The Porsche M97.01 is a 3,596 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2008. It powered the rear-engine Porsche 997-generation 911 Carrera and featured dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), four valves per cylinder, and Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 digital fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 239 kW (325 PS) and 370 Nm of torque, with a redline of 7,200 rpm.
Fitted to the 997 Carrera 2 and Carrera 4 (including Targa and Cabriolet), the M97.01 represented an evolution of the M96 architecture with improved reliability and drivability. Emissions were managed through closed‑loop lambda control, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and a three‑way catalytic converter, satisfying Euro 4 standards under EU Directive 98/69/EC.
One documented concern is intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing wear in early builds, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑997‑2006. Although the M97 series used a larger, dual-row IMS bearing compared to the M96, pre-mid-2006 units retained a grease-lubricated design susceptible to long-term fatigue under infrequent oil changes.
Production years 2005–2008 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (EU Directive 98/69/EC; VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/997C).
The Porsche M97.01 is a 3,596 cc water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine engineered for the 997-generation 911 Carrera (2005–2008). It combines DOHC, 24-valve architecture with Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 digital injection to deliver high-revving power and smooth torque delivery. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it improves upon the M96 platform with enhanced oiling and reduced IMS risk.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,596 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat-6, DOHC, 24-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 99.0 mm × 78.0 mm | |
| Power output | 239 kW (325 PS) @ 6,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 370 Nm @ 4,250 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME 7.8 sequential injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled (with integrated oil cooler) | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with hydraulic lifters | |
| Oil type | Porsche Longlife 0W-40 (A40 specification) | |
| Dry weight | 182 kg |
The M97.01 delivers exhilarating high-revving power and refined drivability, ideal for both road and occasional track use. Oil changes every 15,000 km with Porsche A40 0W-40 synthetic oil are essential to protect the IMS bearing and hydraulic lifters. The water-cooled design offers superior thermal stability compared to air-cooled predecessors. Use RON 98 fuel to prevent knock under load. Pre-mid-2006 engines should be monitored for IMS wear; from mid-2006, Porsche introduced an oil-fed IMS bearing per TSB-997-2006, significantly improving durability.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche Longlife 0W-40 (A40 spec) (Porsche Lubricants Guide 2006). Meets ACEA C3 but with tighter Porsche-specific requirements.
Emissions: Full Euro 4 compliance confirmed under EU Directive 98/69/EC and VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/997C.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across global 997 Carrera variants (Porsche PB-997-07).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs PT-997-05, FT-997-06, TSB-997-2006
EU Directive 98/69/EC on vehicle emissions
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/997C)
DIN 70020 Engine Performance Measurement Standard
The Porsche M97.01 was used exclusively in Porsche's 997 platform with rear-mounted, longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine received a critical IMS bearing update—oil-fed design from mid-2006—and all adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code M97.01 is stamped on the crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS PT-997-05). The 10th VIN digit is '5' (2005), '6' (2006), '7' (2007), or '8' (2008). Visual cues: all M97.01 engines feature black cam covers with “Carrera” badging and a water-cooled rear housing. Do not confuse with M97.02 (base 3.6L 300 PS) or M97.03 (2007+ 3.8L)—M97.01 is exclusive to 325 PS Carrera models. IMS bearing type can be inferred by production date: pre-July 2006 = grease-lubricated dual-row; post-July 2006 = oil-fed per TSB-997-2006.
The M97.01's primary reliability risk is IMS bearing wear in pre-mid-2006 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced examples. Porsche internal data from 2007 indicated IMS-related oil contamination in under 6% of early 997s by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show generally strong reliability compared to 996-era engines. Oil quality and change intervals make lubrication integrity critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2005–2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2009–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-97-01.
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