BMW 318 Forum : “Engine overheats, no oil in water or water in oil”

Likely air in the system considering how much was replaced.

drain the whole system" with engine cool  try 50/50 anti freeze which also prevents your engine from overheating (ie) brings the tempreture down" make sure the radiator matrix isnt clogged up?& cooling fan is working ok? or could it be that your temreture sender is faulty?

I agree with adam you probably didnt bleed the system of air as you were adding the new coolant in. On the top of your radiator their is a cross hatch plug remove it while filling the system until you see coolant come out of the hole and no air bubbles to know that your system has a complete bleed. Hope this helps

if it heats up real quick it could be a possible blown head gasket

Water Pump high recommend - give take and when last time is had coolant flush or cooling system check ?? should be check atlest every inspection carnt rember it it 1 or 2 .  or check your coolant reservour bottle tank low that means because theres air in the system in morin before starting.
http://www.bimmerwerkz.com/forum/3-series-e36/engine-overheating-57372.html
Still habe porblems signup 2 tht forum guy quite good they had idear or gt back with in few hours could be more ..