Difficulties with starting a car
 

Hi audi fans!

Recently I have encountered a problem with my audi. When the car is cold, it takes me many tries to start my engine. The starter spins the engine for about 2-3 times and then stops the spins, after a few attempts, by pressing the gas pedal the engine starts but there is a lot of smoke coming from the engine and the engine sort of lags for a while with big vibrations, after about half a minute it disappears and the car runs fine with no trouble. What could be the issue?

1. Year - End of 2001
2. Model of car - Audi a6
3. What engine & TIP or 6sp - 2,5TDI v6
4. Miles - 217 000
5. FWD or Quattro - Quattro

My son just had a similar issue with his 2004 2.0T A4. Not sure if its precisely the same symptoms,but finally did start and drove home. His research showed it to be the throttle body - that it needs to be cleaned. So that's his project tonight. In any case, its an intermittent problem and he was able to commute with it this morning. Hope this helps.