The Porsche MA1.03 is a 2,706 cc, water-cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2016. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), direct fuel injection (DFI), and VarioCam Plus variable valve timing. In standard form it delivered 195 kW (265 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, offering balanced performance for the entry-level 981-generation 911 models.
Fitted to the Porsche 911 (981) Carrera models outside North America and select European markets, the MA1.03 was engineered to provide a cost-effective alternative to the 3.4L M97 derivatives while retaining the flat-six character. Emissions compliance was achieved via a close-coupled three-way catalytic converter, exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise lambda control, enabling Euro 5 compliance from launch.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear under extended high-load conditions, noted in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑981‑13‑06. The Bosch CP4.2 pump is sensitive to fuel lubricity, and low-sulfur fuels without adequate additives can accelerate internal wear, leading to rail pressure faults.
All production years (2012–2016) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/MA103).
The Porsche MA1.03 is a 2,706 cc flat‑six DOHC petrol engine engineered for the 981-generation 911 (2012–2016). It combines direct fuel injection with VarioCam Plus to deliver responsive mid-range torque and refined high-RPM power. Designed to meet Euro 5 from launch, it balances performance accessibility with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,706 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 91.0 mm × 69.0 mm | |
| Power output | 195 kW (265 PS) @ 6,700 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch direct fuel injection (DFI), 200 bar | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled with front-mounted radiator and oil cooler | |
| Turbocharger | None | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus | |
| Oil type | Porsche C4 5W‑40 full synthetic | |
| Dry weight | 179 kg |
The MA1.03’s high 12.5:1 compression ratio and direct injection demand high-octane (98 RON) fuel to prevent knock under load. The Bosch CP4.2 high-pressure fuel pump is susceptible to wear with low-lubricity fuels—always use branded 98 RON with detergent additives. Oil changes every 15,000 km with Porsche C4 5W‑40 full synthetic oil protect the DOHC valvetrain and timing components. Carbon buildup on intake valves is less severe than in turbocharged DFI engines but still warrants periodic inspection after 100,000 km.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C4 5W‑40 full synthetic oil (Porsche SIB TSB‑981‑13‑06). ACEA C3 oils may be used if Porsche C4 is unavailable, but long-term pump wear risk increases.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all model years (2012–2016) per VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/MA103.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Power output assumes 98 RON fuel and optimal rail pressure (Porsche TIS Doc. 981‑PERF‑13).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 981‑ENG‑07, 981‑FUEL‑10, TSB‑981‑13‑06
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/MA103)
DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard
The Porsche MA1.03 was used exclusively in Porsche's 981 platform with rear-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised oil pan baffling and unique ECU calibration—and from 2014 the GTS variants transitioned to the 3.8L MA1.75, creating clear interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The engine type is stamped on the left cylinder bank near the exhaust manifold flange (Porsche TIS 981‑ID‑06). The 10th VIN digit indicates model year; 981 VINs begin with WP0ZZZ98. MA1.03 engines feature black cam covers with “2.7” casting mark and lack turbo plumbing or intercooler pipes. Do not confuse with M97/01 (3.6L) or DCKA (3.4L turbo)—MA1.03 is naturally aspirated and exclusive to non-North American Carrera models with 265 PS output.
The MA1.03's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure due to fuel quality, with elevated incidence in regions with unregulated fuel standards. Porsche internal service data from 2017 noted HPFP-related fault codes in ~9% of MA1.03 engines before 80,000 km when low-lubricity fuels were used, while UK DVSA MOT records show minor emissions drift from EGR valve fouling. Extended service intervals and poor fuel quality accelerate pump wear, making fuel sourcing critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MA1-03.
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