01 · Überblick
Breaking a taboo in Munich
In late 1982, BMW dared to do the unthinkable: a diesel. The 524td with the new M21 turbodiesel (2.4 litres, 115 PS) was the fastest production diesel in the world at launch — proving that diesel engines and driving pleasure are not a contradiction.
This marked the start of the line that leads via the M51 and M57 to today’s diesel bestsellers. Historically, the 524td is therefore one of the most important E28 models of all — even though many dealers at the time would have preferred to keep it out of sight.
02 · Historie
Einordnung
- 1982 Market launch at the end of the year — BMW's first production diesel.
- 1986 The naturally aspirated 524d diesel joins the lineup (86 PS).
- 1987 End with the model line; the E34 524td continues with the M21.
03 · Karosserievarianten
Karosserievarianten
Limousine
Externally recognisable only by the badge — deliberately no "diesel look".
04 · Motoren
M21D24 plausibel
Swirl-chamber turbodiesel based on the M20. Sensitive to overheating (cylinder head) — check cooling system history.
Technische Daten anzeigen
| Hubraum | 2.443 cm³ |
| Leistung | 115 PS (85 kW) at 4,800 rpm |
| Drehmoment | 210 Nm |
| Bauart | Inline-six turbodiesel, swirl chamber |
Wikipedia EN/DE, BMW E28 — PS figure cross-checked
05 · Kaufberatung
Buying Guide coming soon
Survivors are rare: check head and cooling system history, bodywork as with any E28. Historically the most significant economy model of the brand.
06 · Die Konkurrenz
Die Konkurrenz
Mercedes 300 D (W123)
The diesel benchmark — more solid, but noticeably slower.
07 · Quellen