The Porsche M 96.02 is a 2,967 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1997 and 2001. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) per bank, 12 valves, and Bosch Motronic M5.2 sequential fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 150 kW (204 PS) at 5,700 rpm, with peak torque of 280 Nm at 4,700 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 911 (996) Carrera and early Boxster (986) models, the M 96.02 marked Porsche’s transition from air‑ to water‑cooling, delivering improved thermal stability and emissions compliance. Emissions were managed via exhaust gas recirculation and catalytic converters, enabling Euro 3 compliance across European markets.
One well-documented reliability concern is porous engine block casting around the cylinder liners, highlighted in Porsche Service Bulletin 996 07 1998. This issue stems from manufacturing inconsistencies in early sand-cast blocks, potentially leading to coolant migration into oil galleries or external seepage near the oil pan rail.
Production years 1997–2001 meet Euro 3 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8721).
The Porsche M 96.02 is a 2,967 cc flat‑six SOHC petrol engine engineered for mainstream sports applications (1997–2001). It combines water cooling with sequential fuel injection and an open-deck block design to deliver smooth power and modern drivability. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it represents Porsche’s first-generation water-cooled flat-six architecture.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,967 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, SOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 95.0 mm × 70.0 mm | |
| Power output | 150 kW (204 PS) @ 5,700 rpm | |
| Torque | 280 Nm @ 4,700 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic M5.2 sequential injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC with intermediate shaft (IMS) | |
| Oil type | Porsche A40 (SAE 10W-40) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The water-cooled design improves thermal stability over air-cooled predecessors but requires vigilance regarding cylinder liner sealing. Porsche A40 (10W-40) oil is essential for bearing and cam protection. Cold starts should be followed by warm-up to ensure full oil circulation through the IMS-driven valvetrain. Early blocks (1997–mid-1999) are prone to porosity near cylinder banks—visual inspection of the oil pan rail and coolant contamination in oil are critical. Post-1999 blocks feature revised casting processes per Porsche SIB 996 07 1998.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche A40 (10W-40) specification (Porsche SIB 996 08 1999). ACEA A3/B3 equivalent acceptable if A40 unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 1997–2001 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8721).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Peak output requires RON 95 fuel and functional catalyst (Porsche TIS Doc. 996-5112).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 996-5101, 996-5112, SIB 996 07 1998
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8721)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Porsche M 96.02 was used across Porsche's 996 Carrera and 986 Boxster platforms with rear- and mid-engine mounting respectively and no external licensing. This engine received running changes—revised block casting from late 1999 onward and updated intake manifolds—and formed the base for the 3.2L M96.04. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the rear crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS 996-5200). The engine number begins with "96/". The M 96.02 is identified by its 3.0L displacement, single oil filler cap on the right cam cover, and absence of VarioCam Plus. Visual cue: 1997–2001 996 Carreras feature teardrop headlights and 17-inch wheels. Do not confuse with later M96.04 (3.2L)—bore/stroke and cam cover design differ.
The M 96.02's primary reliability risk is porous engine block casting, with elevated incidence in pre-late-1999 examples. Porsche internal data from 1999 indicated a notable share of early 996/986 engines exhibited coolant migration before 80,000 km, while owner surveys link oil contamination to manufacturing variances in the open-deck block. Extended high-load operation accelerates thermal stress on compromised areas, making block integrity verification critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1997–2001) and owner association failure logs (2002–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines; block porosity and IMS issues are widely documented in service and forensic literature.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-96-02.
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