The Porsche M 48.02 is a 2,687 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2002 and 2005. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, and Bosch Motronic ME7.8 sequential fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 154 kW (210 PS) at 6,200 rpm, with peak torque of 273 Nm at 4,800 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche Boxster (986) and Cayman (987) base models in global markets, the M 48.02 offered entry‑level access to Porsche’s signature flat‑six driving experience with improved refinement over the earlier inline‑four M44. Emissions compliance was achieved through three‑way catalytic converters and precise lambda control, enabling full Euro 4 compliance across all production regions.
One documented concern is intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing wear, highlighted in Porsche Service Bulletin 986/987 06 2003. This issue stems from insufficient lubrication in early single‑row IMS bearings, potentially leading to bearing seizure, shaft misalignment, and catastrophic engine failure if unaddressed.
Production years 2002–2005 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9345).
The Porsche M 48.02 is a 2,687 cc flat‑six DOHC petrol engine engineered for entry‑level sports applications (2002–2005). It combines water cooling with sequential fuel injection and a naturally aspirated design to deliver smooth, linear power and classic flat‑six balance. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances performance accessibility with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,687 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 78.0 mm | |
| Power output | 154 kW (210 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 273 Nm @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.8 sequential injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with intermediate shaft (IMS) | |
| Oil type | Porsche A40 (SAE 5W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 175 kg |
The flat‑six layout provides signature Porsche balance and smoothness but requires vigilance regarding the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing. Porsche A40 (5W-40) oil is essential for bearing and cam protection under high-RPM stress. Cold starts should be followed by gentle warm-up to ensure oil circulation. The Bosch Motronic system demands stable voltage—weak batteries cause erratic idle or limp mode. Early M 48.02 engines (2002–mid-2003) use single-row IMS bearings prone to failure; later units feature upgraded bearings. Regular oil changes and post-2003 production date verification are critical.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche A40 (5W-40) specification (Porsche SIB 986/987 07 2004). ACEA A3/B4 equivalent acceptable if A40 unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2002–2005 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9345).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Peak output requires RON 95 fuel and functional catalyst (Porsche TIS Doc. 986-6412).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 986-6401, 986-6412, SIB 986/987 06 2003
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9345)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Porsche M 48.02 was used across Porsche's 986 Boxster and early 987 Cayman platforms with mid-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received running changes—upgraded IMS bearing design from mid-2003 onward and revised cam profiles—and was replaced in 2006 by the M97/21 with VarioCam Plus. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the rear crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS 986-6500). The engine number begins with "M48/". The M 48.02 is identified by its 2.7L flat‑six layout and absence of VarioCam Plus (single cam adjuster per bank). Visual cue: 2002–2004 Boxsters feature amber turn signals and 17-inch wheels; early 2005 Caymans share the same engine but have fixed rear hatch. Do not confuse with later M97/21—VarioCam Plus and different cam sensors are key differentiators.
The M 48.02's primary reliability risk is intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure, with elevated incidence in pre-June 2003 examples. Porsche internal service data from 2004 indicated a notable share of early 986/987 engines required IMS-related repairs before 80,000 km, while owner surveys and independent forensic analyses link catastrophic engine failures to bearing seizure. Extended oil change intervals and high-RPM operation accelerate wear, making production date verification and oil discipline critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2002–2005) and independent engineering failure logs (2005–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines; IMS bearing upgrades are widely accepted industry practice for pre-2004 engines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-48-02.
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