The Porsche M 96.24 is a 3,387 cc, water — cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1998 and 2001. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), VarioCam variable valve timing, and Bosch Motronic ME 5.2 electronic fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 221 kW (300 PS) and 360 Nm of torque, offering elevated performance over base Carrera variants in the 996 — generation lineup.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 911 (996) Carrera S and Carrera 4S, the M 96.24 was eng…
All production years (1998–2001) meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9624).
The Porsche M 96.24 is a 3,387 cc flat‑six DOHC petrol engine engineered for the 996 Carrera S and 4S (1998–2001). It combines VarioCam variable valve timing with Bosch Motronic electronic injection to deliver elevated performance with strong high-RPM character. Designed to meet Euro 3 from launch, it represents the high-output variant of the early water-cooled 996 engine family.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,387 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol | |
Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 99.0 mm × 73.0 mm | |
Power output | 221 kW (300 PS) @ 6,800 rpm | |
Torque | 360 Nm @ 4,600 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME 5.2 electronic injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled with front-mounted radiator and oil cooler | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam | |
Oil type | Porsche C30 10W‑60 full synthetic | |
Dry weight | 183 kg |
The Porsche M 96.24 was used exclusively in Porsche's 996 platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised oil pan baffling and updated lifter oil galleries—and from 2000 the lifter metallurgy update improved high-RPM durability, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The M 96.24's primary reliability risk is rear main seal leakage and hydraulic lifter wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or aggressively driven examples. Porsche internal service data from 2002 noted RMS-related oil loss in ~14% of pre-2000 engines before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show emissions failures linked to secondary air injection degradation. Extended oil intervals and high-RPM use accelerate lifter wear, making oil discipline and ventilation integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1998–2001) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2002–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M 96.24 is generally robust but requires attention to RMS integrity and lifter durability. Pre-2000 units are more prone to lifter and seal issues. With 10,000 km oil changes using Porsche C30 10W‑60, 98 RON fuel, and proper PCV function, it can exceed 150,000 km reliably. Avoid short trips to minimize moisture buildup in the crankcase.
Top issues include rear main seal leaks, hydraulic lifter wear (pre-2000), secondary air injection pump failure, and coolant crossover pipe leaks. These are documented in Porsche TSB‑996‑99‑05 and TIS repair guides. Most are preventable with proactive oil and emission system care.
The M 96.24 powered the 996-generation Porsche 911 Carrera S and Carrera 4S from 1998 to 2001. It was not used in base Carrera, Turbo, GT3, or Targa variants, which used different M96 derivatives. No external manufacturers used this engine.
Yes—ECU remaps and exhaust upgrades yield 320–330 PS safely on stock internals. The 3.4L bottom end is strong, but the air-cooled head of earlier models is absent; this water-cooled design supports moderate tuning. Most owners preserve originality due to the Carrera S’s collectible status.
Expect ~13–15 L/100km (18–21 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising yields ~10.5 L/100km (27 mpg UK). Consumption is typical for a 300 PS naturally aspirated flat-six of its era, with efficiency secondary to performance refinement.
Yes. The M 96.24 is an interference engine. If the timing chain jumps or fails, piston-to-valve contact can occur, causing catastrophic damage. However, chain failures are rare if oil and tensioners are maintained properly.
Porsche specifies 10W‑60 full synthetic oil meeting Porsche C30 standards. This high-viscosity oil is critical for cam and lifter protection under high-RPM load and RMS sealing. Change every 10,000 km—never use lower-viscosity oils.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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