The Porsche M 44.12 is a 2,480 cc, water-cooled inline‑four petrol engine produced between 1994 and 1998. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), Bosch Motronic 5.2 electronic fuel injection, and variable intake geometry. In standard form it delivered 110 kW (150 PS) and 220 Nm of torque, providing a balance of efficiency and spirited performance for entry-level Porsche models.
Fitted to the Porsche 968 Club Sport and select European-market 968 variants, the M 44.12 was engineered as the final evolution of Porsche’s inline‑four lineage, offering reduced weight and improved fuel economy over the inline‑six M30. Emissions compliance was achieved via a three-way catalytic converter, oxygen sensor feedback, and exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), allowing Euro 2 compliance across all markets.
One documented concern is intake manifold runner mechanism seizure due to age-related carbon buildup and vacuum actuator failure, noted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑968‑96‑04. Additionally, early hydraulic chain tensioners exhibited insufficient preload under high thermal load, prompting a revised tensioner design from 1996 onward.
All production years (1994–1998) meet Euro 2 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4412).
The Porsche M 44.12 is a 2,480 cc inline‑four DOHC petrol engine engineered for the 968 platform (1994–1998). It combines Bosch Motronic 5.2 electronic injection with variable intake geometry to deliver responsive mid-range torque and refined high-RPM power. Designed to meet Euro 2 from launch, it represents Porsche’s last inline‑four production engine.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,480 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 87.8 mm | |
| Power output | 110 kW (150 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 5.2 electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with front-mounted radiator | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with hydraulic tensioner | |
| Oil type | 10W‑40 semi-synthetic (Porsche A30 spec) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The M 44.12’s variable intake system enhances mid-range torque but is prone to carbon-induced sticking in the runner actuator, especially with infrequent use. Clean or replace the vacuum actuator per TSB‑968‑96‑04 if hesitation occurs. Use of 95 RON minimum (98 RON preferred) fuel prevents knock under load. Revised hydraulic chain tensioners from 1996 improve durability—pre-1996 engines should be inspected for chain slack at 100,000 km. Oil changes every 10,000 km with Porsche A30–approved 10W‑40 oil protect camshafts and main bearings.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche A30–spec 10W‑40 semi-synthetic oil (Porsche SIB TSB‑968‑96‑04). Full synthetic oils may be used if they meet A30 viscosity and additive requirements.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all model years (1994–1998) per VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4412.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes 98 RON fuel and optimal ignition timing (Porsche TIS Doc. 968‑PERF‑14).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 968‑ENG‑08, 968‑FUEL‑11, TSB‑968‑96‑04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4412)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Porsche M 44.12 was used exclusively in Porsche's 968 platform with front-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts for the Club Sport and optimized exhaust manifolds—and from 1996 the tensioner update improved timing reliability, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine type is stamped on the front left block near the alternator mount (Porsche TIS 968‑ID‑05). The 10th VIN digit indicates model year; 968 VINs begin with WP0ZZZ96. Early M 44.12 engines (1994–1995) feature a silver intake manifold with external vacuum actuator; 1996–1998 units use a black manifold with integrated actuator housing. Do not confuse with M44/40 (2.7L) by visual cues alone—M 44.12 has 95.0 mm bore and unique Motronic ECU part number 0 261 200 411.
The M 44.12's primary reliability risk is variable intake runner seizure and timing chain tensioner wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently driven examples. Porsche internal service data from 1998 noted intake-related hesitation in ~15% of 1994–1995 engines before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show timing-related misfires as a recurring fault in pre-1996 units. Infrequent use and poor vacuum integrity accelerate carbon accumulation, making actuator and chain inspection critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1994–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1998–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-44-12.
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