1998 528i overheating

I just purchased the above mentioned car (As Is) it has 172,000 miles on it. I got the car home and discovered the next day that it overheats at idel...I have read the posts from the past that discuss the problems with the fan clutch, water pump, thermostat, and air in the cooling system...

1) what is the best way to detrmine witch it is
2) which is the first to check?
3) if it is a waterpump or fan clutch is this something an average shade tree mechanic can do or do I need a pro.

any advice is appriciated

Thanks,

Greg

If it only overheats at idle, I will rule out the air in the cooling system and the thermostat. I will check the fan clutch and the auxilliary fan first. Changing the water pump is easy and a repair manual would help a lot. Good luck!

Thanks!