Market Position:
Luxury Grand Tourer
Competitive Analysis:
Competed with vehicles like Ferrari 456 GT, Bentley Continental GT, and Porsche 911 Turbo in its segment.
Key Features:
V12 engine, handcrafted interior, iconic Aston Martin design, sophisticated GT capabilities
Interior Highlights:
Supple leather upholstery, hand-stitched detailing, wood or carbon fiber trim accents, premium materials throughout.
Systems Covered:
Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Electrical System, Fuel System, Cooling System, HVAC, Body and Chassis, Diagnostics, Troubleshooting
Electrical System Coverage:
Detailed wiring diagrams, fuse and relay locations, component testing, troubleshooting for ECU, lighting, power accessories, etc.
Fuel System Coverage:
Fuel pump operation, injector testing and replacement, fuel pressure testing, evaporative emission control system.
Suspension Coverage:
Front and rear suspension component identification, removal and installation, alignment specifications, shock absorber and spring replacement.
Brake System Coverage:
Brake pad and rotor replacement, caliper overhaul, bleeding procedure, parking brake adjustment, ABS system diagnostics.
HVAC Coverage:
Climate control system operation, refrigerant handling, blower motor replacement, evaporator and condenser service.
Procedures Included:
Scheduled Maintenance, Component Replacement, Diagnostics and Troubleshooting, Repair Procedures, Overhaul Procedures, Electrical Schematics, Wiring Diagrams
Troubleshooting Procedures:
Systematic fault diagnosis for common and uncommon issues, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) if applicable to the OBD-II system of the era.
Body And Chassis Repairs:
Panel replacement, door and window mechanism adjustment, trim component removal and installation, structural component inspection.
Technical Depth:
Detailed step-by-step instructions, exploded diagrams, high-quality illustrations, manufacturer specifications
Engine Rebuild Depth:
Complete engine overhaul instructions, including torque specifications, assembly sequences, bearing clearances, valve timing, and component measurements.
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (for potential archive access)
Print Quality:
Printable, Zoom IN/OUT functionality
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Binding Type:
Digital Download (no physical binding)
Paper Type:
Not Applicable (digital)
Safety Ratings:
Limited official crash test data available for this era and niche vehicle. Generally built to high standards with independent front and rear crumple zones.
Active Features:
ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), Traction Control (ASR)
Passive Features:
Driver and Passenger Airbags, Seatbelt Pretensioners
Infotainment System:
Premium audio system (e.g., Linn or equivalent), optional navigation system, CD player.
Speaker Configuration:
Typically 10+ speaker system for immersive sound.
Driver Assistance:
ABS, Traction Control (ASR)
Connectivity:
Limited by era; typically an analog system with basic connectivity features for audio.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact specifications)
Major Service Interval:
20,000 miles or 24 months for most checks, with more comprehensive checks at higher mileage intervals (e.g., 50,000 miles)
Engine Oil Type:
Fully Synthetic 5W-30 (e.g., Castrol Edge or equivalent meeting Aston Martin specifications)
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water (Aston Martin specific coolant recommended)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil (specific viscosity to be confirmed in manual)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III or equivalent (specific specification required, consult manual)
Power Steering Fluid:
Specific hydraulic fluid (consult manual for exact specification, often a Dexron type or proprietary blend)
Known Issues:
Potential for aging electrical components, coolant hose degradation, suspension bushing wear, occasional ignition coil issues. The V12 engine is generally robust but requires meticulous maintenance.
Cooling System Notes:
Regular inspection of hoses, clamps, and the radiator for leaks or degradation is crucial. Overheating can lead to significant engine damage.
Oil Filter Part Number:
Likely to be a Mahle OC 219 or equivalent specific to the V12 engine (manual will confirm exact part number)
Air Filter Part Number:
Typically a set of two filters; specific part numbers will be detailed in the manual.
Brand Heritage:
Aston Martin has a long and storied history of producing iconic British sports and grand touring cars, known for their performance, luxury, and distinctive styling.
Model Evolution:
The DB7, launched in 1994, was a highly successful model for Aston Martin, revitalizing the brand. The V12 Vantage variant, introduced in 1999, marked a significant performance upgrade, replacing the supercharged inline-six.
Production Years:
DB7 V12 Vantage: 1999-2003
Manufacturing Location:
Banbury, Oxfordshire, England