| BMW M21 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | BMW Motoren GmbH Steyr |
| Production | 1983–1991 |
| Layout | |
| Configuration | Straight-6 |
| Displacement | 2.4 L (2,443 cc) |
| Cylinder bore | 80 mm (3.15 in) |
| Piston stroke | 81 mm (3.19 in) |
| Cylinder block material | Cast iron |
| Valvetrain | SOHC 2 valves x cyl. |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 |
| Combustion | |
| Operating principle | Diesel |
| Turbocharger | Garrett T03 ('td' versions), None ('d' versions) |
| Fuel system | Swirl chamber injection,distributorfuel injection pump |
| Fuel type | Diesel fuel 45 CN (DIN 51601) |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled |
| Output | |
| Power output | 63–85 kW (84–114 hp) |
| Torque output | 152–220 N⋅m (112–162 lb⋅ft) |
| Chronology | |
| Predecessor | None |
| Successor | M51 |
TheBMW M21 is a straight-sixdiesel engine developed by the German engine manufacturerBMW. It hasswirl chamber injection and is based on theM20petrol engine[1] and was produced for BMW by theUpper AustrianSteyr engine plant from 1983 to 1991. It was succeeded by theM51.[2]
In the 1970s BMW decided to develop an engine, which would both be powerful and have a goodfuel economy. This was caused by theoil crisis in 1973. In 1975 a group of BMW engineers started working on the M78/M105 diesel engine project, using the M20 petrol engine as the basis. By the time the engine entered production, the code name was changed to M21. The Steyr engine plant was planned from the beginning to be the sole manufacturer of the new diesel engine. It started as a joint venture with Steyr-Daimler Puch in 1978, but in February 1982 BMW took over the reins.[3] The first engines built there (in early 1982) were six-cylinder petrol units. Beginning in 1983, Ford was planning to buy 190,000 BMW turbodiesels over a period of several years.[3] With theAmerican diesel market imploding in the early 1980s, Ford only built a small number of Lincolns thus equipped and only for two model years.
In 1983 at theIAA, the first passenger car was shown to the public which made use of the 85 kW (115 PS) M21.[4] It was theE28 524td, which has a top speed of 180 km/h (110 mph) and reaches 100 km/h (62 mph) in 12.9 s. This 5-series BMW was the fastest series production diesel car in the world in 1983. It has a fuel economy of 7.1 L/100 km (40 mpg‑imp; 33 mpg‑US).[2]
As per the M20, the M21 is water-cooled,[5] has a cast iron block and aSOHC valvetrain. Thecamshaft is driven by a belt,[2] each cylinder has one inlet and one outlet valve.[1] Compared to the M20, the M21 has reinforcedconnecting rods,cylinder heads, pistons, valves[2] and a reinforcedcrankshaft[1] with seven[5] bearings.
For faster engine startup the M21 has a glowplug system calledinstant start, which reduces the time to reach starting temperature compared to similar diesel engines.[2] The fuel is injected into swirl chambers.[1]
A Garrettturbocharger[4] is used (without anintercooler). Initially, the M21 was only available as a turbocharged engine. In 1985, BMW introduced anaturally aspirated version of the M21, which was popular in countries with a high motor vehicle tax.[2]
Initially, the fuel pump was controlled mechanically. From 1987 Bosch'selectronically controlled fuel pump was used (EDC, called DDE, Digital Diesel Electronics by BMW),[6][7] which increased the torque output by 10 N⋅m (7 lb⋅ft). The updated engine has a smaller turbocharger, which improves response.[1] The naturally aspirated engine was fitted with ESC from 1989.
| Engine | Aspiration | Power | Torque | Redline | Dates built |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| M21D24[8][5] | Turbo-diesel | 85 kW (115 PS; 113 hp) at 4800 rpm | 210 N⋅m (155 lb⋅ft) at 2400 rpm | 5350 rpm | 1983.09–1987.08 |
| 220 N⋅m (162 lb⋅ft) at 2400 rpm | 1987–1992 (DDE) | ||||
| Natural | 63 kW (86 PS; 85 hp) at 4600 rpm | 152 N⋅m (112 lb⋅ft) at 2500 rpm | 5150 rpm | 1985.09–1989 1989–1992 (DDE) |
Applications:
