93' 90cs quattro starting problems

[tmarch]

I recently bought a 1993 90cs quattro 2.8L V6 5speed 115,000miles. I have never owned a german car before so this is all new to me. I have come close to running it out of gas a few times in the past month(I have become accustumed to having an idiot light to tell me it's low on fuel). Anyway starting has become erratic. The check engine light has been coming on and off since I've owned it but I don't know if it has anything to do with my problem. If it is going to start it will do so the first time you crank the motor and once started it runs fine until you shut it off. Then when you try to restart it will try to fire on the first revolution but then it's a lost cause if it does'nt fire right away it's not going to fire again until you walk away and try the next day. Get back in it the next day and it will always fire on the first crank but it will only start about 50% of the time. I thought maybe I have a fuel problem filter or pump due to running it low on gas. I just got it started for the first time in a week let it run for about an hour while I cleared the 2ft of snow out then I took it out for a little rally in the snow brought it back turned it off and restarted it twice and it started fine the third time it would'nt start. It's been 15 degrees out so I have'nt tried to diagnose it yet. Not sure where the fuel filter is? Does it have a fuel pump relay that could be erratic? Whats an easy way to see if it's getting any fuel? Is there a way to test the fuel pump? Maybe it's not a fuel issue maybe it's not getting spark. Anyway sorry for the long winded explination just woundering if this is something common and if anyone could lead me in the right direction.
thanks for your help

[Tech1]

First I would see why the check engine light keeps popping up, because it could be a sensor starting to act up.

[enigma2525]

I got the same problem, for couple of weeks it would start if I walk away and come back later, but recently it won't turn over at all. I had it towed to my mechanic and found out that there is no spark. After hours of playing arround the car started and it has been fine for 2 weeks now. Today I planed to take a long trip got in my car and the engine won't turn over it has been hours now of trying to start it.
Before I bring it to a Audi mechanic and spend big bucks on the repair the last option is the gnition key. Before it starts I have to see if the power on the ignition is working. Anyways I hope someone could help us with this problem and if I solve it I will make sure to post it here.

[enigma2525]

I have the engine check light popping up once in a blue moon as well.

[enigma2525]

Just had my car checked and it's the Camshaft positioning sensor. Hope it helps...