But for starters.....

The M21 (324TD & 524TD) is based on the same architecture as an M20, for which there are conversion parts. You'll have to switch your fuel lines to diesel-friendly lines and be prepared to do a lot of the thinking and fabrication by yourself.

With the exception of the sure-to-be-huge shipping costs, it might be worth shipping over a Euro model diesel. The newer ones will require more fabrication, but they would give great performance and mileage.


Otherwise, keep looking for a 324td or 524td. Of course, the other option is the 84-85 Lincoln Continental Diesel, which borrowed the same motor.....they're just rarer. If you can find the whole car, a diesel Lincoln would be worth less than ice in Alaska.

Nobady seems to be able to source images or more information about putting an M21 in a 2002, but many are interested. Let us know if you do.
_________________
ClayW
1976 Fjord 2002 Sunroof

Project Blog

"Finish the thing, do it right the first time and drive the son of a bitch!"
-Gray Baskerville on hot rod advice

turbo position and idler arm are going to be friends..

....NO NEED TO 'GRAY MARKET'

you will have yer choice of 335d 4-dr,
or X5 3.0d this fall here in the US,
I have driven both at Spartanburg 2-months a go,
and THEY R.O.C.K. !! very quick cars.
_________________
1976 BMW 2002 #2743711(sorry I sold it 12/25/06)
1986 BMW R65 650cc twin 19k miles
1964 BMW R27 250cc single 15K miles
2002 BMW 325xiTouring 29k miles
1984 MERCEDES-BENZ W123 300D Turbodiesel-188k miles fein-DIESEL

c. d. iesel wrote:

turbo position and idler arm are going to be friends..

Hmmm...sounds like a lot of fun. I'd like to see someone import a new 120d and do the swap.



As much as I'd like to have a diesel in a 2002, I might be better off just finding an 80s 300d to fill with homemade biodiesel and cruise around in.



_________________
ClayW
1976 Fjord 2002 Sunroof

Project Blog

"Finish the thing, do it right the first time and drive the son of a bitch!"
-Gray Baskerville on hot rod advice

easier, as euro 323's (and 320/6's) came from the factory with M20's - all you'd need would be an M21 engine and the 6 cylinder front crossmember and motor mount pylons.

In addition, there's a bit more room in the E21 engine compartment, and E21's have dual fuel tanks (connected with a rubber hose), so it would be relatively easy to split the tanks and set it up with one bio diesel tank and one petro diesel.

There's more room in the E21 transmission tunnel as well, so it would be possible to use the '82 E28 removable bellhousing 5 speed which still has the capability for a cable speed drive, and will handle a LOT more torque.

Betcha an E21/524td combination would give killer milage and be pretty quick if it were geared right
_________________
Barry Allen
'69 Sunroof
'82 E21 (daily driver)
'82 633CSi (wife's driver)
'65 El Camino (yard & parts hauler)

c.d.iesel wrote:

....NO NEED TO 'GRAY MARKET' you will have yer choice of 335d 4-dr, or X5 3.0d this fall here in the US, I have driven both at Spartanburg 2-months a go, and THEY R.O.C.K. !! very quick cars.

CD,
Do you know if there will be a 3 series wagon? 335TD or DT?

John
_________________
"Chicken make no good house pet!"

"Less brake, more accelerator"
#1665778

Better yet, put the motor/trans in an '02!!!! Just think, 204hp 297ftlb AND over 50MPG!!!!

http://www.autobloggreen.com/2007/11/23/bmw-123d-gets-another-rave-review-and-we-still-cant-get-it/

http://www.topgear.com/blogs/drives/119-bmw-123d/

Just the thing to show up those pesky S14 yahoos! :b......
_________________
Tom Jones
BMWCCA Life 49246
Vacaville CA
a Wrench @ http://www.ipb-autosport.com/
& http://www.caseymotorsports.com
67 1600-2 Granada
+ 3 more 1600-2's
67 1800A stored
76 2002 F/S soon
86 528e 5sp Mine 365k
86 528eA Wife's
90 CRX HF 50mpg!

CD,
Do you know if there will be a 3 series wagon? 335TD or DT?

no word about any other USA diesels - for now.
the 335d 4-dr. and X5 3.0d (same motor in both)
are sure for this fall introduction
_________________
1976 BMW 2002 #2743711(sorry I sold it 12/25/06)
1986 BMW R65 650cc twin 19k miles
1964 BMW R27 250cc single 15K miles
2002 BMW 325xiTouring 29k miles
1984 MERCEDES-BENZ W123 300D Turbodiesel-188k miles fein-DIESEL