Tricky crank no-start problem

[DonaldFoss]

Originally Posted by BimmerBreaker

It sounds to me in the video like it is not getting fuel. Either that or the compression is very low, lower than the values you posted earlier. Or way mistimed engine. It's hard to say for sure but doesn't sound like a very happy M54.

All of those involve opening up the head, so another question: which do you think is easier, removing the head while still in the car, or yanking the engine?

I'm leaning towards just pulling the engine but I don't relish dealing with the power steering, transmission cooler, etc. Fortunately I didn't reconnect the compressor, not until everything else works. I had to reroute the low and high pressure refrigerant lines, ended up making my own, plus I might mount the compressor somewhere else, like near the power steering fluid reservoir. I like to take the torque converter off/on while the engine is hanging in the bay, before I put it on the motor mounts, so I'm not worried about that.

What would you do?