The Porsche MCF.TB is a 3,396 cc, water-cooled V6 twin-turbo petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2016. It features a 90° V-angle, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, and Bosch MEVD17.2 electronic direct fuel injection. In standard Cayenne and Panamera form it delivered 245–309 kW (333–420 PS) and 440–550 Nm of torque, with responsive low-end thrust and refined high-revving performance ideal for dynamic grand touring.
Fitted to the Porsche Cayenne (92A) S/S Hybrid and Panamera (G1) S/4S from 2012 to 2016—the final evolution of the first-generation models—the MCF.TB succeeded the naturally aspirated 3.6L and introduced twin-turbocharging to the V6 range. Emissions compliance was achieved through twin variable-vane turbochargers, cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 5 standards with limited Euro 6 alignment in late variants.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive mechanism, referenced in Porsche Technical Bulletin 911/609/14. This stems from marginal lubrication at the cam-follower interface under repeated high-load cycles. In 2016, Porsche replaced the MCF.TB with the downsized MA1.21 as part of the G2/E3 platform transition.
Production years 2012–2015 meet Euro 5 standards; 2016 models may have limited Euro 6 compliance depending on configuration (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9701).
The Porsche MCF.TB is a 3,396 cc water-cooled V6 twin-turbo petrol engine engineered for the Cayenne (92A) and Panamera (G1) (2012–2016). It combines DOHC architecture with direct injection and twin-turbocharging to deliver strong torque and refined performance. Designed during the transition to stricter emissions regimes, it meets Euro 5 standards, with select late models incorporating minor Euro 6 elements.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,396 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (RON 98 min) | |
| Configuration | V6, DOHC, 24-valve (90° V-angle) | |
| Aspiration | Twin-turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 85.0 mm | |
| Power output | 245–309 kW (333–420 PS) @ 6,000–6,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 440–550 Nm @ 1,750–5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MEVD17.2 direct injection (up to 200 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2012–2015); limited Euro 6 for 2016 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled (dual-circuit) | |
| Turbocharger | Twin variable-vane turbochargers (IHI) | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC (maintenance-free design) | |
| Oil type | Porsche-approved 5W-40 (ACEA A3/B4) | |
| Dry weight | 195 kg |
The MCF.TB delivers strong low-end torque and smooth high-rpm power but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to protect the high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive. Use of RON 98 fuel is essential to prevent knock under boost. Bosch MEVD17.2 direct injection demands clean, sulfur-free fuel; poor fuel quality accelerates HPFP and injector wear. Pre-2016 engines should be monitored for HPFP drive wear per Porsche SIB 911/609/14. Extended idling and short-trip driving increase carbon buildup in the intake and EGR system.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA A3/B4–compliant 5W-40 synthetic oil (Porsche Lubricants Guide Rev.2). Low-SAPS oils are unsuitable for pre-Euro 6 direct-injection engines.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2012–2015 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/9701). 2016 models may include secondary air injection for limited Euro 6 alignment.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Higher outputs require RON 98 fuel and intact boost control (Porsche TIS Doc. MCF-02-13).
Porsche Technical Information System (TIS): Docs MCF-01-12, MCF-02-13, SIB 911/609/14
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/9701)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Porsche MCF.TB was used in Porsche's Cayenne (92A) and Panamera (G1) platforms with front-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine featured platform-specific adaptations—revised oil pan for PTM clearance in the Cayenne and unique accessory drives in the Panamera—and from 2016 the MA1.21 downsized twin-turbo V6 replaced it, creating a hard interchange limit. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine type stamped on the rear valley cover near the intake manifold (Porsche TIS MCF-01-12). The engine code "MCF.TB" appears on a foil label attached to the cylinder head cover. All units feature silver twin-turbo V6 valve covers with “S” script. Critical differentiation from MA1.21: MCF.TB uses 3.4L displacement and IHI turbos; MA1.21 uses 3.0L and BorgWarner units. HPFP drive wear is internal—requires oil analysis or fuel rail pressure test per Porsche SIB 911/609/14.
The MCF.TB's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) drive wear, with elevated incidence in engines subjected to frequent high-load driving or poor fuel quality. Porsche internal service data from 2015 noted HPFP-related drivability complaints in ~8% of Cayenne S units before 90,000 km under performance use, while UK DVSA records show strong baseline reliability in standard applications. Extended high-load operation without premium fuel increases cam follower stress, making fuel and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2012-2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about PORSCHE MCF-TB.
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