E30 1987 320i - Not starting after timing belt replacement.

[superj]

cool

[Ukhozi]

I know this thread is long gone but it does raise a point.
A lot of the posters are state side so the M20B20 320i engine isn't known to them and that means very few are aware of the case mounted distributor so lots of erroneous answers and suggestions based on a different engine, (325i), as most, if not all, their BMW 3 series have cam mounted distributors.

I found out the hard way that it is very easy to move the toothed idler gear for the distributor/oil pump when refitting a belt and so throwing the ignition timing out.

Remove the distributor.
Set the belt marks up at TDC compression then back up to strobe mark, line up rotor with #1 lead and assemble, fine tune once running with a strobe.