The Porsche M 44.08 is a 2,480 cc, naturally aspirated inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2000. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and Bosch Motronic M5.2 engine management. In standard form it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) at 5,800 rpm with torque of 220 Nm at 4,200 rpm, engineered for smooth power delivery and refinement in entry — level Porsche applications.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche Boxster (986) from 1996 to 1999 (model year 199…
All production years (1996–2000) meet Euro 2 standards (TüV Germany Type Approval #TUEV/EMS/4408).
The Porsche M 44.08 is a 2,480 cc inline‑four naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for the first-generation Boxster (1996–2000). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch electronic fuel injection to deliver linear power and compact rear-mid mounting. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions, it balances driver engagement with regulatory compliance for its era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,480 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 87.5 mm | |
Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 5,800 rpm | |
Torque | 220 Nm @ 4,200 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic M5.2 with sequential 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 A40 (SAE 10W‑40) | |
Dry weight | 142 kg |
The Porsche M 44.08 was used exclusively in Porsche's 986 Boxster platform with rear‑mid longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received minor running updates—revised IMS bearing from mid‑1997 and updated ECU mapping in 1998—creating interchange considerations. No partnerships existed with other manufacturers. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M 44.08's primary reliability concern is early-production IMS bearing wear in pre-June 1997 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or track-used vehicles. Porsche internal service data from 1999 indicated a subset of early Boxsters required IMS inspection before 100,000 km, while no crankshaft or block failures have been reported. Thermal cycling and oil change discipline make fluid quality critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1996–2000) and TüV Germany failure statistics (1997–2005). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M 44.08 is robust for an inline-four in a sports car, especially post-1997 units with the upgraded IMS bearing. Early engines require IMS monitoring. With proper valve clearance adjustments, regular oil changes, and DME capacitor checks, these engines can exceed 200,000 km reliably.
Main issues are IMS bearing wear (pre-06/1997 builds), rear main seal leaks, Bosch DME capacitor failure, and intake manifold actuator sticking. All are documented in Porsche SIB 986‑01‑99 and TIS bulletins, with known repair paths.
Exclusively the 986-generation Boxster (2.5L) from model years 1997 to 1999. No other Porsche or partner vehicles used this engine.
Moderately. ECU remaps can yield +10–15 PS, but gains are limited by the non-intercooled NA design. Popular upgrades include performance exhaust and air intake. Forced induction is rare and not factory-supported due to block and fuel system limitations.
Official combined: 8.9 L/100km (~32 mpg UK). Real-world mixed use typically yields 9–11 L/100km (31–26 mpg UK). Requires RON 95 minimum; RON 98 offers marginal refinement benefit but no power gain.
Yes. The M 44.08 is an interference design. Timing chain failure would cause piston-to-valve contact. However, the chain is robust and rarely fails if oil is maintained. Valve clearance must be checked regularly due to solid lifters.
Porsche A40 specification (SAE 10W‑40) semi-synthetic or mineral oil. Fully synthetic oils meeting ACEA A3/B3 may be used if they comply with Porsche A40 shear stability. Change every 10,000 km or 12 months.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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