I have a 2003 f4i and I've been having trouble getting it started if it sits for too long. Every morning i have to hold the starter button for what seems to be forever to get it started. A few weeks back it took almost 2 minutes and some throttle play to get it going.

Once it does start, it takes about 5 minutes for the idle to get to where it needs to be and sounds like garbage until then. My FI light blinks twice every once and a while but i'm pretty sure the manual said thats a loose wiring problem or something. Any thoughts? Is this close to normal?

Edit: When the problem started i poured a little Sea Foam in the gas tank but it didn't seem to fix the starting problem.

 

My F4i developed the same problem. Change the plugs. I did that and didn't have any problems after that. I also changed the air filter while everything was off. Go with BMC. The plugs are expensive so just brace yourself when they give you a price.

 

It sounds like fuel pressure regulator issue. The pressure bleeds down quickly and causes hard starts. Try the plugs first, but What you stated is a tell-tale sign from past members.