When i begin to crank my vehicle it starts up but then it dies, so i turn the key and crank it again give it throttle and tap it and it will then stay on but at first at idle it sputters alittle, my check engine light isn't on and it has only come on a few times then went off

Could be several things at the same time or it could be just one thing. It could be the beginning of a fuel pump failure. I personally would check all that comes to my mind such as: (Throttle Position Sensor(TPS) I would replace the TPS without question simply considering the age of the vehicle. I would also clean out the Throttle Body unit to remove excess carbon buildup that could hinder movement of the flap inside the throttle body. I would tap on my EGR Valve (Electronic Gas Re-circulator(EGR Valve); You can tap on this with the handle of a screwdriver with the car started and if anything is stuck in there it may loosen a bit but this fix is not permanent unless you either remove it and clean it out, or you replace EGR Valve

Lets start at the beginning.
You say it cranks but will not start, right ?
The warning lights are supposed to come on with the key on and then go off once the engine starts.
If the engine cranks but will not start, someone will need to figure out if it is lacking fuel to the injectors or spark to the plugs, or something else. One way we check it is to look for spark at the plugs, check the fuel pressure, and try starting fluid in the throttle body.

You have security system on this vehicle, correct? You have that old vats system with pellet in key? Sometimes the wiring from the key cylinder has problems? This system will keep the starter from operating and fuel injectors.

TAKE THROTTLE BODY INJECTION CLEANER AND CLEAN THE THROTTLE BODY WORKS EVERYTIME!?

While I agree that the fuel pump would be the most likely suspect for this car failing to restart, if it is the fuel pump, however, the fact that it started after tapping hard on the throttle would be pure coincidence.
I believe that all e46s have used drive-by-wire throttles. That is - there is no throttle cable between the gas pedal and the throttle. The gas pedal generates an electronic signal that tells the computer where your foot is, and the computer opens the throttle. You say that the car experienced a sudden stop. Did the engine get shut off while the throttle was open? If so, perhaps flooring the throttle caused the electronically controlled throttle to cycle and reset itself (just a theory).
Listen for the hum of the fuel pump when you turn the key to the On position, before you turn the key to the crank position. The hum should last only a second or so. The pump shuts off after the system is pressurized. If you don't hear that hum when the car fails to start (if this happens again), then you have a fuel pump problem.

How is your oil pressure sender?? The fuel pump runs thru it after start. Watch the gauge while cranking It may give indication

if the broadcast is automatic you have to check the control swicht of the broadcast can put it in neutral and provar if it gives to you start or checks the relay of the starter

replace fuel filter first check fuel pressure.

You could try tapping the starter and/or having it checked by a mechanic. If the vehicle is starting once in a while, have a mechanic check the Crank Shaft Position Sensor located on the Intake Manifold under an aluminum bracket. The wire to the sensor leads towards the throttle body. the connector at the throttle body is blue. This sensor is notorious for giving out gradually. If this is the problem, seriously replace it as the vehicle could die when driving (i've heard, but don't quote me on that). I owned a 2001 9-3 turbo and the same thing would happen until it no longer cranked. I replaced it when i researched the issue on the internet. The car turned on as soon as i replaced it 8) and did not have the same problem again.

Good luck!

Have someone help you do the following. Turn on the vehicle,before it dies,quickly tap the idle air control valve with a wrench or anything you have. If the engine does not die after you tap the IAC,this means that the IAC is faulty. The IAC is under the plastic plate that is behind the throttle body.