Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer (GT)
Predecessor:
Aston Martin DB7 (straight-six)
Competitors:
Ferrari 456 GT, Bentley Continental GT (later), Porsche 911 Turbo, Mercedes-Benz SL500/SL600
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, powerful V12 engine, comfortable long-distance touring capability.
Distinctive Attributes:
Hand-built craftsmanship, powerful V12 soundtrack, iconic Aston Martin styling.
Primary Coverage:
Comprehensive Service and Repair
Secondary Coverage:
Diagnostics, Troubleshooting, Maintenance, Component Overhaul
Estimated Page Count:
Over 1500 Pages (typical for full workshop manuals of this era/complexity)
Type:
Workshop Service Repair Manual
Format:
PDF (Digital Download)
Powertrain:
Engine (V12, lubrication, cooling, fuel, ignition, emissions), Transmission (automatic gearbox), Differential, Driveshafts
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), Steering, Brakes (hydraulic, ABS, handbrake), Wheels and Tires
Electrical:
Engine Management System (ECU), Ignition System, Lighting, Instrumentation, Body Electronics, Audio System, Climate Control, Power Accessories (windows, mirrors, seats), Security System, Airbag System
Body:
Body Shell, Exterior Trim, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Interior Trim, Seats, Convertible Roof Mechanism (Volante)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance, Fluid Changes (oil, coolant, brake, transmission, differential), Filter Replacements, Lubrication
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Rebuild, Suspension Component Replacement, Brake System Servicing, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair, Body Panel Repair and Replacement
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), Wiring Diagrams, Component Testing Procedures
Installation:
Component Installation and Removal Procedures
Depth:
Comprehensive: Covers everything from basic fluid checks to complete engine and transmission rebuilds, including detailed diagnostic strategies.
Engine Type:
Naturally Aspirated V12
Engine Code:
6.0L V12 (Vantage specific, up from 5.9L in standard DB7)
Horsepower:
420 bhp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
400 lb-ft (542 Nm) @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (Bosch Motronic ME7.8)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (95 RON recommended)
Oil Capacity:
Approx. 12.5 Litres (13.2 US Quarts)
Oil Specification:
API SJ or ACEA A3/B3, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-40 (refer to specific manual for precise OEM recommendation)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Jaguar/Aston Martin Blue Coolant)
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 18 Litres (19 US Quarts)
Transmission Type:
ZF 6HP26 5-Speed Automatic Transmission
Optional Transmission:
None offered for the V12 Vantage model.
Transmission Modes:
Standard Drive, Sport Mode
Transmission Fluid Capacity:
Approx. 10-12 Litres (for complete fill, refer to manual for precise quantity)
Transmission Fluid Type:
ZF Lifeguardfluid 5 (or equivalent Dexron III type fluid, consult manual)
Crash Test Data:
Limited public crash test data specific to the 2002 DB7 V12 Vantage. Manufacturer-level internal testing would have been conducted.
Braking System:
Ventilated Discs (Front: 355mm, Rear: 325mm), ABS, EBD
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Airbags:
Driver and Passenger Frontal Airbags
Seatbelts:
Three-point Inertial Reel Seatbelts with Pretensioners
Security:
Immobilizer, Remote Central Locking, Alarm System
Audio System:
Premium audio system (e.g., Linn or equivalent factory-fitted unit), CD player.
Navigation:
Optional factory-fitted navigation system (often monochrome CRT or early color screen).
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
TCS:
Traction Control System (TCS)
Connectivity Features:
Limited by modern standards; primarily focused on audio and basic vehicle controls. No Bluetooth or USB integration.
Oil And Filter Change:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Major Service:
Typically every 30,000 miles or 3 years, involving inspection of all major systems, spark plugs, brake fluid, etc. (Refer to manual for detailed schedule).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific OEM recommendation)
Coolant Antifreeze:
Ethylene Glycol-based, 50/50 mix with distilled water
Common Wear Items:
Ignition coils, catalytic converters (due to high performance), suspension bushings, door seals, convertible roof mechanism (Volante).
Electrical Gremlins:
Intermittent electrical faults can occur due to age and complexity; the manual's wiring diagrams are crucial.
Maintenance Schedule Importance
Value Proposition:
Adhering to the maintenance schedule is vital for preserving the V12's performance, reliability, and the vehicle's significant residual value.
Aston Martin Legacy:
Founded in 1913, Aston Martin is renowned for its association with James Bond, luxury sports cars, and motorsport heritage.
Db7 Lineage:
The DB7 was initially launched in 1993 with a supercharged straight-six engine. The V12 Vantage was introduced in 1999 as a higher-performance variant.
Db7 V12 Vantage Introduction:
The V12 Vantage marked Aston Martin's return to V12 engines in production cars, following the Virage/V8 Vantage era. It offered significantly increased power and refinement over the standard DB7.
Production Period:
The DB7 V12 Vantage was produced from 1999 to 2003.
Manufacturing Location:
Banbury, Oxfordshire, England
Model Accolades:
While specific awards for the 2002 model year are not widely documented, the DB7 range consistently received praise for its design and performance in automotive publications of the era.
Performance Reviews:
Consistently rated highly for its smooth V12 power delivery, comfortable ride, and elegant styling, though sometimes criticized for slightly dated interior technology by the end of its production run.
