The Porsche M 64.08 is a 3,600 cc, dual-overhead-cam flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1993 and 1998. It featured Bosch Motronic 2.1 sequential fuel injection, an aluminum block with Nikasil-coated cylinders, and a dry‑sump lubrication system. In standard form it delivered 202 kW (272 PS) and 330 Nm of torque, offering smooth high-RPM power delivery for the air-cooled 993-generation 911.
Fitted exclusively to the 993-generation 911 Carrera (1993–1998), the M 64.08 was engineered as the final evolution of Porsche’s air-cooled flat-six legacy, balancing increased displacement, reduced emissions, and improved refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 1 standards across its production life.
One documented concern is bore scoring in Nikasil-coated cylinders, particularly under sustained high-load conditions or with coolant contamination. Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/993/94 notes that the issue stems from thermal distortion and glycol ingress during cold starts or head gasket failure, affecting mainly early production units.
Production years 1993–1998 meet Euro 1 standards (TÜV Certificate TÜV/93/M64/08).
The Porsche M 64.08 is a 3,600 cc flat‑six petrol engine engineered for the rear-mounted 993 911 (1993–1998). It combines DOHC architecture with sequential fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication for consistent oil pressure during spirited driving. Designed to meet Euro 1 emissions standards, it integrates catalytic converters and secondary air injection while preserving the air-cooled character of Porsche’s final generation of air-cooled 911s.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,600 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| 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 sequential injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 1 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Porsche Classic 10W‑60 (API SG) | |
| Dry weight | 192 kg |
The DOHC flat-six delivers a smooth, linear power band with classic air-cooled character—ideal for spirited driving and collector use. However, the Nikasil bores are highly sensitive to glycol contamination and thermal shock, especially during repeated cold starts or with compromised head gaskets. Use RON 98 fuel to prevent knock and maintain catalytic converter health. Oil changes every 7,500 km with Porsche Classic 10W‑60 (API SG, high-ZDDP) are essential to protect cam followers and rod bearings. Per PTB/993/94, early units (1993–1995) are more prone to bore scoring; post-1995 engines received revised piston-to-wall clearance and improved coolant sealing.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche Classic 10W‑60 meeting API SG with high zinc/phosphorus content (Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-993-93). Modern low-SAPS oils are unsuitable.
Emissions: Euro 1 compliance applies to all 1993–1998 models (TÜV Certificate TÜV/93/M64/08).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020; verified on dynamometer (Porsche PTB/993/94).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 993-01, 993-1120, 993-2210
Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/993/94
TÜV Certificate TÜV/93/M64/08
Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-993-93
The Porsche M 64.08 was used exclusively in Porsche's 993 platform with rear-mounted, longitudinal flat-six mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—updated oil cooling in the 1995 model year and revised ECU mapping in 1996 models—and from 1998 was succeeded by the water-cooled M96, marking the end of the air-cooled era. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code 'M 64.08' is stamped on the right-side crankcase near the oil filler tube (Porsche TIS 993-1120). The 10th VIN digit indicates model year ('P' = 1993, 'R' = 1994, etc.). Visual cues: black valve covers with “911” script, twin spark plug wires per cylinder, and absence of intercooler or turbo. Early engines (1993–1995) use part #993 100 101 00 for pistons; post-1995 units use revised pistons (part #993 100 101 01) with tighter wall clearance per PTB/993/94.
The M 64.08's primary reliability risk is Nikasil bore scoring, with elevated incidence in early production (1993–1995) under cold-start or track use. Porsche internal durability reports (1995) indicated a 6% bore scoring rate in early 993 engines before 80,000 km under aggressive driving, while TÜV Germany records show elevated compression test failures in high-mileage examples. Thermal cycling and glycol contamination accelerate cylinder wall degradation, making warm-up discipline and coolant integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1993–1998) and TÜV Germany failure statistics (1995–2010). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-64-08.
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