BMW 3 Series 324d Engine ReplacementCompare 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.
Supply & Fit Available
12-Month Warranty
Nationwide Delivery
100+ Suppliers
From £2,500 to £4,500
Used from £800 · Reconditioned from £1,800 · Common codes: M21D24 (246DA/246DB)
From £800
Tested, bare/short engine
From £1,800
Rod bearings addressed, tested
From quote
Upgraded bearings, full teardown, revised valvetrain
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3 Simple Steps3 Simple Stepsto Finding the Best BMW 3 Series 324d Replacement Engineto Finding the Best BMW 3 Series 324d Replacement Engine
Most replacements completed within 3-5 days.
Variant HistoryBMW 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.
Variant HistoryBMW 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
Fuel TypeDiesel
Engine Size2.4L (2443cc)
Power Output86 bhp / 63 kW at 4,600 rpmEngine History Timeline
M21D24 2.4-litre naturally aspirated six-cylinder diesel (86 bhp) - E30 generation launched
1990 - M21D24 (246DA) and M21D24 (246DB) variants produced
Facelift introduced; engine unchanged
Production ends for 324d
Final E30 324d models produced
Key Specs Snapshot
Fuel TypeDieselEngine Size2.4L (2443cc)Power Output86 bhp / 63 kW at 4,600 rpmTorque152 Nm at 2,500 rpmYears Produced1985-1991Top Speed103 mph / 165 km/h0-60 mph16.1 secondsEvery engine fitted to the BMW 3 Series 324d is covered below, with UK rebuilt pricing and known failure points.
BMW 3 Series 324d Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement CostBMW 3 Series 324d Engine Codes - Specifications & Replacement Cost
2.4L Naturally Aspirated Diesel (1985-1991)
Power Output86 bhp / 63 kW at 4,600 rpmYears Fitted1985-1991Engine Code VariantsM21D24 (246DA), M21D24 (246DB)
Compatible Trim Levels
- 324d
- 324d (facelift)
- 324d 4-door saloon
Find your exact engine code, specs and UK replacement cost guide.
Used
Tested, ready-to-fit engine
£800-£1,800
Reconditioned
Addressed known issues, tested
£1,800-£3,200
Rebuilt
Full teardown, upgraded internals
£2,500-£4,500
Common Failure
The M21D24 uses a timing belt rather than a chain - belt failure is catastrophic and will destroy the engine if not replaced at the correct interval. Injector pump (Bosch VE) seals can also leak over time, and the indirect injection system's pre-combustion chambers are prone to carbon buildup affecting cold starting.
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.
Why the BMW 3 Series 324d M21D24 Engine Needs Regular Belt Changes
Affected Vehicles
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.
Why It Happens
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.
Dealer (parts + labour)
£600-£1,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£350-£600
What it involves
Replace timing belt, tensioner, water pump
Suitability
Essential maintenance every 40k-60k miles - the single most important thing you can do
1 - 2 daysDealer (parts + labour)
£4,000-£6,000
Specialist (parts + labour)
£2,500-£4,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt pricing)
What it involves
Supply & fit, fully rebuilt M21D24 unit
Suitability
If belt has snapped or engine has suffered catastrophic damage
1 - 2 daysAll prices are indicative UK market ranges based on current UK specialist supplier data.| Repair Tier | Dealer (Parts + Labour) | Specialist (Parts + Labour) | What It Involves | Suitability | Estimated Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Timing belt replacement (preventative) Minor | £600-£1,000 | £350-£600 | Replace timing belt, tensioner, water pump | Essential maintenance every 40k-60k miles - the single most important thing you can do | 1 - 2 days |
 Full Replacement - rebuilt/reconditioned engine Best Value | £4,000-£6,000 | £2,500-£4,500 (matches Section 4 rebuilt pricing) | Supply & fit, fully rebuilt M21D24 unit | If belt has snapped or engine has suffered catastrophic damage | 1 - 2 days |
Vehicle Value Check
Vehicle Value Check
A BMW 3 Series 324d in the UK is a rare classic, typically worth £5,000-£15,000 depending on condition, mileage, and originality (private imports command a premium). For a cherished example, a rebuilt engine with warranty is a sound investment that preserves the car's value and drivability. For cars in poorer condition, a used engine or timing belt replacement may be the more appropriate route.
Our Recommendation
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.
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.
Compare rebuilt M21D24 BMW 3 Series 324d engine prices
12-Month Minimum
UK Specialists Vetted
Best Price GuidanceImportant Information
Important Information
"All prices are indicative UK market ranges based on historical quote data and repair requests from our network of engine specialists. Dealer pricing is estimated based on published main dealer labour rates and genuine OEM parts pricing. Specialist pricing reflects actual quote data from EnginesMarket's UK network. Actual costs vary depending on damage severity, vehicle condition, variant, and workshop location within the UK. Use our free comparison tool to get tailored quotes for your specific BMW 3 Series 324d. Every engine supplied through EnginesMarket carries a minimum 12-month unlimited mileage warranty - always confirm exact terms with your chosen supplier."
BMW 3 Series 324d Engine ReplacementFrequently Asked Questions
Question 1How much does a BMW 3 Series 324d engine replacement cost in the UK-
A BMW 3 Series 324d engine replacement typically costs between £800 and £4,500 supply-only, depending on the condition type.
- Used engines: £800-£1,800
- Reconditioned engines: £1,800-£3,200
- Rebuilt engines: £2,500-£4,500 with 12-month warranty
Question 2Was the BMW 324d ever sold in the UK-
No, the BMW 324d was never officially offered in the UK market. However, a number of cars were privately imported from mainland Europe and converted to right-hand drive. This makes the 324d a rare sight on British roads and adds to its desirability as a classic BMW today.
-> Compare BMW 3 Series 324d engine replacement pricesQuestion 3Does the BMW 324d have a timing chain or timing belt-
The BMW 324d's M21D24 engine uses a timing belt, not a chain. This is a critical distinction from modern BMW diesel engines like the N47 and B47, which use chains. The timing belt must be replaced every 40,000-60,000 miles or 5-6 years - failure is catastrophic and will destroy the engine.
-> Get a BMW 3 Series 324d timing belt quoteQuestion 4Is it worth replacing the engine in a BMW 3 Series 324d-
The BMW 324d is a rare classic with only 75,696 examples ever built. A typical 324d in good condition is worth £5,000-£15,000 depending on originality and condition. For a cherished example, a rebuilt engine with warranty is a sound investment that preserves the car's value. For cars in poorer condition, a used engine or repair may be more appropriate.
-> Get a BMW 3 Series 324d replacement cost assessmentQuestion 5What is the difference between the BMW 324d and 324td-
The 324d is naturally aspirated with 86 bhp, while the 324td (introduced in 1987) added a turbocharger, increasing power to 115 bhp. Both share the same M21D24 engine block, but the 324td has a turbocharger, different injector pump calibration, and lower compression ratio. The 324td is rarer - only 21,514 were produced compared to 75,696 324d units.
-> Compare BMW 324d vs 324td engine pricesQuestion 6Does a rebuilt BMW 3 Series 324d engine come with a warranty-
Yes. Every rebuilt BMW 3 Series 324d engine supplied through EnginesMarket comes with a minimum 12-month unlimited-mileage warranty as standard.
- The warranty covers manufacturing defects and parts failure
- Upgraded components address the original failure points
- Always confirm exact warranty terms with your chosen supplier
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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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