Specific engine questions

[BMW 635]

I own a BMW 635 that is a blast to drive and show off.
I met a man the other day with a BMW Vixen. It is actually a USA made RV with a BMW inline 6 Turbo Diesel engine.

I know a fair amount about 6 series BMW, but no nothing about the Diesel engine. I was surprised to hear that the BMW engine propels the 6 thousand pound land barge around the country at 30 MPG.

What are the good and bad items for this engine?

[turbodan]

All you really need to know is that uses a timing belt which requires service every 40k miles or 6 years.

I think the engine used in the RV must be tuned differently than the ones installed in the BMW sedans. You can make a lot of torque with a turbo diesel. More fuel, more boost.

[markx]

The head tends to crack and warp, especially if the engine has been tuned for higher power output (more fuel, higher turbo pressure). The camshaft also tends to wear rather badly. Last 2 cilinders express faster wear as the cooling is inefficient and the back end of engine runs at higher temps compared to the front. Bushings of the IP shafts, especially the accelerator shaft tend to wear out too...you can check by hand, if there is a lot of play then you probaby need to change the bushings and o rings of the IP. Otherwise they can leak air into the pump and cause sloppy idle in cold temps or let the fuel drain down and cause hard starting. Starter pendix is another sorepoint of the m21 engine. Every single one of the 2,4td beamers that I've owned, has had issues with the starter pendix.