after about 10 or so seconds it settles down... but sometimes, its pretty rough and I wonder if it is going to stall.

normal? what say ye?

 

mebbe ur plugs? It happened to me too but it went away. I bought some plugs but didnt change it yet. Or mebbe use some fuel injector cleaners

 

Could be ignition coils kaput. Seems common over here. Check that.

 

Bad fuel? How often does it do it?

 

i actually have exactly the same problem, and just a couple of days ago I had full engine oil service (i.e. drained and filter changes) and I had new spark plugs put in. i also had full interim service. this did NOT solve this problem when u first start the engine. I have noticed though that the engine noise has become very quiet and smooth , and gear changes improved . So if there is a solution it aint spark plugs or oil change.

 

fuel could be the reason, will test next week, but i realy doubt as I already mix 95 and 98 grades anyway.

 

You have a 535i.... search for cold start issues or here is a shock, HPFP issues.

 

I get that sometimes in my car. When I go to turn the key and crank the car, it sputters for like 1-2 seconds then fires up. Sometimes when I turn the key, it fires up fine w/o any sputters. Doesn't snort though lol.

I've come to learn that if I shut off all my electronics in the car (radio, ac, heated seats and steering wheel) and let the engine run for a few seconds while everything is turned off before turning the car off, the next time I go to crank the car, it's smooth. However, if I turn the car off with something still running, I can almost guarantee the next time I go to turn it on again it'll hesitate for like 2 seconds and then fire up.

weird.

 

I was having that occasionally (maybe 1 in 5 starts) until I got my battery replaced. Since then, it hasn't happened ever again.

 

Ive noticed when I let go of the "start" position on my instincs the car stutters for a few seconds on start up. Try holding your key in the "start" position an half second longer than you normally would. Seems to give me a smooth start up everytime.