Volkswagen: my 1996 VW Golf turns over&over but WONT Start!, fuel mixture, engine temp

Question
I have trouble starting my 1996 VW Golf. It will turn over & over & over, FINALLY after about 6 - 15, 20 tries it spitters & sputters and finally blows black smoke and starts! The variable i have noticed is, if i leave it sitting unstarted more than 7-8 hours in the cold it acts this way.  Today i left it for almost 24 hrs - YEP, IT WONT Start!  The engine light has been on but has ran diligently so far.  Also, the battery is new. What r your thoughts?

Answer
Linda,
 It sounds like the engine temp sensor is bad.  This would make the computer think the car is warm when in fact it is not, therefore not enriching the fuel mixture properly for cold starting.  An OBD scan may confirm this.  Otherwise just try having it replaced.
- Rick