Even though this is my first post, I've been reading these forums for at least a couple of months. I'm Jon. I bought a 91 318is with cracked head about 2 months ago and I'm still trying to get it drivable.

I recently bought a "refurbished" head and swapped it in. I used a new head gasket and bolts. I made sure the flywheel was locked in TDC and the cam ends were parallel to each other. I carefully reconnected everything, got in to start the car and it doesn't. It turns over, then dies immediately (and back fires once).
I can't remember if it was like this before when i was driving it, but I can't hear the fuel pump "whine" when I turn the key. The car has 278k and some maintenance has been done. But if it wasn't getting fuel, would it not turn over at all? I would greatly appreciate any of your expert suggestions.