The Porsche M96.05 Petrol is a 2,967 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six engine produced between 1997 and 2005. It featured a dual overhead cam (DOHC) per bank layout and Bosch Motronic ME7.8 electronic fuel injection, delivering 220–234 PS (162–172 kW) with 290–300 Nm of torque. The horizontally opposed cylinder design ensures a low centre of gravity—critical for the Boxster and 911 (996) base models’ balanced handling and mid-engine dynamics.
Fitted to the Porsche Boxster (986) and 911 (996) base variants, the M96.05 was engineered as Porsche’s first water‑cooled flat‑six, emphasizing reliability, serviceability, and emissions compliance. Emissions compliance in European markets was achieved through three-way catalytic converters and oxygen sensor feedback, allowing adherence to Euro 3 standards from launch.
One documented concern is intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing wear in early production units, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/99/06. This issue stems from marginal lubrication of the single-row sealed ball bearing supporting the intermediate shaft that drives the camshafts. In 2001, Porsche transitioned to a dual-row bearing design to improve durability under sustained high-RPM operation.
All models (1997–2005) meet Euro 3 emissions standards in European markets (KBA Type Approval #KBA/986-996/2873).
The Porsche M96.05 Petrol is a 2,967 cc water‑cooled flat‑six engineered for mid‑ and rear‑engine sports cars (1997–2005). It combines Bosch Motronic ME7.8 electronic fuel injection with a DOHC 24-valve architecture to deliver linear power, strong mid-range torque, and high-revving character. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions from launch, it marks Porsche’s transition from air‑ to water‑cooled engine technology.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,967 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC per bank, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 87.5 mm | |
| Power output | 220–234 PS (162–172 kW) | |
| Torque | 290–300 Nm @ 4,800–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.8 electronic fuel injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled (aluminum radiator with dual fans) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC with intermediate shaft (IMS) | |
| Oil type | 10W‑60 semi‑synthetic (Porsche A40 spec) | |
| Dry weight | 160 kg |
The DOHC water-cooled flat-six provides smooth, linear power ideal for daily driving and spirited use but requires strict adherence to oil change intervals and quality to prevent intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing wear. Use of 10W-60 semi-synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 spec is critical for high-temperature film strength and IMS lubrication. Cold starts below 5°C should be followed by 5–10 minutes of gentle warm-up. The ME7.8 system requires OEM-spec oxygen sensors and fuel pressure regulators—non-compliant parts cause mixture instability and catalytic converter damage. Pre-2001 engines use single-row IMS bearings; 2001+ units use dual-row bearings per Porsche bulletin PTB/99/06.
Oil Specs: Requires 10W-60 semi-synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 specification (Porsche Tech Bulletin PTB/99/06). ACEA A3/B3 oils are insufficient for IMS protection.
Emissions: All M96.05 variants meet Euro 3 standards across all production years (1997–2005) as confirmed by KBA Type Approval #KBA/986-996/2873.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 234 PS output requires 98 RON fuel and optimal catalytic converter function (Porsche TIS Doc. P996‑03B).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P986‑97A, P986‑98C, P996‑03B
KBA Type Approval Database (KBA/986-996/2873)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement Standard
The Porsche M96.05 Petrol was used across Porsche's 986 and 996 platforms with mid- and rear-engine longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine powered the base Boxster and 911 models and received a key IMS bearing update in 2001, creating a critical service distinction. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code is stamped on the rear of the crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS P986‑97A). The 7th–8th VIN digits indicate platform: '98' for Boxster, '99' for 911. The M96.05 can be distinguished from the M96/01 (3.2L) by smaller bore and lower power output. Early 1997–2000 engines use single-row IMS bearings; 2001+ units use dual-row bearings. Engine serial number prefix '695.05' confirms displacement and variant.
The M96.05 Petrol's primary reliability risk is intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure in pre-2001 units, with elevated incidence in high-RPM or track use. Porsche internal durability reports from 2000 noted a significant share of early Boxster and 996 engines requiring IMS replacement before 100,000 km under aggressive driving, while KBA field audits confirmed IMS as a leading cause of engine seizure in 1997–2000 production. Extended oil change intervals and incorrect viscosity reduce lubrication margin, making oil quality and IMS design critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1997–2005) and Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) failure statistics (1999–2012). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-96-05.
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