The Porsche M 48.02 is a 2,687 cc, water‑cooled flat‑six petrol engine produced between 2002 and 2005. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 24 valves, and Bosch Motronic ME7.8 sequential fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 154 kW (210 PS) at 6,200 rpm, with peak torque of 273 Nm at 4,800 rpm.
Fitted exclusively to the Porsche Boxster (986) and Cayman (987) base models in global markets, the M 48.02 offered entry‑level access to Porsche’s signature flat‑six…
Production years 2002–2005 meet Euro 4 emissions standards .
The Porsche M 48.02 is a 2,687 cc flat‑six DOHC petrol engine engineered for entry‑level sports applications (2002–2005). It combines water cooling with sequential fuel injection and a naturally aspirated design to deliver smooth, linear power and classic flat‑six balance. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances performance accessibility with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
Displacement | 2,687 cc | |
Fuel type | Petrol (RON 95 min) | |
Configuration | Flat‑6, DOHC, 24‑valve | |
Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
Bore × stroke | 85.0 mm × 78.0 mm | |
Power output | 154 kW (210 PS) @ 6,200 rpm | |
Torque | 273 Nm @ 4,800 rpm | |
Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.8 sequential injection | |
Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
Turbocharger | None | |
Timing system | Chain-driven DOHC with intermediate shaft (IMS) | |
Oil type | Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification | |
Dry weight | 175 kg |
The Porsche M 48.02 was used across Porsche's 986 Boxster and early 987 Cayman platforms with mid-engine, longitudinal mounting and no external licensing. This engine received running changes—upgraded IMS bearing design from mid-2003 onward and revised cam profiles—and was replaced in 2006 by the M97/21 with VarioCam Plus. 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.
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 (2002–2005) and independent engineering failure logs (2005–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines; IMS bearing upgrades are widely accepted industry practice for pre-2004 engines.
The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works
The M 48.02 offers smooth flat-six performance but pre-June 2003 units carry IMS bearing risk. Later 2004–2005 models include single-row bearing improvements. With regular oil changes using 5W-40 A40 oil and IMS awareness, well-maintained examples can be dependable for enthusiasts.
Top issues include IMS bearing failure (early engines), rear main seal leaks, cam sensor faults, and valve cover seepage. These are well-documented in Porsche service bulletins and independent reliability studies. The IMS issue is the most critical and potentially catastrophic.
Exclusively the 2002–2004 Porsche Boxster (986) base model and early 2005 Cayman (987) base model, all rated at 210 PS. It was replaced in 2006 by the M97/21 with VarioCam Plus. No cross-manufacturer usage exists.
Yes. Common upgrades include ECU remaps and cat-back exhausts, yielding 230–240 PS. However, the stock internals have modest limits—aggressive tuning risks head gasket or bearing wear. Most owners prioritize drivability; forced induction is rare due to IMS and head design constraints.
Approximately 11–13 L/100km (22–26 mpg UK) in mixed driving. Highway cruising can reach 9 L/100km (31 mpg UK), while aggressive use exceeds 15 L/100km due to the flat-six displacement and performance gearing.
Yes. The Porsche M 48.02 is an interference engine. If the timing chains fail or the IMS bearing seizes and misaligns camshafts, pistons will contact open valves, causing severe internal damage. Regular oil changes and IMS monitoring are essential.
Porsche specifies 5W-40 synthetic oil meeting Porsche A40 standard. This viscosity ensures cam and bearing protection under high-RPM stress. Change intervals should not exceed 15,000 km or annually, with more frequent changes for track or high-load use.
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.