The Porsche M 96.01 is a 2,480 cc, dual-overhead-cam flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1996 and 2005. It featured Bosch Motronic M5.2 sequential fuel injection, an aluminum block with Nikasil-coated cylinders, and a dry‑sump lubrication system. In standard form it delivered 150 kW (204 PS) and 270 Nm of torque, offering smooth, high-revving performance for the water-cooled 986 Boxster and early 996 911.
Fitted to the 986-generation Boxster (1996–2004) and early 996-generation 911 Carrera (1997–1998), the M 96.01 marked Porsche’s transition from air- to water-cooling. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three-way catalytic converter, secondary air injection, and exhaust gas recirculation, meeting Euro 2 standards across its production life.
One documented concern is bore scoring in Nikasil-coated cylinders, particularly under repeated cold starts or with coolant contamination. Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/986/97 notes that the issue stems from thermal shock and glycol ingress, with elevated incidence in early 2.5L builds before revised piston-to-wall clearances were introduced in 1999.
Production years 1996–2005 meet Euro 2 standards (TÜV Certificate TÜV/96/M96/02).
The Porsche M 96.01 is a 2,480 cc flat‑six petrol engine engineered for the mid- and rear-mounted 986 Boxster and 996 911 (1996–2005). It combines DOHC architecture with sequential fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication for stable oil supply during high-g cornering. Designed to meet Euro 2 emissions standards, it integrates catalytic converters and secondary air injection while marking Porsche’s shift to water-cooling.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,480 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.5 mm × 72.0 mm | |
| Power output | 150 kW (204 PS) @ 6,100 rpm | |
| Torque | 270 Nm @ 4,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic M5.2 sequential injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 2 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Porsche Classic 10W‑60 (API SG) | |
| Dry weight | 155 kg |
The flat-six layout delivers smooth, linear power ideal for both daily driving and spirited use. However, the Nikasil bores are highly sensitive to thermal shock and glycol contamination—especially in early M 96.01 engines (1996–1998). Use RON 98 fuel exclusively to prevent knock and protect catalytic converters. Oil changes every 7,500 km with Porsche Classic 10W‑60 (API SG, high-zinc) are critical for cam and bearing protection. Avoid cold-start revving; allow oil to reach 70°C before aggressive use. Per PTB/986/97, post-1999 engines received revised pistons (part #996 100 101 01) with tighter wall clearance to reduce bore scoring risk.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche Classic 10W‑60 meeting API SG with high ZDDP content (Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-986-96). Modern low-zinc oils are unsuitable.
Emissions: Euro 2 compliance applies to all 1996–2005 models (TÜV Certificate TÜV/96/M96/02).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020; verified on dynamometer (Porsche PTB/986/97).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 986-02, 986-1120, 986-2210, 996-01, 996-1120
Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/986/97
TÜV Certificate TÜV/96/M96/02
Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-986-96
The Porsche M 96.01 was used across Porsche's 986 and 996 platforms with mid- and rear-mounted longitudinal flat-six configurations and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised coolant routing in the 986 Boxster and updated oil galleries in the 996 Carrera—and from 1999 early bore scoring issues were mitigated via piston redesign, creating key service distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code 'M 96.01' is stamped on the rear crankcase flange near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS 986-1120 / 996-1120). The 10th VIN digit indicates model year ('T' = 1996, 'U' = 1997, etc.). Visual cues: silver valve covers with “Boxster” or “911” script, twin exhaust outlets, and absence of VarioCam Plus. Early engines (1996–1998) use part #996 100 101 00 pistons; post-1999 units use revised pistons (part #996 100 101 01) per PTB/986/97. Critical differentiation from M 96.21: M 96.01 has 2.5L displacement and 10.8:1 compression; M 96.21 is 3.4L with lower compression.
The M 96.01's primary reliability risk is Nikasil bore scoring, with elevated incidence in early production (1996–1998) under cold-start or track use. Porsche internal durability reports (1998) indicated a 10% bore scoring rate in early 2.5L 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 (1996–2005) and TÜV Germany failure statistics (1998–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-96-01.
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