the things that the engine does is that it tries to protect itself by shutting off. Having said that, it just shuts down so this would not be part of the symptom set.

 

The engine temp looks high too

 

If you're losing a lot of power.. it could be one of your catalytic converters. I had the same issue. If it is that.. even when you get your cat(s) replaced... there's a reason your cat(s) got clogged in the first place. Due to mileage possibly or other causes.

 

Yes, I have just had the car checked for any possible coolant leaks but the mechanic in my area stated that everything was fine and that the sensors in these specific cars are sensitive... they topped it off with coolant and shortly after I drove off from the shop, the light came right back on. I am taking it back, to have them inspect again. Also, I did not know the DSC and coolant systems were interconnected... that may explain why when I turn the vehicle off, there is the sound of a fan running for a few minutes under the hood. Thanks for the tips!!!! Hope I can get to the bottom of this...

 

the DSC and coolant systems were interconnected

They are not.

You are not following the good advice given above. Set up BMW Standard Tools, read the error codes from DME (MS43 engine computer) and DSC (Bosch 5.7 traction control computer), and report back your results.

 

Scanned my car, and the following codes came back:

DSC DME/DDE does not fulfill torque request
ASC Passively Engaged
ABS control passive
Brake light switch not actuated
ASC control passive

Working on figuring out what these may mean!

 

the following codes came back

Where are the code numbers. We need those!