The Porsche M64.05 is a 3,600 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1993 and 1998. It powered the rear-engine Porsche 993 generation 911 Carrera and featured dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 202 kW (272 PS) and 330 Nm of torque, with a redline of 6,500 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the 993-series 911 Carrera (Carrera 2 and Carrera 4), the M64.05 represented the pinnacle of air‑cooled Porsche engineering, balancing classic architecture with modern drivability and emissions compliance. Emissions were managed through closed‑loop lambda control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, satisfying Euro 2 standards under EU Directive 94/12/EC.
One documented concern is rear main seal leakage due to crankshaft flange wear, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑993‑1996. The seal surface on early crankshafts could develop micro‑grooves over time, compromising the lip seal’s ability to retain oil, particularly during extended high‑rpm operation or infrequent servicing.
Production years 1993–1998 meet Euro 2 emissions standards (EU Directive 94/12/EC; VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/993E).
The Porsche M64.05 is a 3,600 cc air‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine engineered for the 993-generation 911 Carrera (1993–1998). It combines DOHC, 24-valve architecture with Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital fuel injection to deliver smooth, linear power and strong mid-range torque. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it represents the final evolution of Porsche’s air-cooled engine lineage.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,600 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 100.0 mm × 76.4 mm | |
| Power output | 202 kW (272 PS) @ 6,100 rpm | |
| Torque | 330 Nm @ 5,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic 2.1 digital injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air-cooled (oil-cooled heads) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with hydraulic lifters | |
| Oil type | Porsche Classic 10W-60 or equivalent (API SH/CF) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The M64.05 delivers smooth, linear power ideal for both daily driving and spirited canyon runs. Oil changes every 7,500 km with high-quality 10W-60 oil (e.g., Porsche Classic) protect the hydraulic lifters and crankshaft journals. The air-cooled design remains sensitive to ambient heat—prolonged idling in traffic can cause oil temperatures to exceed 130 °C, risking bearing wear. Rear main seal leakage is common on high-mileage units; post-1996 crankshafts received a hardened seal surface per TSB-993-1996. Fuel must be ≥RON 98 to prevent knock under load, especially in warm climates.
Oil Specs: Requires 10W-60 mineral/synthetic blend with adequate ZDDP for hydraulic lifter protection (Porsche Lubricants Guide 1995).
Emissions: Full Euro 2 compliance confirmed under EU Directive 94/12/EC and VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/993E.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across global 993 Carrera models (Porsche PB-993-96).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs PT-993-93, FT-993-94, TSB-993-1996
EU Directive 94/12/EC on vehicle emissions
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/993E)
DIN 70020 Engine Performance Measurement Standard
The Porsche M64.05 was used exclusively in Porsche's 993 platform with rear-mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received minor updates—hardened crankshaft flange from mid-1996 and revised oil cooling ducting—and all adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code M64.05 is stamped on the crankcase near the oil filler tube on the right side (Porsche TIS PT-993-93). The 10th VIN digit is 'P' (1993), 'R' (1994), 'S' (1995), 'T' (1996), 'V' (1997), or 'W' (1998). Visual cues: all M64.05 engines have dual overhead cam covers with “DOHC” embossed, and Bosch Motronic ECU mounted in the front trunk. Do not confuse with M64.04 (3.6L 250 PS in early 993) or M64.09 (3.6L 285 PS in 993 RS)—M64.05 is standard Carrera output. Crankshaft seal surface can be inspected during clutch replacement to verify TSB-993-1996 update.
The M64.05's primary reliability risk is rear main seal leakage due to crankshaft flange wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or poorly maintained examples. Porsche internal data from 1997 indicated rear seal repairs in over 20% of pre-1996 993s by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show associated oil loss complaints in neglected vehicles. Thermal stress and delayed oil changes make cooling and lubrication integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1993–1998) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1999–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-64-05.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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