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 engineered to bridge the gap between the base 3.4L and GT3 engines, delivering enhanced high-RPM response and refined power delivery for grand touring. Emissions compliance was achieved via a closed-loop three-way catalytic converter, secondary air injection, and precise lambda control, allowing Euro 3 compliance across all markets.
One documented concern is rear main seal (RMS) oil leakage exacerbated by crankcase pressure fluctuations, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑996‑99‑05. Additionally, early hydraulic lifters exhibited wear under high thermal load, prompting a revised metallurgy and oil gallery design from 2000 onward.
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 M 96.24 delivers elevated performance with strong top-end power but requires attention to rear main seal integrity and lifter durability. Use of 98 RON fuel is essential to prevent knock under high load due to the 11.3:1 compression ratio. Oil changes every 10,000 km with Porsche C30–specified 10W‑60 full synthetic oil protect the DOHC valvetrain and reduce crankcase pressure-induced RMS leaks. Engines built before 2000 should be inspected for hydraulic lifter wear if used aggressively; post-2000 units feature updated metallurgy per TSB‑996‑99‑05.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C30 10W‑60 full synthetic oil (Porsche SIB TSB‑996‑99‑05). ACEA A3/B4 oils are insufficient for RMS and cam protection.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all model years (1998–2001) per VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9624.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes 98 RON fuel and optimal ignition timing (Porsche TIS Doc. 996‑PERF‑26).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 996‑ENG‑20, 996‑FUEL‑23, TSB‑996‑99‑05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9624)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
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 engine type is stamped on the left rear crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS 996‑ID‑11). The 10th VIN digit indicates model year; 996 VINs begin with WP0ZZZ99. Early M 96.24 engines (1998–1999) feature silver cam covers with visible hydraulic lifters; 2000–2001 units have black cam covers and revised lifter bores. Do not confuse with base M 96/03 (3.4L) or GT3 M 96/70 engines—M 96.24 has unique 99.0 mm bore and higher-flow intake manifolds.
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-96-24.
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