The Porsche M96.20 is a 2,967 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1997 and 2005. It powered the rear-engine Porsche 996-generation 911 and featured a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), four valves per cylinder, and Bosch Motronic ME 5.2.1 digital fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 221 kW (300 PS) and 350 Nm of torque, with a redline of 6,800 rpm.
Fitted to the 996 Carrera 4 and Carrera 4S (including Targa and Cabriolet), the M96.20 marked Porsche’s transition from air‑cooling to water‑cooling, balancing modern emissions compliance with hallmark 911 driving dynamics. Emissions were managed through closed‑loop lambda control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, satisfying Euro 3 standards under EU Directive 97/68/EC.
One documented concern is intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing failure due to inadequate lubrication, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑996‑2001. The single-row, grease-lubricated IMS bearing in early M96 engines could fatigue over time, potentially leading to catastrophic engine damage if undetected.
Production years 1997–2005 meet Euro 3 emissions standards (EU Directive 97/68/EC; VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/996C4).
The Porsche M96.20 is a 2,967 cc water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine engineered for the 996-generation 911 Carrera 4 (1997–2005). It combines SOHC, 24-valve architecture with Bosch Motronic ME 5.2.1 digital injection to deliver smooth, high-revving power. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it represents Porsche’s first water-cooled 911 engine platform.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,967 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat-6, SOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.0 mm × 68.0 mm | |
| Power output | 221 kW (300 PS) @ 6,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 4,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME 5.2.1 sequential injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled (with integrated oil cooler) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven SOHC with hydraulic lifters | |
| Oil type | Porsche Longlife 0W-40 (A40 specification) | |
| Dry weight | 180 kg |
The M96.20 delivers high-revving power with strong mid-range torque, ideal for spirited driving. Oil changes every 15,000 km with Porsche A40 0W-40 synthetic oil are critical to protect the IMS bearing and hydraulic lifters. The water-cooled design reduces ambient heat sensitivity compared to air-cooled predecessors but remains vulnerable to IMS failure in early builds. Use RON 98 fuel to prevent knock under load. Pre-2003 engines should be monitored for IMS wear; post-2003 units received a larger IMS bearing per TSB-996-2001, improving longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche Longlife 0W-40 (A40 spec) (Porsche Lubricants Guide 2000). Meets ACEA C3 but with tighter Porsche-specific requirements.
Emissions: Full Euro 3 compliance confirmed under EU Directive 97/68/EC and VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/996C4.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across global 996 Carrera 4/4S variants (Porsche PB-996-03).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs PT-996-97, FT-996-99, TSB-996-2001
EU Directive 97/68/EC on vehicle emissions
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/996C4)
DIN 70020 Engine Performance Measurement Standard
The Porsche M96.20 was used exclusively in Porsche's 996 platform with rear-mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received a critical IMS bearing update—larger dual-row design from 2003—and all adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code M96.20 is stamped on the crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS PT-996-97). The 10th VIN digit is 'V' (1997), 'W' (1998), 'X' (1999), 'Y' (2000), '1' (2001), '2' (2002), '3' (2003), '4' (2004), or '5' (2005). Visual cues: all M96.20 engines feature black cam covers with “Carrera 4” badging and a water-cooled rear housing. Do not confuse with M96.01 (Carrera 2, 280 PS) or M96.05 (3.2L GT3)—M96.20 is exclusive to all-wheel-drive 996 models. IMS bearing type can be inferred by production date: pre-2003 = single-row grease-lubricated; post-2003 = larger dual-row per TSB-996-2001.
The M96.20's primary reliability risk is IMS bearing failure in pre-2003 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced examples. Porsche internal data from 2004 indicated IMS-related oil filter debris in over 12% of early 996s by 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show associated catastrophic failures in neglected vehicles. Oil quality and change intervals make lubrication integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1997–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2006–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-96-20.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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