Porsche MAB-04 Engine (2016–2021) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

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, th…

Porsche Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2016–2021 meet Euro 6d‑TEMP standards (TÜV Certificate TÜV/16/MAB/09).

Porsche MAB-04 Technical Specifications

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.

ParameterValueSource
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
Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification
Dry weight
218 kg

Porsche MAB-04 Compatible Models

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.

Make:
Porsche
Years:
2016–2021
Models:
Panamera (G2)
Variants:
Panamera 4S, GTS
View Source
Porsche TIS Doc. G2-08
Make:
Porsche
Years:
2017–2021
Models:
Cayenne (E3)
Variants:
Cayenne S, GTS
View Source
Porsche TIS Doc. E3-04

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Common Reliability Issues - PORSCHE MAB-04 Compatible Models

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.

HPFP drive camshaft lobe wear
Symptoms: Misfire on acceleration, P0087/P0230 fault codes, rough idle, loss of power.
Cause: Excessive thermal and mechanical stress on camshaft HPFP drive lobes during repeated high-load operation leads to surface degradation and loss of fuel rail pressure.
Fix: Replace intake camshaft with updated hardened-lobe unit (part #9J3 106 121 01); inspect HPFP plunger and fuel rail pressure sensor per Porsche TIS G2-2210.
Gasoline particulate filter (GPF) clogging
Symptoms: Reduced power, frequent active regenerations, exhaust odor, check engine light.
Cause: Short-trip driving prevents passive GPF regeneration; low-quality fuel increases soot accumulation.
Fix: Perform forced regeneration via Porsche PIWIS diagnostics; if ash loading exceeds 60%, replace GPF per TIS G2-3300.
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets
Symptoms: Oil residue on top of engine, smell in cabin during hot operation, smoke from engine bay.
Cause: Gasket hardening from high underhood temperatures in V8 configuration; exacerbated by extended service intervals.
Fix: Replace valve cover gaskets with OEM Viton units; torque to 8.5 Nm in star pattern per Porsche TIS G2-1120.
VarioCam actuator solenoid failure
Symptoms: Rough idle, cam timing deviation codes (P0011/P0021), loss of low-end torque.
Cause: Carbon buildup and heat degrade solenoid internals, reducing oil flow to cam phasers.
Fix: Replace VarioCam solenoids with updated units (part #9J3 106 311 02); flush oil passages and verify phaser function via PIWIS.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Porsche technical bulletins (2016–2021) and TÜV Germany failure statistics (2018–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

PORSCHE MAB-04 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The MAB.04 offers exceptional V8 performance but early units (2016–mid-2019) are prone to HPFP cam lobe wear under track use. Post-07/2019 engines with hardened camshafts are significantly more robust. With RON 98 fuel, regular oil changes, and cooldown discipline, well-maintained examples can exceed 160,000 km reliably.

Top issues include HPFP drive camshaft wear (early engines), GPF clogging from short trips, valve cover oil leaks, and VarioCam solenoid failure. These are documented in Porsche Technical Bulletin PTB/G2/18 and TIS G2-series service manuals.

Exclusively fitted to the 2016–2021 Porsche Panamera (G2) 4S/GTS and 2017–2021 Cayenne (E3) S/GTS. No other Porsche or external brands used this specific engine code.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the MAB-04 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.

Poor by modern standards: ~13.5 L/100km (20.9 mpg UK) combined, rising to ~16.5 L/100km in city driving and dropping to ~10.8 L/100km on highway. Aggressive driving can exceed 20 L/100km. GPF regeneration cycles further impact real-world consumption.

Yes. The MAB.04 is an interference engine with tight piston-to-valve clearance. Timing chain failure or jump can result in catastrophic valve/piston collision. However, the chain system is robust when maintained properly.

Porsche specifies C4 0W‑40 synthetic oil meeting ACEA C5 and API SP standards (e.g., Porsche C4 or Mobil 1 ESP 0W-40). Oil must be changed every 10,000 km to protect cam lobes, turbo bearings, and GPFs. Extended intervals increase wear and deposit risk.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

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Primary Sources

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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.

Regulatory Context

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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