The Porsche M 48.50T is a 3,189 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2004 and 2008. It features Bosch Motronic ME7.8 digital fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a compression ratio of 9.5:1. In standard form it delivered 257 kW (350 PS) and 480 Nm of torque, emphasizing high‑rpm performance with strong mid‑range thrust from its twin-turbo system.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 911 Turbo (996 Turbo) for global markets, the M 48.50T was engineered as the first twin‑turbocharged water‑cooled 911 engine. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed‑loop fuel control, secondary air injection, and dual catalytic converters, meeting Euro 4 standards across all markets.
One documented concern is turbocharger oil feed line coking leading to bearing wear, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin 996/03/19. This issue stems from heat soak after shutdown, which carbonizes oil in the feed lines—particularly in vehicles subjected to repeated high‑load cycles without cooldown. In 2006, Porsche revised oil line routing and material to improve heat dissipation.
All production years (2004–2008) meet Euro 4 standards (German KBA Type Approval #KBA/M48.50T/05).
The Porsche M 48.50T is a 3,189 cc water‑cooled flat‑six twin‑turbocharged petrol engine engineered for the high‑performance 996 Turbo (2004–2008). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch Motronic ME7.8 injection and twin K16 turbochargers to deliver explosive mid‑range response and high‑rpm refinement. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it integrates intercoolers, dual catalytic converters, and precise fuel control for regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,189 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.0 mm × 73.0 mm | |
| Power output | 257 kW (350 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 480 Nm @ 2,800–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.8 digital electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 9.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin K16 units with air-to-air intercoolers | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Porsche Classic 10W-60 or equivalent synthetic | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The M 48.50T delivers explosive twin-turbo performance but requires disciplined cooldown cycles after high-load driving to prevent turbo oil coking. RON 98 fuel is mandatory to avoid detonation under high boost. Early engines (2004–2005) use standard oil feed lines prone to heat soak; post-2006 units feature revised heat-shielded lines. Oil changes every 10,000 km with Porsche-approved 10W-60 synthetic oil are critical. The engine’s robust bottom end tolerates mild tuning, but intercooler and fuel system upgrades are recommended for power increases.
Oil Specs: Requires synthetic 10W-60 oil meeting Porsche L-751 (Porsche Lubricants Specification L-751). Mineral oils are not approved.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all production years (KBA Type Approval #KBA/M48.50T/05). No market-specific deviations.
Power Ratings: Measured per DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all 996 Turbo models (Porsche PT‑2006).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P996-M48, P996-FI-04, 996/03/19
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (KBA/M48.50T/05)
Porsche ETK (Electronic Parts Catalogue) – 996 Turbo Section
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Porsche M 48.50T was used exclusively in Porsche's 996 Turbo platform with rear‑mounted, longitudinal flat‑six layout. This engine powered the 911 Turbo (996) from 2004 through 2008, featuring twin K16 turbochargers, intercoolers, and revised cooling over the naturally aspirated M96. No licensed third-party applications exist. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code M 48.50T is stamped on the rear face of the crankcase near the flywheel (Porsche TIS P996-ID-01). The 10th digit of the VIN indicates model year, while model designation '911 Turbo' confirms application. Critical differentiation: M 48.50T features twin turbochargers and prominent side air intakes for intercoolers—distinct from the single-turbo 930 or naturally aspirated M96 engines. The presence of 350 PS output and ME7.8 ECU confirms this variant.
The M 48.50T's primary reliability risk is turbocharger oil feed line coking leading to bearing failure, with elevated incidence in track-driven or poorly maintained examples. Porsche internal service data from 2007 noted turbo replacements before 80,000 km in vehicles lacking cooldown discipline, while German KBA records show elevated turbo-related failure notices in 996 Turbo models used in hot climates. Repeated high-load cycles without thermal management increase stress, making cooldown and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2004–2008) and German KBA failure statistics (2006–2012). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
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