The Porsche M97.20 is a 3,387 cc, water-cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2005 and 2008. It features a horizontally opposed layout, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and Bosch Motronic ME7.8 digital fuel injection. Output was rated at 239 kW (325 PS) @ 6,800 rpm and 370 Nm of torque, engineered for high-revving responsiveness in the 997-generation 911 Carrera.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 911 Carrera (997) and Cayman S (987) models, the M97.20 represented an evolution of the M96 architecture with increased displacement and revised oiling. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), secondary air injection, and three-way catalytic converters, meeting EU Directive 94/12/EC (Euro 4) standards.
One documented concern is premature wear of the intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing, which—though improved over the M96—remains a reliability consideration under high-load or infrequent-use conditions. This issue, referenced in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 997/TSB/06-05, stems from residual design limitations in the single-row bearing used in early M97.20 units.
Production years 2005–2008 meet EU Directive 94/12/EC (Euro 4) standards depending on market (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7418).
The Porsche M97.20 is a 3,387 cc flat-six DOHC petrol engine engineered for rear- and mid-engine sports applications (2005–2008). It combines Bosch Motronic ME7.8 digital injection with a gear-driven valvetrain to deliver smooth high-RPM power and refined chassis balance. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions thresholds, it builds upon the M96 foundation with enhanced displacement and improved oil circulation.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,387 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 minimum, RON 98 recommended) | |
| 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 ME7.8 digital electronic injection | |
| Emissions standard | EU Directive 94/12/EC (Euro 4) | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven intermediate shafts (no timing belt/chain) | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W-60 synthetic (Porsche A40 spec) | |
| Dry weight | 188 kg |
The 11.3:1 compression and enlarged 3.4L displacement deliver exhilarating top-end power but require strict 15,000 km oil changes using Porsche A40–spec 10W-60 oil to protect the IMS bearing and cam journals. Although the M97.20 uses a larger single-row IMS bearing than the M96, pre-2006 units remain susceptible to lubrication starvation under infrequent use or high-load scenarios. Always use RON 98 fuel to prevent knock, and allow 30 seconds of idling before shutdown to reduce thermal stress on the valvetrain. VarioCam solenoids are sensitive to oil quality—contaminated oil can cause phasing faults and torque loss.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche A40–compliant 10W-60 synthetic oil (Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-05-15). High-temperature stability is critical for IMS and cam protection.
Emissions: Meets Euro 4 (EU Directive 94/12/EC) across all production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7418).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes RON 98 fuel and functional emissions loop (Porsche TIS Doc. M97-TB-2007).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M97-TB-2005, FI-05-22, M97-TB-2007
Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 997/TSB/06-05
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7418)
EU Directive 94/12/EC
The Porsche M97.20 was used in the Porsche 997 and 987 platforms with rear- and mid-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine powered the 997 Carrera (2005–2008) and Cayman S (2006–2008), featuring increased displacement over the M96 and revised oil pickup geometry. From 2009, the direct-injection MA1 engine family replaced the M97 series. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine type ‘M97.20’ is cast into the right-side crankcase below the exhaust manifold (Porsche WIS 135.15). The presence of dual water-cooled cam covers and Bosch ME7.8 ECU (Part No. 0 261 208 511) confirms identity. VIN 7th digit ‘9’ denotes 997 Carrera; ‘5’ denotes Cayman S. Critical differentiation from M96: M97.20 has 3,387 cc displacement, unique oil pan with dual pickup tubes, and revised VarioCam solenoids. Service parts for IMS and valvetrain are not interchangeable with M96 engines (Porsche TSB 997/TSB/07-03).
The M97.20's primary reliability risk is intermediate shaft (IMS) bearing wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles subjected to short-trip driving or extended storage. Porsche internal service data (2009) indicated IMS-related concerns in over 6% of early-build 997 engines before 100,000 km, while DVSA MOT records cite frequent catalytic converter and oil leak failures in UK examples due to thermal cycling and seal degradation.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2005–2008) and UK DVSA historic MOT failure statistics (2010–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M-97-20.
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