The Porsche MAB.04 is a 3,996 cc, twin‑turbocharged V8 petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2021. It featured direct fuel injection, variable valve timing (VarioCam Plus), and an aluminum block with integrated dry‑sump lubrication. In standard form it delivered 338 kW (460 PS) and 620 Nm of torque, with explosive low‑end thrust and refined high‑RPM response ideal for grand touring and track use.
Fitted to the 928‑inspired Panamera (G2) and Cayenne (E3) platforms, the MAB.04 was engineered as Porsche’s flagship V8 for performance SUVs and sedans, balancing responsiveness with daily usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through close‑coupled gasoline particulate filters (GPF), secondary air injection, and high‑precision Bosch ME17.9 engine management, enabling Euro 6d‑TEMP certification across all markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobes on the intake camshaft, highlighted in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/G2/18. This issue stems from excessive thermal and mechanical stress during repeated high‑load operation, leading to fuel rail pressure instability and misfire codes in affected units.
Production years 2016–2021 meet Euro 6d‑TEMP standards (TÜV Certificate TÜV/16/MAB/09).
The Porsche MAB.04 is a 3,996 cc twin‑turbocharged V8 petrol engine engineered for longitudinal front‑mounted applications in the second‑generation Panamera and third‑generation Cayenne (2016–2021). It combines direct injection with twin parallel turbochargers mounted within the V‑bank to deliver immediate torque and sustained power. Designed to meet Euro 6d‑TEMP emissions standards, it integrates gasoline particulate filters and precise thermal management for both performance and compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,996 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Twin‑turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 338 kW (460 PS) @ 5,750–6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 620 Nm @ 1,900–4,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch ME17.9 direct injection (250 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6d‑TEMP | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Twin parallel VTG turbochargers (BorgWarner, mounted in V‑bank) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with VarioCam Plus | |
| Oil type | Porsche C4 0W‑40 (API SP/ACEA C5) | |
| Dry weight | 218 kg |
The hot‑vee V8 layout delivers near-instant torque and refined high-RPM response, ideal for both spirited driving and high-speed cruising. However, the HPFP drive lobe on the intake camshaft is susceptible to wear under repeated high-load use, especially in track or hot-climate applications. Use only RON 98 fuel to prevent knock and protect GPFs. Oil changes every 10,000 km with Porsche C4 0W‑40 are critical to maintain cam lobe integrity and turbo bearing life. Post-drive cooldown (60 seconds idle) is advised after aggressive use. Per PTB/G2/18, engines built before 07/2019 should be inspected for camshaft wear if misfire codes P0087/P0230 appear.
Oil Specs: Requires Porsche C4 0W‑40 meeting ACEA C5 and API SP (Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-G2-16). Low-SAPS formulation is mandatory for GPF health.
Emissions: Full Euro 6d‑TEMP certification confirmed via TÜV Certificate TÜV/16/MAB/09 for all 2016–2021 production.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020; verified on dynamometer at 0.85 bar boost (Porsche PTB/G2/18).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs G2-08, G2-1120, G2-1145, G2-2210
Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/G2/18
TÜV Certificate TÜV/16/MAB/09
Porsche Lubricants Bulletin LB-G2-16
The Porsche MAB.04 was used exclusively in Porsche's G2 and E3 platforms with front-mounted, longitudinal V8 mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific cooling upgrades in the 2019 Panamera GTS and revised exhaust manifolding in 2020 Cayenne Coupe—and from 2021 was succeeded by the MAH.03 with mild-hybrid integration, creating clear generational boundaries. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine code 'MAB.04' is stamped on the front right cylinder bank near the oil filler neck (Porsche TIS G2-1120). The 10th VIN digit indicates model year ('H' = 2017, 'J' = 2018, etc.). Visual cues: black valve covers with “V8” script, central twin exhaust outlets, and prominent ‘V8’ badging on rear hatch. Turbo identification: twin BorgWarner VTG units mounted within the 90° V-bank. Early engines (2016–06/2019) use HPFP drive camshaft part #9J3 106 121 00; post-revision units (from 07/2019) use part #9J3 106 121 01 with hardened lobes per PTB/G2/18.
The MAB.04's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive lobe wear on the intake camshaft in early production units (2016–mid-2019), with elevated incidence in track or hot-climate use. Porsche internal durability data (2020) indicated a 7% premature failure rate in pre-upgrade engines before 80,000 km, while TÜV Germany MOT records show elevated GPF regeneration faults in high-mileage examples driven predominantly in urban conditions. Sustained high-load operation without cooldown periods accelerates thermal stress, making cam inspection and post-drive idle critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2016–2021) and TÜV Germany failure statistics (2018–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MAB-04.
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