Sometimes it takes a while. But the fact that it suddenly is going into the red zone sounds like you're severely short of coolant and/or have a lot of air in the system.

I was going to say that perhaps your water temp sensor is off, but the fact that you're also getting a Check Coolant Level message must mean that you are short on coolant. When you turn the car on, does the coolant level drop at all?

Also, the overfill hose must be submerged in coolant in resevoir between the min and max lines.

no more check coolant message. where is the water temp sensor located

When you refilled the system, did you just refill the radiator and go, or did you fill it as the coolant circulated through the engine after you started the car?

Here's the water temp sensor: http://www.realoem.com/bmw/showparts...55&hg=11&fg=35

Sender/wiring fault?

I have a tough time believing it's the sensor. If that was the case, wouldn't it malfunction right from start-up?

I started the engine first then added coolant slowly until it reached the full mark and I watched the bleeder screw until bubble free coolant came out. The only logical thing it could be is the sensor.... Even if the engine is stone cold I turn the key to position 2 without starting it and It still goes to the red.

It is the next thing to eliminate. If it still does it then you have a wiring or computer fault. The gauge it not a simple gauge but has readings as supplied by computer.

Analog instruments are controlled by the IKE from signals it receives over separate inputs. The needle of the coolant temperature gauge is centered if coolant temperature is between 75°C and 110°C.
FYI
75° C = 167° F
80° C = 176° F
85° C = 185° F
90° C = 194° F
95° C = 203° F
100°C = 212° F
105°C = 221° F
110°C = 230° F
115°C = 239° F
120°C = 248° F

The staus of my system now is.

No more Check coolant message and everything works great other than the fact that the gauge goes to the red even if the vehicle is cold. I figure its the water temp sensor. any other ideas? How do I test the sensor?

Disconnect the sending unit and isolate the terminal end. Switch on and see what happens to the needle.

Could you expalin that a little more? What I gather is you want me to Disconnect the box at the top of the fan shroud? and what do you mean isolate the terminal end?