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…
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 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 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.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M 48.50T is robust when properly managed but has known weaknesses in turbo oil coking if cooldown protocols are ignored. Post-2006 engines feature improved oil lines. Strict adherence to 10,000 km oil changes with 10W-60 synthetic oil and disciplined cooldown cycles greatly enhance longevity.
Top issues include turbo oil coking (especially in early models), chain tensioner wear, intercooler end-tank cracking, and rear main seal leaks. These are documented in Porsche Technical Bulletin 996/03/19 and service records from the mid-2000s.
Exclusively the Porsche 911 Turbo (996) from 2004 to 2008, including the 996 Turbo and 996 Turbo S. It was the first twin-turbo water-cooled 911 engine and was not used in any other model or by third parties.
Yes. The engine responds well to ECU remaps (+30–50 PS) and larger intercoolers. The robust bottom end tolerates up to ~450 PS reliably. However, turbo oil management and fuel system upgrades (high-flow injectors, pump) are essential to avoid detonation or turbo failure.
Poor by modern standards: ~16–18 L/100km (city) and ~11–13 L/100km (highway), or roughly 18–22 mpg UK combined. Aggressive driving easily exceeds 20 L/100km. RON 98 fuel is mandatory, increasing running costs.
Yes. The M 48.50T uses an interference valvetrain design. Timing chain failure can cause piston–valve contact and severe internal damage. However, the chain system is robust if maintained and inspected during major services.
Porsche specifies a 10W-60 synthetic oil meeting specification L-751. Mineral oils are not approved. Change every 10,000 km to protect turbo bearings and chain components.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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