Question. . .What spark plugs do you have and how old are they? Ok that's two questions.

Grab a cocktail, kick back and read all stuff I found out.

I went to the dealer and was able to discuss our problems with two of the mechanics. This is what I found out.

The difficulty with starting after a short run (pulling out of the garage on to the driveway) is a problem know to BMW and is said to be "NORMAL". The engine loads up with fuel on a cold start. If the engine isn't warmed up to normal operating temp it doesn't clear out. The following start (or attempt) floods the engine. Which leads to the Cranking forever then starting with a puff of smoke.

If you are throwing codes (engine light on if you don't have a reader) stop and replace what ever it is calling for. If you are not throwing any codes read on.

The only spark plug that can handle the "NORMAL" over rich condition on start up is the OEM NGK plugs in good shape. If they have over 75k miles they should be changed if having these problems. They should last 100k but operating conditions vary.

Reprogramming the DME and/or the EWS doesn't fix it.

At 104k miles it was happening occasionlly. I replaced the OEM NGK plugs with Bosch platinum 4 plugs because of the mileage. The problem got better and now has come back in a couple of thousand miles and it is even worst.

I also asked about the sudden stalling. They explained that the plugs could also cause this. A weak sparking plug can have the fire blown out by the fuel injection. I am not so sure that all eight candles will get blown out at the same time; but, at this point things are unclear.

They also went on to say that if the vehicle is parked and there is a large change in outside air temperture the computer becomes confused. It remembers the temp @ shut down. The changing conditons throws the mixture off to the point where it won't start. For this reason they suggested turning the key to the #2 position for a few seconds prior the cranking. This gives the computer a chance to sample the air temp and adjust before cranking.

All that being said, I pulled the Bosch plugs out and put in the $15 each OEM NGK plugs I bought at the dealer. With tax almost $130. I was surprized how bad the Bosch plugs looked after having less than 4k miles on them. The bases are covered in carbon and the insulators around the center electrode have uneven flame patterns burned into them (candle being blown out).

I replaced the plugs yesterday and the problem hasn't raised it's ugly head yet. That's already better than before. We also had a drop of about 30 degrees over night. It started right up this morning after being parked outside all night.

Let me know what you think guys.