The Porsche M 64.50 is a 3,600 cc, air‑cooled flat‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1995 and 1998. It features Bosch Motronic M5.2 digital fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a compression ratio of 11.3:1. In standard form it delivered 221 kW (300 PS) and 370 Nm of torque, emphasizing high‑revving performance and precise throttle response.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 911 (993) Carrera S and select wide-body variants, the M 64.50 marked the pinnacle of air‑cooled 911 engineering. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed‑loop fuel control, secondary air injection, and catalytic converters, meeting Euro 2 standards across all markets.
One documented concern is camshaft lobe wear due to marginal oil film strength under high thermal loads, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin 993/95/07. This issue primarily affects engines subjected to repeated high‑RPM use without adequate warm‑up. In 1997, Porsche updated camshaft hardening processes and recommended revised oil specifications to improve durability.
All production years (1995–1998) meet Euro 2 standards (German KBA Type Approval #KBA/M64.50/96).
The Porsche M 64.50 is a 3,600 cc air‑cooled flat‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for high‑performance 993 variants (1995–1998). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch Motronic M5.2 digital injection to deliver crisp high‑rpm response and linear power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it integrates catalytic converters and precise fuel control while retaining the legendary air‑cooled simplicity of the 911 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 | 221 kW (300 PS) @ 6,100 rpm | |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 4,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic M5.2 digital electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Air‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Porsche Classic 15W-50 or equivalent mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 198 kg |
The M 64.50 delivers exhilarating high-RPM performance but requires disciplined warm-up protocols to protect cam lobes and bearings. RON 98 fuel is mandatory to prevent detonation at 11.3:1 compression. Early engines (1995–1996) are more susceptible to cam wear under aggressive use; post-1997 units benefit from improved cam hardening per Porsche Technical Bulletin 993/95/07. Oil changes every 5,000 km with mineral 15W-50 oil meeting Porsche L-722 are essential for longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires mineral-based 15W-50 oil meeting Porsche L-722 (Porsche Lubricants Specification L-722). Synthetic oils not recommended for original builds.
Emissions: Euro 2 certification applies to all production years (KBA Type Approval #KBA/M64.50/96). No market-specific deviations.
Power Ratings: Measured per DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across 993 Carrera S and wide-body variants (Porsche PT‑1997).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P993-M64, P993-FI-95, 993/95/07
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (KBA/M64.50/96)
Porsche ETK (Electronic Parts Catalogue) – 993 Chassis Section
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Porsche M 64.50 was used exclusively in Porsche's 993 platform with rear‑mounted, longitudinal flat‑six layout. This engine powered the 911 Carrera S (993) and select wide-body variants from 1995 through 1998, representing the final evolution of the air‑cooled 911 engine family. Platform-specific tuning included revised cam profiles and enhanced airflow over base M64 engines. No licensed third-party applications exist. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code M 64.50 is stamped on the rear crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS P993-ID-01). The 10th digit of the VIN indicates model year, while Carrera S badging or option code M6450 confirms application. Critical differentiation: M 64.50 uses DOHC heads with individual throttle bodies and produces 300 PS—distinct from the SOHC 272 PS M64.01 used in base Carrera models. The presence of dual cam covers and revised intake manifolds confirms this high-output variant.
The M 64.50's primary reliability risk is camshaft lobe wear under high-RPM or cold-start conditions, with elevated incidence in track-driven or poorly maintained examples. Porsche internal service data from 1998 noted cam replacements before 80,000 km in pre-1997 builds used aggressively, while German KBA records show elevated mechanical failure notices in high-compression 993 models. Aggressive driving without warm-up increases stress, making thermal management and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1995–1998) and German KBA failure statistics (1997–2004). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-64-50.
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