'97 318is won't start

[Gravy]

I can't get the M44 motor to start and was hoping I could use your experiences to diagnose the problem?

When I tried it last night my first thoughts were a starter motor failure but having tried it again this morning it sounds more like the engine is cracking but no fuel is getting to the cylinders so it won't fire.

Are there any ways I can get a fault code readout on the dash to find out what it may be or any other simple checks you may suggest before I take the starter motor off and check that isn't the issue?

Your help will be appreciated, believe me!!!

[Gravy]

Oops, I just went out and refitted the jump leads (properly) and it fired eventually.
It appears to be a flat battery