The BMW 3 Series Touring (E30) 324td Automatic, produced from 1988 to 1993, represents a unique offering within the E30 generation. This variant combined the practicality of the 3 Series Touring (station wagon) body style with BMW’s robust 2.4-liter turbocharged diesel engine and a four-speed automatic transmission. Positioned as a more economical and relaxed alternative to the gasoline-powered 3 Series models, the 324td Automatic catered to buyers prioritizing fuel efficiency and comfortable long-distance cruising. It was a particularly popular choice in European markets where diesel engines enjoyed a strong following due to favorable taxation and fuel costs.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | BMW |
| Model | 3 Series |
| Generation | 3 Series Touring (E30, facelift 1987) |
| Type (Engine) | 324td (115 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production | 1988 |
| End of production | 1993 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 8.9 l/100 km (26.4 US mpg, 31.7 UK mpg, 11.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 5.2 l/100 km (45.2 US mpg, 54.3 UK mpg, 19.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 6.9 l/100 km (34.1 US mpg, 40.9 UK mpg, 14.5 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 13.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 13.3 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 12.6 sec |
| Maximum speed | 182 km/h (113.09 mph) |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 5.9 kg/Nm, 170.8 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 115 Hp @ 4800 rpm |
| Power per litre | 47.1 Hp/l |
| Torque | 222 Nm @ 2400 rpm (163.74 lb.-ft. @ 2400 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Longitudinal |
| Engine Model/Code | M21D24 |
| Engine displacement | 2443 cm3 (149.08 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 6 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 80 mm (3.15 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 81 mm (3.19 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 22:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 2 |
| Fuel injection system | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 12 l (12.68 US qt | 10.56 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1300 kg (2866.01 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1780 kg (3924.23 lbs.) |
| Max load | 480 kg (1058.22 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 370 l (13.07 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1125 l (39.73 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 55 l (14.53 US gal | 12.1 UK gal) |
| Length | 4325 mm (170.28 in.) |
| Width | 1645 mm (64.76 in.) |
| Height | 1380 mm (54.33 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2570 mm (101.18 in.) |
| Front track | 1405 mm (55.31 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1415 mm (55.71 in.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 4 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
| Front brakes | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 195/65 HR14 |
| Wheel rims size | 14 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of the 324td Automatic is the M21D24 engine, a 2.4-liter inline-six cylinder diesel. This engine utilized precombustion chamber injection, a system common in early diesel engines, where fuel is injected into a small pre-chamber connected to the main combustion chamber. This design aids in better fuel mixing and more complete combustion. The addition of a turbocharger and intercooler significantly boosted power output to 115 horsepower and 222 Nm (163.74 lb-ft) of torque. The four-speed automatic transmission, a ZF unit, was chosen for its smoothness and ease of use, prioritizing comfort over outright performance. This transmission featured a torque converter and hydraulic control, offering relatively smooth shifts but lacking the responsiveness of a manual gearbox.
Driving Characteristics
The 324td Automatic offered a distinctly different driving experience compared to its gasoline-powered siblings or even the manual diesel versions. Acceleration was leisurely, with a 0-60 mph time of around 12.6 seconds. However, the engine’s substantial torque, available from low RPMs, provided ample pulling power for everyday driving and effortless cruising on the highway. The automatic transmission, while comfortable, did detract from driver engagement and resulted in some power loss compared to the manual transmission. The gear ratios were optimized for fuel economy and relaxed cruising, rather than sporty acceleration.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 324td Automatic typically came with a reasonably well-equipped specification, though it generally sat in the mid-range of the E30 Touring lineup. Standard features included power steering, central locking, and a basic stereo system. Interior upholstery was usually cloth, with options for leather available at extra cost. Optional extras included a sunroof, air conditioning, and upgraded sound systems. The dashboard layout was typical of the E30, with a functional and straightforward design.
Chassis & Braking
The 324td Automatic shared the E30’s well-regarded chassis design, featuring independent suspension at all four wheels. The front suspension utilized coil springs and MacPherson struts, while the rear employed a semi-trailing arm setup with coil springs. Braking was accomplished via disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) was available as an option, enhancing safety. The suspension was tuned for comfort, providing a relatively compliant ride, although it wasn’t as sporty as the setups found in some of the higher-performance 3 Series models.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 324td Automatic was well-received in Europe, particularly by those seeking a fuel-efficient and comfortable family vehicle. Critics praised its economy and relaxed driving experience, but noted its lack of outright performance compared to the gasoline-powered models. Compared to the 325i, the 324td Automatic offered significantly better fuel economy but considerably less power and a less engaging driving experience. The manual 324td offered slightly better performance and fuel economy due to the absence of transmission losses. Reliability was generally good, typical of BMW engineering of the era.
Legacy
The BMW E30 324td Automatic has become a sought-after classic among enthusiasts, particularly those interested in diesel-powered vehicles. The M21D24 engine is known for its durability and relatively simple mechanical design, making it easier to maintain than some of the more complex engines of the era. While not a performance icon, the 324td Automatic represents a unique and practical offering from BMW, combining the practicality of a station wagon with the fuel efficiency of a diesel engine. Today, well-maintained examples command a respectable price in the used car market, appealing to collectors and those seeking a classic BMW with a distinctive character.
