Engine problems in freezing temperatures

[reezer]

I have a 1994 320i. When the temperature gets to about -5c the car starts and idles fine but about a mile down the road it starts to jerk like it is misfiring. It goes away after the car gets up to normal operating temperature. When the temperature gets below -10c the car either won't start or it will fire up and then spurt and sputter until it dies. In both cases black smoke will come out the tailpipe if I press the accelerator quickly. This goes away after the car is up to temp. The car works perfectly fine in the spring, summer and fall. Last year I put new plugs in it to get it to pass etest. I have also checked the coolant temperature sensor with my ohm meter and it tests fine. I also ran some fuel injector cleaner. To me, it seems like it's not getting the right air/fuel mixture. Does anyone else have any idea's? This is really perplexing and annoying and I want it fixed. The car is really not worth spending much money on and if I could find out what the problem is, I know I could just fix it myself. I have checked everywhere on the internet and I can't find an answer.
Help please

[noodles101]

i dont know about your car shutting by itself..

but my e36 idles kinda rough if its really cold out..but goes away after min or two

how long do you usually warm up your car for?

[Steve30]

O2 sensors? dirty MAF? coils? that's probably where I'd start looking.

[reezer]

I read in bentley guide that o2 sensor doesn't affect startup of car. MAF, haven't checked. How can I verify the coils?
I let the car warmup for 5 min. But on really cold days it won't start at all.

[noodles101]

weak battery? alternator?

[reezer]

Battery is good. It was new last year. And just to make sure, I tried jumpstarting it as well.

[noodles101]

what weight engine oil are u using?

i dont think it reaaally matters..but worth a try

[reezer]

5w30

[Blackedout95]

Could also check the ICV, Fuel Regulator and yes the O2 as well.

The black smoke indicates richness, I suspect you may have multiple issue going on. Go pay the man and get it scanned, value your time.

[325isdan]

Search "Stomp Test"
Will tell you how to pull any codes your car is throwing. It is very easy to do.

[BigD]

That's a tough one... I agree with Blackedout, it's too much fuel. Find a used MAF to try. Also try resetting the computer (unplug the battery for a few seconds).

[sb_600]

Could be a coil that has come condensation in it.

Check all your spark plug holes to make sure they're clean.

I was having the same problem in my e46, but it ended up being the spark plugs.

GL!

[325isdan]

DO the "Stomp Test" first then try everything else.

[5style]

sounds like you have a case of the maintenance! My m50 needed the following to bring it back to proper health, similar issues.
New O2 (obd1)
removal of maf, and cleaning ! brake cleaning fluid, fully dry
intake boot checked for cracks and cleaned
vacuum lines replaced
icv cleaned
new spark plugs
Throttlebody cleaned spotless
intake mani cleaned out 100% no more grime

Results, rock steady idle @ 560-600rpm, no stuttering, no jittering, starts up super easy in minus 10+

Costs: peanuts