The Porsche MA1.75 is a 3,436 cc, water — cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2016. It features a horizontally opposed layout, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and direct fuel injection (DFI) with Bosch Motronic MED17.2.5. Output was rated at 245 kW (330 PS) @ 6,100 rpm and 390 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive mid — range delivery in the base 991 Carrera.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 911 Carrera (991) and Cayman/Boxster GTS (981) models, the MA…
Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5b standards; 2015–2016 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8340).
The Porsche MA1.75 is a 3,436 cc flat-six DOHC petrol engine engineered for rear- and mid-engine sports applications (2012–2016). It combines gasoline direct injection (DFI) with VarioCam Plus variable valve timing to deliver smooth torque across the rev range and enhanced throttle response. Designed to meet Euro 5b/6 emissions thresholds, it features revised displacement and combustion calibration over the MA1.01.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 3,436 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 minimum, RON 98 recommended) | |
Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 99.0 mm × 74.5 mm | |
Power output | 245 kW (330 PS) @ 6,100 rpm | |
Torque | 390 Nm @ 4,400 rpm | |
Fuel system | Gasoline direct injection (DFI), Bosch piezo injectors (200 bar) | |
Emissions standard | Euro 5b (2012–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2016) | |
Compression ratio | 12.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Gear-driven intermediate shafts with VarioCam Plus (hydraulic phasing) | |
Oil type | SAE 5W-40 synthetic (Porsche C30 spec) | |
Dry weight | 182 kg |
The Porsche MA1.75 was used in the Porsche 991 and 981 platforms with rear- and mid-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine powered the base 991 Carrera (2012–2016) and Cayman/Boxster GTS (2014–2016), featuring increased displacement over the MA1.01 and unique exhaust manifolds. From 2016, turbocharged flat-six engines replaced naturally aspirated variants in the 991.2. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
The MA1.75's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using low-detergent fuel or extended oil intervals. Porsche internal service data (2015) indicated HPFP-related faults in over 9% of pre-mid-2014 991 engines before 100,000 km, while DVSA MOT records cite occasional cam phasing faults in UK examples due to oil sludge affecting VarioCam actuators. Infrequent use and poor fuel quality accelerate wear.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA historic MOT failure statistics (2017–2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The MA1.75 is generally robust but requires high-quality fuel and disciplined maintenance. Pre-mid-2014 engines are prone to HPFP cam follower wear, while all variants need periodic intake cleaning due to direct injection. With 15,000 km oil changes using 5W-40 C30 oil and RON 98 fuel, it can reliably exceed 200,000 km.
Top issues include high-pressure fuel pump cam follower wear (early builds), intake valve carbon buildup, VarioCam actuator sludge, and cam cover oil leaks. All are documented in Porsche TSBs. Unlike M96/M97, there is no IMS bearing concern—the MA1.75 uses a robust gear-driven system.
The MA1.75 powered the 2012–2016 Porsche 911 Carrera (991) and 2014–2016 Cayman/Boxster GTS (981). It was never used in Turbo, GT3, or base Boxster/Cayman models. The 2016+ 991.2 adopted turbocharged flat-six engines, ending naturally aspirated 3.4L production.
Yes. Stage 1 ECU remaps yield ~360–370 PS reliably. The 12.5:1 compression supports mild forced induction with forged internals, but naturally aspirated builds benefit most from headers and cams. Always use RON 98 fuel and monitor for knock under load.
Approximately 10–12 L/100km (23–28 mpg UK) in mixed driving. The larger displacement reduces efficiency compared to the 3.0L MA1.01. Highway cruising yields ~8.5 L/100km; spirited driving can exceed 14 L/100km.
No. The MA1.75 is a non-interference engine—valve-to-piston contact is highly unlikely even if cam timing is lost, due to generous combustion chamber clearance.
Porsche specifies 5W-40 synthetic meeting C30 (or ACEA C3) low-SAPS standards. Change every 15,000 km or annually. Proper oil is critical for HPFP cam follower and VarioCam actuator function.
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