> What was the last BMW engine that had essentially mechanical injection
>as opposed to common rail? Are they available from dismantlers in
>Germany or elsewhere in the EU? I wonder how hard building a diesel BMW
>would be using a BMW engine, before they import them again. I don't
>think the CRD will run on the current US diesel fuel-or will the fuel
>system handle it if you get rid of EGR and particulate trap?
Well my '96 E36 325TDS is a good old tractor style diesel engine.
That's the M51 engine found in E36 325TD/S, E34, E39
The only difference between the TD and TDS engine is an air/air
intercooler, but it's worth about 30bhp and 40lb/ft.
The E36 TDS also got the 5 speed auto instead of the 4 speed of the TD
model.
They're certainly about. I'm in the UK and often see other 325
TD/TDS's trundling round the motorways (which is where they come into
their own fuel economy wise).
I don't know how good/bad your Diesel is these days, but from what I
heard, back in '96 the engine in mine wouldn't have liked it one bit.
Dodgy.

Signature
MUSHROOMS ARE THE OPIATE OF THE MOOSES