car wont start

[be44ma]

I have a 1993 e36 318is
been told its a 1.8 litre

tried changing the spark plugs and the car wouldnt start

when i did twice it made bang (more of a pop) and some smoke (smelt like electrical burning) came out of the bonnet, both time the spark plug on the cylinder (furthest away from radiator) had its gap completely closed

changed the plugs and put the leads in correct order
and car will start but die after a few seconds, or if i rev it as soon as i let go

any ideas what could be wrong
could i have damaged the coil pack or leads?
how could i test - leads have resistance

[ncktuley1]

have you checked to see how the dme had looked?

[Lord Vader]

All gasoline combustion engines need four things in order to run: Air, Fuel, Spark, Compresion. Usually in that order. Let's find out which one your missing.

Spark is obviously an issue if their getting damaged. Are they the correct gap?

The ICV or Idle Control Valve is what allows the car to idle and when it gets clogged or fails the car won't idle without constant fuel. Also check your vacuum lines to make sure their are no cracks or tears. Vacuum leaks can cause starting and idling issues.

[bgnotch]

Its possible that your spark plugs are incorrect. Check the length of the part that has the threads, if they're too long its quite possible that your pistons are hitting your plugs( the loud noise) and if it don't stay running its because the gap is now closed. Gonna need more info for a better diagnosis.

[Jack Dabsy]

Timing... ?