Actually much of the time the problems like this are a couple of things adding
up to drivability problems. I second Robs suggestion for checking your fuel
system. You need to rent/buy the fuel pressure gauge and you can test the
CPR and the system pressures. When I purchased my car it had a similiar starting
problem like you describe. It would take three or four tries to start then I
had to keep it running with my foot for the first thirty seconds or so. It turned out I had bad injector seals and a clogged(bad) control pressure regulator. If it's been a couple of years and since it's a turbo you probably
need new injector seals. Mine only last about 3 years at the most. Also you need
to carefully check all the vacuum hoses for cracks and leaks. Carefully inspect
your spark plug wires also. If they are the Bougicord brand wires they also
only last about 3 years or so.
Dave 82 242ti 263k mi.