Engines Market

BMW 324d SPECIALISTS

BMW 3 Series 324d Engine Replacement Compare Prices & Get Quotes

Get quotes today from trusted UK BMW 3 Series 324d engine specialists. Compare prices on reconditioned, rebuilt and used M21 diesel engines for the E30-generation 324d - the six-cylinder diesel that started BMW's diesel success story.

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BMW 3 Series 324d Engine
from£2,500 to £4,500
  • Usedfrom £800
  • Reconditionedfrom £1,800
  • Common codesM21D24 (246DA/246DB)

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3 Simple Steps to Finding the Right Replacement Engine

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Variant History

BMW 3 Series 324d Engine History & Specs at a Glance

The BMW 324d marked a milestone for the 3 Series - it was the first six-cylinder diesel ever offered in a BMW 3 Series when it launched in 1985. Built on the E30 generation, the 324d used BMW's M21 diesel engine - a 2.4-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder that delivered 86 bhp and remarkable fuel economy for its era. Though never officially sold in the UK, a number of private imports have found their way to British roads, making the 324d a rare and distinctive classic BMW today.

BMW 3 Series 324d
  1. 1985

    M21D24, 2.4-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder diesel (86 bhp) - E30 generation launched

  2. 1985

    1990 - M21D24 (246DA) and M21D24 (246DB) variants produced

  3. 1987

    Facelift introduced; engine unchanged

  4. 1990

    Production ends for 324d

  5. 1991

    Final E30 324d models produced

Every engine fitted to the BMW 3 Series 324d is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.

Engine Codes & Pricing

BMW 3 Series 324d Engine Codes Specifications & Replacement Cost

Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.

M21D24 (246DA / 246DB) — 2.4L Naturally Aspirated Diesel (1985-1991) engine

M21D24 (246DA / 246DB) — 2.4L Naturally Aspirated Diesel (1985-1991)

Power Output
86 bhp / 63 kW at 4,600 rpm
Years Fitted
1985-1991
Engine Code Variants
M21D24 (246DA), M21D24 (246DB)

Can’t find your exact engine code?-> Get quotes for M21D24 BMW 3 Series 324d engine replacement

-> Get quotes for M21D24 BMW 3 Series 324d engine replacement

Common Problems

BMW 3 Series 324d Engine Problems Repair Cost vs Replacement

The BMW 3 Series 324d's M21D24 six-cylinder diesel is a robust, under-stressed engine from the 1980s - but age takes its toll. Timing belt failure is the single biggest risk, while injector pump leaks and cold-start issues are the most common day-to-day frustrations. Rebuilt engines through EnginesMarket include upgraded components addressing the original failure points, plus a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty.

Common failure points and repair options

Timing Belt Failure

Affected
BMW 3 Series 324d (M21D24, 1985-1991)
Typical failure mileage
40,000-60,000 miles (or 5-6 years)
Root cause
The M21D24 uses a rubber timing belt, not a chain. Unlike modern BMW diesel engines with chains, the belt is a service item that must be replaced at regular intervals. If the belt snaps, the engine's valves and pistons collide - catastrophic damage requiring a full rebuild or replacement.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Timing belt replacement (preventative)£600-£1,000£350-£600
Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine£4,000-£6,000£2,500-£4,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt pricing)
Our recommendation
If you own a BMW 324d and don't know when the timing belt was last changed, replace it immediately. This is the single most important maintenance item on the M21D24 - a £350-£600 specialist job that prevents a £2,500+ engine replacement. For cars with a snapped belt, a specialist rebuild with 12-month warranty is the only reliable path forward.
-> Compare rebuilt M21D24 BMW 3 Series 324d engine prices

Injector Pump & Cold-Start Issues

Affected
BMW 3 Series 324d (M21D24, 1985-1991)
Typical failure mileage
80,000-120,000 miles
Root cause
The M21D24 uses a Bosch VE mechanical injection pump. Over time, seals degrade, allowing air ingress or fuel leaks. The indirect injection system with pre-combustion chambers also suffers carbon buildup, reducing cold-start performance.

Repair options

Repair tierDealer priceSpecialist price
Injector pump seal replacement£500-£900£300-£600
Injector pump rebuild£800-£1,500£500-£1,000
Glow plug replacement£200-£400£100-£250
Our recommendation
Cold-start issues on the 324d are often caused by failed glow plugs first - start there (£100-£250 at a specialist). If the problem persists, injector pump seals are the next suspect. A full pump rebuild is a once-in-a-lifetime job for most owners and is well worth the investment.
-> Compare rebuilt M21D24 BMW 3 Series 324d engine prices

Don't Let Engine Failure Write Off Your BMW 3 Series 324d

The BMW 324d is a rare and distinctive piece of BMW history - the first six-cylinder diesel ever fitted to a 3 Series. With only 75,696 examples ever built and no official UK sales, every surviving 324d is a car worth preserving. Every rebuilt BMW 3 Series 324d engine through EnginesMarket comes with upgraded components addressing the original failure points, a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty, and nationwide delivery. Compare specialist prices today - and keep this classic on the road.

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FAQ

BMW 3 Series 324d Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions

Everything BMW 3 Series 324d owners usually ask before choosing a rebuilt, reconditioned or used replacement engine.

Why Choose Us

Compare BMW 3 Series 324d Engine Prices Today

Comparing quotes for your BMW 3 Series 324d is free, quick, and completely no-obligation. Whether you need a used M21D24 for a budget rebuild or a fully reconditioned unit for a concours restoration, our network of UK specialists has the right engine for your exact 324d. Enter your registration above and start comparing today.

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