Draining the radiator:
The passenger side drain plug:
The dreaded driver side drain plug:
It is coming loose with the tool contraption:
Did the 540i & the wife's Mustang GT on a beautiful Indian Summer day in NC. The ponycar was more of a problem than the BMW. Mine may be missing some shielding, which may be why some do not pull the driver side plug.
One note of interest: The driver plug does not need to come all of the way out, as it is channeled on the inside. A few turns and the drain hole in the threads is exposed and flows right into the bucket.
Thank you all for the help you have given.