Cold Start Problem!

[e46alanb]

Hi, I'm new to this site so an introduction needed! My names Alan and I own a 3 series E46 2.5i saloon 2001, I live in the Kingston/Tolworht area.

I have in the past had some of the usual problems, like the inlet rubber pipes being perished, which I replaced! and in the main she drives really well.

But I do have one problem that is really annoying when it happens.

If I haven't used the car for 3 or 4 days and it's a very cold morning when I do try to start her, she fires up but wont start it's really lumpy and just doesn't want to run! If I then leave her until it's not so cold she runs as normal. If I have been using her daily and it's very cold she'll start no problem!! Very strange!

I am at the moment getting a bit of a funny whistle when I start her from cold, but within 5 mins it's gone.

Anyone have any ideas please?

Thanks

Alan

[btmaldon]

Welcome to the club Alan.

There could be a number of factors involved. When was the last time the car had a full service done on it?

The whisteling could just be the alternator having to work hard initially because your battery is starting to struggle in the cold weather.