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 MA1.75 represented a displacement increase over the MA1.01 for enhanced low-end torque while retaining high-RPM character. Emissions compliance was achieved through stratified charge combustion, variable valve timing, and close-coupled catalytic converters, meeting EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007 (Euro 5b/6) standards.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, which can lead to loss of rail pressure and misfires. This issue, referenced in Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 991/TSB/13-08, is linked to marginal lubrication from low-detergent fuel or infrequent oil changes. Revised cam followers and updated HPFP units were introduced in mid-2014.
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 direct injection system enables high 12.5:1 compression but causes carbon buildup on intake valves due to lack of fuel-washing. Intake cleaning is recommended every 80,000 km. Strict 15,000 km oil changes using Porsche C30–spec 5W-40 oil are essential for HPFP cam follower and VarioCam actuator health. Use only RON 98 TOP TIER or EN 228-compliant fuel to prevent high-pressure pump wear. Revised HPFP units (post-06/2014) include improved cam followers per TSB 991/TSB/13-08. Cold-start idling should be minimized to reduce oil starvation in the upper valvetrain.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C30–compliant 5W-40 synthetic oil (Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-12-21). Low-SAPS formulation protects emissions systems.
Emissions: Euro 5b certification applies to 2012–2014 models; Euro 6 for 2015–2016 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8340).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output assumes RON 98 fuel and functional DFI system (Porsche TIS Doc. MA1-TB-2014).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs MA1-TB-2012, FI-12-33, MA1-TB-2014
Porsche Technical Service Bulletin 991/TSB/13-08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8340)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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.
Engine type ‘MA1.75’ is cast into the right-side crankcase below the exhaust manifold (Porsche WIS 135.25). The presence of a high-pressure fuel pump on the right cylinder head and Bosch MED17.2.5 ECU (Part No. 0 285 002 025) confirms identity. VIN 7th digit ‘9’ with 10th digit ‘E’ denotes 991 Carrera; ‘6’ with ‘E’ denotes Boxster GTS. Critical differentiation from MA1.01: MA1.75 uses 3,436 cc displacement, unique oil pump, and revised catalytic converter housings. Service parts for fuel and valvetrain are not interchangeable with MA1.01 engines (Porsche TSB 991/TSB/14-05).
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.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MA1-75.
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