Thermostat replaced but won't open?

[1st Impression]

Hi all,
I'm new to the fest..love reading all the little quirks needing attention in these cars.
The other night the temp guage wouldn't come off the blue, no heat so I figured it was the thermostat. Bought new one from BMW put it in and now the engine temp comes up to 12:00 but the upper and lower hoses aren't filling. After reading the threads, I realize I should have replaced the pump at the same time. Recently bought the car, don't know if it has a plastic impeller or not. Before I take it apart again, any suggestions? The Bentley says there is a bleeder on the front of the M52 engine, but I can't find it. The thermostat I removed was soft as baby _ _ _t. Car is a 1998 328ic with 104K. Thanks happy holidays to all.

[fun2drive]

The bleeder screw is on the radiator resevoir right beside the radiator cap. It is a black bleeder screw about the size of a dime.
You don't have a plastic impellor for the water pump, it is a metal one unless the previous owner replaced it then it may or may not be metal as BMW OEM parts are a composite impellor while many OEM aftermarket suppliers use metal.
I would suggest driving the car up on a 2X4 or get the front end higher then the rear to aid in bleeding the air out. It might take a few times to get the air out and be sure to bring some water with you if you drive it and the t-stat opens and air leaves as you will soon get the engine too hot.
Hope this helps.................