The Porsche M 97.01S is a 3,824 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2008. It features Bosch Motronic ME7.8 digital fuel injection, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and a compression ratio of 11.5:1. In standard form it delivered 283 kW (385 PS) and 420 Nm of torque, emphasizing high‑revving power with refined throttle response.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 911 (997) Carrera S and 4S for global markets, the M 97.01S represented the evolution of the M96 architecture with increased displacement and reduced friction losses. Emissions compliance was achieved through closed‑loop fuel control, secondary air injection, and dual catalytic converters, meeting Euro 4 standards across all markets.
One documented concern is bore scoring in cylinders 3 and 6 due to localized thermal stress and lubrication challenges, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin 997/04/13. This issue stems from tight piston-to-wall clearances combined with high thermal loads during repeated high‑RPM use. In 2007, Porsche revised piston design and honing protocols to mitigate scoring incidence in late‑production units.
All production years (2005–2008) meet Euro 4 standards (German KBA Type Approval #KBA/M97.01S/06).
The Porsche M 97.01S is a 3,824 cc water‑cooled flat‑six naturally aspirated petrol engine engineered for the high‑performance 997 Carrera S and 4S (2005–2008). It combines DOHC architecture with Bosch Motronic ME7.8 injection to deliver linear high‑rpm power and precise throttle control. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it integrates dual catalytic converters and precise fuel mapping for regulatory compliance while enhancing drivability over the M96 predecessor.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,824 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 102.0 mm × 77.0 mm | |
| Power output | 283 kW (385 PS) @ 6,600 rpm | |
| Torque | 420 Nm @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.8 digital electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Porsche Classic 10W-60 or equivalent synthetic | |
| Dry weight | 165 kg |
The M 97.01S delivers exhilarating high-RPM performance but requires disciplined warm-up and cooldown protocols to protect cylinder bores and bearings. RON 98 fuel is mandatory to prevent detonation at 11.5:1 compression. Early engines (2005–2006) are more susceptible to bore scoring under aggressive driving; post-2007 units benefit from revised piston profiles and honing per Porsche Technical Bulletin 997/04/13. Oil changes every 10,000 km with Porsche-approved 10W-60 synthetic oil are essential for longevity.
Oil Specs: Requires synthetic 10W-60 oil meeting Porsche L-751 (Porsche Lubricants Specification L-751). Mineral oils are not approved.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all production years (KBA Type Approval #KBA/M97.01S/06). No market-specific deviations.
Power Ratings: Measured per DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across 997 Carrera S and 4S variants (Porsche PT‑2007).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs P997-M97, P997-FI-05, 997/04/13
Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) Type Approval Database (KBA/M97.01S/06)
Porsche ETK (Electronic Parts Catalogue) – 997 Chassis Section
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Porsche M 97.01S was used exclusively in Porsche's 997 platform with rear‑mounted, longitudinal flat‑six layout. This engine powered the 911 Carrera S and Carrera 4S from 2005 through 2008, introducing a 3.8L displacement upgrade over the base 3.6L M97. This variant featured lightweight internals and revised intake manifolds for improved airflow. No licensed third-party applications exist. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine code M 97.01S is stamped on the rear crankcase near the flywheel housing (Porsche TIS P997-ID-01). The 10th digit of the VIN indicates model year, while Carrera S badging confirms application. Critical differentiation: M 97.01S uses a 3.8L flat-six with 385 PS output—distinct from the 325 PS M97.01 base engine. The presence of dual cam covers, revised oil cooler, and model-specific ECU calibration confirms this variant.
The M 97.01S's primary reliability risk is bore scoring in cylinders 3 and 6, with elevated incidence in track-driven or poorly maintained examples. Porsche internal service data from 2009 noted cylinder wall damage before 60,000 km in pre-2007 builds subjected to repeated high-RPM use, while German KBA records show elevated mechanical failure notices in early 997 S models. Aggressive driving without warm-up increases thermal stress, making piston-to-wall clearance and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2005–2008) and German KBA failure statistics (2007–2014). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-97-01S.
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