The Porsche M28.02 Petrol is a 2,994 cc, water‑cooled V8 engine produced between 1978 and 1986. It featured a dual overhead cam (DOHC) per bank layout and Bosch K — Jetronic mechanical fuel injection, delivering 240–260 PS depending on model year and specification. The 90° V8 architecture ensures smooth power delivery and high revving capability—critical for the 928 grand tourer’s performance character.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche 928 S and early 928 S2 variants,…
Pre‑1983 models meet no formal emissions standard; 1983–1986 units meet early Euro 1-equivalent standards in select markets (KBA Type Approval #KBA/928/5412).
The Porsche M28.02 Petrol is a 2,994 cc water‑cooled V8 engineered for grand touring coupes (1978–1986). It combines Bosch K-Jetronic mechanical fuel injection with a DOHC 32-valve architecture to deliver smooth, linear power and high-revving refinement. Designed before formal EU emissions regimes, later variants adopted EGR and thermal reactors to meet early regulatory thresholds.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,994 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded recommended post‑1983) | |
Configuration | V8, DOHC per bank, 32‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 79.0 mm | |
Power output | 240–260 PS (177–191 kW) | |
Torque | 283–294 Nm @ 4,500–5,000 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch K-Jetronic continuous mechanical injection | |
Emissions standard | None (pre‑1983); early Euro 1 equivalent (1983–1986) | |
Compression ratio | 9.3:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled (aluminum radiator with thermostatic control) | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC (two chains per bank) | |
Oil type | 15W‑50 mineral (pre‑1984); 10W‑60 semi‑synthetic (post‑1984) | |
Dry weight | 224 kg |
The Porsche M28.02 Petrol was used exclusively in Porsche's 928 grand tourer platform with front‑engine longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific updates—increased compression and revised cam profiles in the 928 S2—and from 1984 the oil specification and valve train were upgraded, creating clear service part distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
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Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (1978–1986) and Kraftfahrt-Bundesamt (KBA) failure statistics (1980–1992). 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 M28.02 is highly refined and capable of high mileage when maintained correctly, but early units (1978–1983) are susceptible to cam lobe wear under aggressive use. Post-1984 S2 models benefit from improved cam metallurgy and oil specs. Regular oil changes with correct viscosity and avoiding sustained high RPMs greatly extend engine life.
Top issues include camshaft lobe wear (early builds), K-Jetronic fuel distributor calibration drift, coolant crossover pipe corrosion, and timing chain tensioner wear. These are documented in Porsche service bulletins. Ignition distributor wear and vacuum line brittleness are also frequent in high-mileage examples.
This engine powered the Porsche 928 S (1978–1982) and 928 S2 (1983–1986). It was the 4.7L evolution of the original 928 V8 and was not used in any other Porsche or third-party models. All were front-engine, rear-wheel-drive grand tourers.
Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the M-28-02 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.
Typical consumption is 14–16 L/100km (18–20 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising at 120 km/h yields ~11 L/100km. Economy worsens significantly with aggressive driving due to the mechanical injection system’s enrichment under load.
Yes. The DOHC V8 is an interference design. If the timing chains jump or fail, valves can contact pistons, causing catastrophic damage. Regular inspection of chain tensioners and guides is essential to prevent failure.
Pre-1984: 15W-50 mineral oil. Post-1984: 10W-60 semi-synthetic meeting Porsche specification. Never use modern low-viscosity oils. Change every 7,500–10,000 km or 6 months—whichever comes first.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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