1994 740IL BMW, Shutting Down

My BMW keeps shutting down while I am driving during hot weather. I thought it might be my thermostat but not sure. The check engine light is on and the temp gauge goes no further then the middle. When I try to re-start my car it sputters and wont start until it has sat for at least 5 minutes or more. Then it will die again after only a few minutes of driving. What is going on can someone please help!!!!

Going NUTS!:frown: