87 5000 cs quattro cold start problem

[Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)]

[My 87 tq with 184k still amazes me in that it starts on most every occasion
in the first few seconds.  The problem that have experienced on real cold
morning (about 20 degrees or below) is if I do not suceed in those first few
seconds, it will catch, sputter and I lose any chance of keeping it running.
Another attempt is useless.  My mechanic told me my pulls are wet and told
me to change them and he was right.  I change them and it start right up
with the new dry plugs.  I have an aftermarket chip from Graydon Stucket
which was installed about 4 years ago.  I can't say it is related to the
chip but was curious if the fuel mixture increase starts immediately, or
whether there is some other component or sensor at work here and causing me
problems.]

Your injectors are probably shot.

Check/ Replace Cap & rotor.