87 3.18 problems HELP!

Hello all I could use some help I'm not much of a car guy but i know a little.Here it is.I bought an 87 bmw 318 (euro specs) about a month ago.It had an oil leak so i had the engine cleaned so as it could pass the strict german inspection standards.Of course the guy got water in the distrubtor and in the process of drying found that it was in pretty shape.I had to register it that day and only had a few hours...long story short it failed inspection and sat for a week.I went this week to put a new cap and rotor on it.A friend helped me and got the plug wires mixed up,we know the firing order but where does it start?The rotor spins counter clockwise.Could this have screwed timing up?We tried the plugs every which way and it had no fire.It has a brand new battery also.And we know the coil has fire.Any help would be greatly appreciated.Sorry so long.

light a flashlight into the tiny hole that peeps into the clutch chamber...right behind the head. Turn the engine until you see the mark on the flywheel...it should be a line with a circle. Then look at the rotor on the distributor...it should be alligned with the wire for cylinder No.1, then the rest is easy...I think the order is 1342...but I have to check my book.

Thx sexy beast I will give it a try.Could there be any other cause for not turning over?Maybe o2 sensor or something.I really have no Idea about cars.Thx again.