e30 choking - only during first 15 minutes

[tdennehy]

1990 325i convertible. Still stock.
I have been driving e30s since 1990. First time I have ever had this issue, and never come across anyone else on any other forum that has found the answer.
Six months ago, my e30 developed a problem where in the first 15 minutes the car would choke. If feels as if the car shuts off and comes back, like someone quickly flicking a light switch. Recent change is I replaced ICV as car was not idling properly. ICV fixed bad idle. Yes, it is properly sealed.
Choking problem persisted. Replaced plugs - they were nasty. Took her to BMW specialist (he drives my same e30, as do others in his shop) and problem never showed itself all week when I left car with him. He is at higher altitude - unsure if that makes a difference. Bring car home. Car stalls within first minute or two in morning. Restart car. Car runs, but will "choke" a few times, for ONLY first 15 minutes of operation. Car is fine after that for the rest of the day. Can park and restart multiple times without issue. Park car in garage, and the next morning, the entire scenario starts all over again. One time I started car in and left in driveway idling for 15 minutes. Car drove fine. Weather isn't cold in Sacramento.
Replaced air filter. No change. Bottle of injector cleaner in tank. No change.
Everyone tells me it sounds like fuel problem. Does this sound like a fuel pump?

[superj]

I would say that maybe one of your temp sensors, or something like that, is not reading properly. it seems whatever tells your car to run in warm up mode is what is not reading right, because it might be over/under fueling before the oxygen sensor is up to temp and telling the car how much fuel to use.

that would be my guess.

[JamieG296]

Could this also be a vacuum leak possibly? My e39 did that and then after that it would run fine.

Sent from my SM-G950U using Tapatalk

[richardodn]

Next time it does this, does the tach dive towards zero or just slow down with engine rpms? If it's going to zero, it's an ignition issue. If not, it's a fuel or air issue. If not electrical, I'd tee in a fuel pressure gauge and see if you're having any fueling issues.