BMW Repair: 99 323i Start Problems, fuel pressure gauge, 10mm nuts

Question
I have a 99 323i, manual transmission, 91k miles. My car fails to start on the first try unless the engine has been run in the previous 5 minutes. The starter cranks, but it is as if the engine is starved for gas. To start the car, I must turn the engine over for 2-3 seconds, shut the car off, then try again in 5 seconds. It starts 9 out of 10 times when I follow this procedure. The other 10% it starts on the third try. When starting takes 3 attempts, the engine smells flooded, but always starts fine on the 3rd try. The car runs great once it has started; it doesn't have any trouble idling. The car had its spark plugs changed at 60k. No other maintenance except brakes, oil, & tires. Any ideas?

Thanks,

Ryan

Answer
Ryan, remove the fuel injector cover (two 10mm nuts) and get a fuel pressure gauge on the fuel rail. Run the car and abserve the fuel pressure (45-50psi) is normal. Shut the car off and see if the pressure drops? The pressure should not drop at all (no more than a couple psi). Let me know if the fuel pressure is stable with the key off. Fuel pump and filter should be replaced if pressure is dropping. Fuel filter should be replaced at Inspection 2 interval (60K and 120K).
-Evan