M44 engine problems

[E36joe]

So I recently picked up a 97 318ti the head gasket let go I found it rotted around cylinder two so I put it all back together and I'm having an issue with it idling the engine will not idle until it's warm it will just stall out I found the intake boots were ripped so I replaced both and the air hose for the injectors and the problem still continues I sprayed around the gaskets and could not find a leak also when it does idle it runs very choppy it sounds like it's got Honda idle my second problem is when I don't start the car for a few days it will not crank over I have to disconnect the battery and let it sit for a while sometimes over night before it will turn over I don't get it just need some insight.

[E36joe]

So tried cleaning the IAC and didn't change it looked a little rusty so I replaced it and it still won't idle any advice would be appreciated

[spidertri]

I had an issue with really rough idle once and it was after I put the intake manifold back on.

Turned out that the two throttle cables (accel pedal and cruise control) were switched at the throttle body, if you had everything apart might be worth checking.

[E36joe]

Does the throttle go closer to the firewall or radiator

[E36joe]

Could the maf be te cause of the idle issue? I unplugged it and nothing changed I also identified which relay is the starter relay and is functioning I tried sending power directly to the starter from the relay location with a power probe and it would not turn over so I think it's safe to say the starter is shot? But not 100% maybe there's something I'm missing

[E36joe]

I think I may have figured out the idle problem. The brass plate on the end of the intake camshaft is for the cam sensor timing right? If the cams are slightly off because I didn't have the timing tool set would this cause this problem and not throw a code and would the engine just be running in back up mode?

[E36joe]

Ok so I re timed the motor that fixed the idle issue so I'm left with the no crank issue there's got to be other people that have had this problem