The Porsche M 44.04 is a 2,480 cc, water‑cooled inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1996 and 1998. It featured Bosch Motronic 5.2 electronic fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a 16‑valve layout. In the 968 Club Sport and 968 Cabriolet it delivered 143 kW (194 PS) and 245 Nm of torque.
Fitted exclusively to the final iteration of the Porsche 968, the M 44.04 was engineered for refined performance and improved emissions compliance over its predecessor. Emissions control was achieved via exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a three‑way catalytic converter, and precise lambda control, enabling compliance with Euro 2 standards under EU Directive 94/12/EC.
One documented concern is premature wear of the hydraulic chain tensioner, which can lead to timing chain slack and potential interference damage. This issue is referenced in Porsche Technical Bulletin 968/02/97, which recommends inspection of tensioner function during major service intervals.
Production years 1996–1998 meet Euro 2 emissions standards under EU Directive 94/12/EC (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9684).
The Porsche M 44.04 is a 2,480 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for the Porsche 968 (1996–1998). It combines Bosch Motronic 5.2 engine management with DOHC architecture to deliver linear power delivery and compliance with Euro 2 emissions. Designed as the final evolution of Porsche’s transaxle four-cylinder line, it prioritizes drivability and emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,480 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 87.3 mm | |
| Power output | 143 kW (194 PS) | |
| Torque | 245 Nm @ 4,100 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 5.2 electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.2:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with hydraulic tensioner | |
| Oil type | Porsche Longlife 10W‑60 or 10W‑40 (ACEA A3/B3) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The DOHC layout provides smooth high-RPM power but relies on a hydraulic timing chain tensioner prone to internal seal wear after 100,000 km. Use only ACEA A3/B3–compliant oil (e.g., Porsche 10W-40) and change every 10,000 km to maintain tensioner function. Bosch Motronic 5.2 is sensitive to lambda sensor degradation—replace every 80,000 km to prevent rich running and catalyst damage. The engine is an interference design: timing chain failure can cause catastrophic valve-piston contact. Pre-1997 units should be inspected for tensioner wear per Porsche SIB 968/02/97.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B3–compliant 10W-40 or 10W-60 (Porsche PT‑1997). Not compatible with modern low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification confirmed for all 1996–1998 M 44.04 engines (EU Directive 94/12/EC, VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9684).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020. Output consistent across all 968 variants (Porsche PT‑1997).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P968‑M44, SIB 968/02/97
EU Directive 94/12/EC on vehicle emissions
Porsche Parts Catalogue (ETK) 1998 Edition
The Porsche M 44.04 was used exclusively in Porsche's 968 platform with front-engine, rear-transaxle longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received minor ECU calibration updates over its production run—optimized idle control in 1997 Cabriolets—but shares core architecture across all variants. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left-side crankcase near the oil filter housing—“M44/04” confirms this variant. The 968 features a distinctive transaxle layout with rear-mounted gearbox. M 44.04 is differentiated from earlier M 44.01 (944/968 pre-1996) by Bosch Motronic 5.2 ECU (part #0 261 200 xxx) and Euro 2–compliant catalyst. Do not confuse with M 44/40 (North American version)—M 44.04 is European-spec only with higher power output.
The M 44.04's primary reliability risk is hydraulic timing chain tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage examples exceeding 100,000 km. Porsche field data from 1998 indicated over 15 % of engines required timing system inspection before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records correlate neglected lambda sensor replacement with catalyst failure. Extended oil change intervals accelerate tensioner seal degradation, making oil quality and service adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1996–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1998–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-44-04.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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