The Porsche M48.50S is a 2,706 cc, flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2008. It powered the rear — engine Porsche Cayman S (987) and featured a water — cooled architecture with an aluminum block, aluminum cylinder heads, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with 24 valves. Equipped with Bosch Motronic MED 9.5.5 digital fuel injection, VarioCam Plus (variable intake and exhaust timing), and a dry — sump lubrication system, it delivered 202 kW (275 PS) and 300 Nm of…
Production years 2005–2008 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (EU Directive 98/69/EC; VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/987S).
The Porsche M48.50S is a 2,706 cc flat‑six petrol engine engineered for the 987 Cayman S and Boxster S (2005–2008). It combines Bosch Motronic MED 9.5.5 digital injection with DOHC, VarioCam Plus, and dry-sump lubrication to deliver high-revving power and track-ready reliability. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances motorsport-derived architecture with modern drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,706 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
Configuration | Flat-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 72.0 mm | |
Power output | 202 kW (275 PS) @ 6,250 rpm | |
Torque | 300 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic MED 9.5.5 sequential injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus (intake and exhaust) | |
Oil type | Porsche Longlife 0W-40 (A40 specification) | |
Dry weight | 175 kg |
The Porsche M48.50S was used exclusively in Porsche's 987 platform with rear-mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received a critical mid-cycle update—oil-fed IMS bearing from mid-2006—and all adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M48.50S's primary reliability risk is IMS bearing wear in pre-mid-2006 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced examples. Porsche internal data from 2007 indicated IMS-related oil contamination in under 5% of early 987s by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show generally robust performance compared to 996-era engines. Oil quality and change intervals make lubrication integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2005–2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2009–2023). 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 M48.50S is generally very reliable, especially post-mid-2006 models with the oil-fed IMS bearing. Pre-2006 units should be monitored for IMS wear, but failure rates are significantly lower than in 996-era engines. With regular oil changes using A40 0W-40 and proper coolant maintenance, it can exceed 200,000 km with minimal issues.
Top issues include VarioCam solenoid faults, rear main seal leaks, water pump impeller failure, and (in pre-2006 engines) IMS bearing wear. These are well-documented in Porsche service bulletins TSB-987-2006 and related TIS updates. Most are preventable with scheduled maintenance.
Exclusively the 2005–2008 Porsche Cayman S (987) and Boxster S (987.1 facelift). It was never used in 911, 997, or non-S variants. Both models share identical engine architecture and output.
Yes. Stage 1 (ECU remap, sport exhaust) yields ~300 PS. Full builds with cams, headers, and lightweight internals can reach 330+ PS. Stock internals are robust, but aggressive tuning should include upgraded cooling and oil systems for track use.
Typical consumption is 11–13 L/100km (26–18 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising can reach 8.5 L/100km (33 mpg UK). Performance tuning increases consumption, but the engine remains efficient for a high-revving flat-six.
Yes. The M48.50S is an interference engine. If the timing chains fail or jump, pistons can contact open valves, causing severe internal damage. However, the chain system is robust with proper lubrication and rarely fails if maintained.
Porsche specifies 0W-40 synthetic oil meeting Porsche Longlife A40 (or newer C40) standards. Change every 15,000 km or annually. This oil ensures proper VarioCam function and IMS bearing protection.
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