The Porsche M 48.01 is a 2,480 cc, dual — overhead — cam flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2003 and 2005. It featured Bosch Motronic ME7.8 sequential fuel injection, an aluminum block with Nikasil — coated cylinders, and a dry‑sump lubrication system. In standard form it delivered 160 kW (218 PS) and 270 Nm of torque, offering improved low — end response over the previous M96 architecture while retaining rear — engine balance.
Fitted exclusively to the 987 — generation…
Production years 2003–2005 meet Euro 3 standards (TÜV Certificate TÜV/03/M48/07).
The Porsche M 48.01 is a 2,480 cc flat‑six petrol engine engineered for the mid-mounted 987 Boxster and Cayman (2003–2005). It combines DOHC architecture with sequential fuel injection and dry-sump lubrication for stable oil supply during high-g cornering. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it integrates catalytic converters and secondary air injection for regulatory compliance while improving on M96-era reliability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,480 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended) | |
Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 85.5 mm × 72.0 mm | |
Power output | 160 kW (218 PS) @ 6,100 rpm | |
Torque | 270 Nm @ 4,600 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.8 sequential injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
Compression ratio | 10.8:1 | |
Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 156 kg |
The Porsche M 48.01 was used exclusively in Porsche's 987 platform with mid‑mounted, longitudinal flat-six mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised oil galleries in the 2004 Boxster and updated exhaust manifolds in 2005 models—and from 2005 was succeeded by the M 97.21 2.7L with dual-row RMS and improved IMS bearing, creating clear generational boundaries. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.
Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.
The M 48.01's primary reliability risk is rear main seal (RMS) leakage due to the single-lip design and sensitivity to installation error, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or track-used vehicles. Porsche internal data (2004) indicated a 12% RMS replacement rate in pre-2006 flat-six engines before 100,000 km, while TÜV Germany MOT records show elevated oil contamination rates in sump inspections. Extended high-load operation without PCV system maintenance accelerates seal stress, making RMS upgrades and oil quality critical.
Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2003–2005) and TÜV Germany failure statistics (2005–2015). 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 M 48.01 improves on the M96 but still shares key weaknesses like the single-lip RMS and single-row IMS bearing. With RON 98 fuel, regular oil changes, and proactive RMS/IMS upgrades, well-maintained examples can exceed 150,000 km reliably. Early attention to PCV and coolant integrity is essential.
Top issues include rear main seal leaks, IMS bearing wear, Nikasil bore scoring from coolant leaks, and cam sensor failure. These are documented in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/987/03 and TIS 987-series service manuals.
Exclusively fitted to the 2003–2005 Porsche Boxster (987) and early 2005 Cayman (987) as the base 2.5L model. No other Porsche or external brands used this specific engine code.
Modest gains are possible. ECU remaps yield +10–15 kW. Forced induction is uncommon due to the non-forged internals and Nikasil bore sensitivity. Most owners prioritize reliability over significant tuning.
Efficient for a flat-six: ~11.0 L/100km (25.7 mpg UK) combined, rising to ~13.5 L/100km in city driving and dropping to ~8.8 L/100km on highway. Aggressive driving can exceed 15 L/100km.
Yes. The M 48.01 is an interference engine with tight piston-to-valve clearance. Timing chain failure or jump can result in catastrophic internal damage. However, the chain system is generally robust with low reported failure rates.
Porsche specifies 5W‑40 synthetic oil meeting ACEA C3 and API SL (e.g., Porsche C3 or Mobil 1 ESP 5W-40). Oil must be changed every 10,000 km to protect the IMS bearing and catalytic converters. Extended intervals increase wear and deposit risk.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.
Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.
A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.
Transparency in gaps
A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.
Regulatory Stability
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.
Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.
Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.
Copyright and permissions
Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.
Copyright Concerns
For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk
Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.
For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk
Trademark Notice
All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.
Ownership and commercial services
EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.
Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.
Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.
All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.