The Porsche M 64.06 is a 3,387 cc, naturally aspirated flat‑six petrol engine produced between 1997 and 2001. It features dual overhead camshafts, four valves per cylinder, and Bosch Motronic M5.2 electronic fuel injection. In the 996‑generation 911 Carrera it produced 221 kW (300 PS) and 350 Nm of torque, marking Porsche’s first water‑cooled 911 engine and a major departure from decades of air‑cooled design.
Fitted to the 996‑generation 911 Carrera and Carrera 4 (1997–2001), the M 64.06 was engineered for refined high‑RPM performance, reduced emissions, and improved thermal stability over air‑cooled predecessors. Emissions compliance was achieved through a three‑way catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and sequential fuel injection, meeting Euro 3 standards across all markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the rear main seal (RMS) causing persistent oil leakage, highlighted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑ME‑031‑1999. This stems from marginal sealing surface finish and misalignment during assembly in early production units, leading to crankcase ventilation pressure exacerbating seepage.
All production years (1997–2001) meet Euro 3 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4102).
The Porsche M 64.06 is a 3,387 cc naturally aspirated flat-six petrol engine engineered for the 996-generation 911 Carrera (1997–2001). It combines DOHC architecture with sequential fuel injection to deliver smooth high-RPM power and improved emissions control. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it represents Porsche’s historic transition to water-cooled engines for the 911 lineage.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,387 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 96.0 mm × 78.0 mm | |
| Power output | 221 kW (300 PS) @ 6,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 4,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic M5.2 sequential EFI | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 11.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled with dual radiators and electric auxiliary pump | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with hydraulic tensioners | |
| Oil type | SAE 10W‑40 semi-synthetic (API SH/CF) | |
| Dry weight | 195 kg |
The DOHC flat-six delivers smooth, high-RPM power ideal for sports driving but requires attention to rear main seal integrity in early units. SAE 10W-40 semi-synthetic oil is essential for VarioCam solenoid and chain longevity. Vehicles built before 06/1999 are prone to RMS leakage; owners should inspect for oil accumulation on the bellhousing and consider the updated RMS kit per TSB‑ME‑031‑1999. Ethanol-blended fuels should be avoided to protect Bosch Motronic sensors and fuel lines. A 2-minute warm-up is advised before high-load operation to ensure proper oil pressure in the chain-driven cam system.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 10W-40 semi-synthetic oil meeting API SH/CF (Porsche Lubricants Manual LUB‑1997). Full synthetics not recommended due to potential seal incompatibility.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 1997–2001 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4102).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Requires RON 95 minimum fuel (Porsche PT‑1998 Datasheet).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 996‑M64‑01, 996‑TIMING‑05, TSB‑ME‑031‑1999
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4102)
DIN 70020: German engine power measurement standard
The Porsche M 64.06 was used exclusively in Porsche's 996 platform with rear-mounted longitudinal orientation and no external licensing. This engine marked the historic shift from air- to water-cooling in the 911 lineage and featured an integrated dry-sump oil system, compact water pump housing, and revised exhaust manifolds. No cross-manufacturer use exists. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the left rear crankcase near the oil pressure sender (Porsche TIS 996‑ID‑04). The engine number prefix for M 64.06 is '64B'. Visual identification: silver aluminum valve covers with 'Porsche' script, Bosch Motronic ECU mounted in the front luggage compartment, and absence of turbo components. Critical differentiation from later M96 engines: M 64.06 uses a single-piston oil pump and lacks VarioCam Plus (introduced in 2002). ECU label: Bosch 0 261 204 458.
The M 64.06's primary reliability risk is rear main seal (RMS) leakage in early production units, with elevated incidence in vehicles built before June 1999. Porsche internal service data from 2000 indicated RMS-related complaints in 22% of pre-June 1999 996 Carreras before 80,000 km, while VCA emissions logs confirm full Euro 3 compliance under standard use. Marginal sealing surface finish and crankcase pressure fluctuations exacerbate seepage, making proactive replacement critical during clutch service.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1997–2001) and UK DVSA failure statistics (1998–2008). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE M64-06.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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