318is not starting

[Shellz]

Hello, mechanically inept person here. I've browsed and searched the tech section and wiki but my search items are obviously not specific enough as I'm not finding answers!

I have a stunning 318is that is usually 100% reliable. It drove perfectly all last weekend. I left it for two days and it won't start.

The engine is not turning over.
All leads, etc connected, nothing appears loose.
Lights, radio, etc work so shouldn't be battery.
Strong smell of fuel and backfiring after repeated attempts to start so not a fuel problem.

Any guesses as to likely problem?

Thanks in advance
Shel

[Brianmoooore]

First thing to try is to crank it by shorting together the appropriate two pins in the diagnostic socket. (See wiki.)
If the engine isn't cranking, then there shouldn't be an fuel smell, and how is it back firing if it isn't cranking?

[fender182]

shellz, do you mean that the engine is being turned by the starter motor but not firing up i.e not jumping to idle speed after a few second of having the key turned?