The Porsche M44.06 is a 2,480 cc, inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1996 and 1998. It powered the front-engine Porsche 968 and featured a water-cooled architecture with an aluminum block, cast‑iron cylinder liners, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). Equipped with Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital fuel injection and a variably timed intake camshaft (VarioCam), it delivered 132 kW (180 PS) and 235 Nm of torque.
Fitted exclusively to the 968 (including Clubsport and Cabriolet variants), the M44.06 was engineered as the final evolution of Porsche’s front-engine inline‑four lineage, emphasizing responsiveness, refined power delivery, and emissions compliance. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed‑loop lambda control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, allowing full Euro 2 compliance under EU Directive 94/12/EC.
One documented concern is camshaft timing solenoid failure in the VarioCam system, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑968‑1997. The solenoid’s internal plunger could stick due to oil contamination or varnish buildup, leading to loss of variable timing and reduced performance.
Production years 1996–1998 meet Euro 2 emissions standards (EU Directive 94/12/EC; VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/968E).
The Porsche M44.06 is a 2,480 cc inline‑four petrol engine engineered for the 968 sports coupe (1996–1998). It combines Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital fuel injection with DOHC and early VarioCam variable intake timing to deliver responsive power and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it represents the culmination of Porsche’s water-cooled inline‑four development.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,480 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 79.0 mm | |
| Power output | 132 kW (180 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 235 Nm @ 4,100 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC with VarioCam (intake only) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-40 mineral or synthetic blend (API SH/CF) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The M44.06 delivers crisp throttle response and linear power, enhanced by VarioCam’s variable intake timing. Oil changes every 10,000 km with quality 10W-40 oil (mineral or synthetic blend) are essential to maintain VarioCam solenoid function and camshaft lubrication. The Bosch Motronic system requires stable battery voltage and clean grounds to avoid erratic fueling. VarioCam solenoid sticking—often caused by oil varnish—can trigger limp mode or flat spots; OEM replacement per TSB-968-1997 restores performance. Use RON 95+ fuel to preserve combustion integrity and catalytic converter life.
Oil Specs: Requires API SH/CF 10W-40 oil (Porsche Lubricants Guide 1997). Synthetic blends acceptable if meeting specification.
Emissions: Full Euro 2 compliance confirmed under EU Directive 94/12/EC and VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/968E.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across global 968 variants (Porsche PB-968-98).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs PT-968-96, FT-968-97, TSB-968-1997
EU Directive 94/12/EC on vehicle emissions
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/968E)
DIN 70020 Engine Performance Measurement Standard
The Porsche M44.06 was used exclusively in Porsche's 968 platform with front-mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received minor updates—VarioCam calibration refinements and updated ECU mapping—and all adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code M44.06 is stamped on the left side of the block near the cylinder head flange (Porsche TIS PT-968-96). The 10th VIN digit is 'T' (1996), 'V' (1997), or 'W' (1998). Visual cues: all M44.06 engines have a black plastic cam cover labeled “VarioCam” and a single intake manifold runner with variable geometry actuator. Do not confuse with earlier M44.00 (2.5L non-VarioCam, 170 PS) or the 4-cylinder 944 engines—M44.06 is unique to late 968 production and features DOHC with 16 valves.
The M44.06's primary reliability risk is VarioCam solenoid failure due to oil contamination, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced examples. Porsche internal data from 1998 indicated solenoid-related performance complaints in nearly 10% of 968s by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show associated drivability faults in aged vehicles. Oil quality and change intervals make VarioCam system integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1996–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1999–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-44-06.
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