E46 1.9 M43CU 1999. Cold Starting Problem.

egr blocked
chack air pipes
mass air flow sensor

A couple of possibilities - first I'd check/replace fuel filter. Then clean MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor and if those don't cure issue then it's TPS (Throttle Positioning Sensor) replacement time. Check w/BavAuto or Pelican Parts online - both good sources for info & parts

The TPS sensor MAY be bad. I would check that first. Throttle Position Sensor.

SCAN IT CHECK COOLANT SENSOR IT WILL CAUSES STARTING PROBLEMS IF ITS NOT WORKING.DOING COOL ENGINE START UP COOLING SENSOR MONITOR COOLANT TEMPERATURE SENSOR.IT WILL ENRICHEN FUEL MIXTURE JUST FOR COLD STARTING ENGINE.IT WORK LIKE SAME PRINCIPAL LIKE A CHOKE ON CARBURETER ENGINE.WHEN ENGINE WARMS UP THE COOLANT SENSOR AND OXYGEN SENSOR WILL LEAN OUT FUEL SYSTEM .WHICH IS CLOSED LOOP.CHOKE ON CARBURETER WILL OPEN AUTOMATICALLY AS THE THERMOSTATIC METAL COIL WARMS UP.YOU NEED A RICH FUEL MIXTURE WHEN COLD STARTING ENGINE.NOW A CLOGGED AIR FILTER BAD PLUGS + WIRES CAUSE WEAK SPARK NO START UP.SO I WOULD HAVE A GARAGE OR SOME BODY WITH A SCANNER SCAN IT TO SEE WHAT THE PROBLEM IS.YOU WONT SPEND TOO MUCH MONEY GUESSING.

if the throttle plate is sticking clean it with throttle body cleaner with an old tooth brush. if still doing the same, it maybe the throttle position sensor is acting up. need more info to help. you at idle. starting up car. when hot or cold motor. best of luck

It sounds to me your TPS (throttle positioning sensor) is in need of replacement. This is located on the throttle body.

the 318 is fuel injected and has no automatic choke,it does have a cold start system to aid in cold starts,the most likely cause of your problem is a bad or dirty throttle position sensor.you may also need to clean the throttle body and throttle linkages or cables

Check the condition of the wiring coming off of the ECM. at the fender. I've seen the wiring insulation rub off causing no starts.

BMW 530d SE initially wouldn't start when hot now wont start at all.