🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Aston Martin

Model:

DB7

Year:

1999

Generation Designation:

DB7 (XJ13)

Chassis Code:

DB7 Volante (Convertible) / DB7 Coupe

👋 Introduction

Positioning:

High-performance luxury grand tourer, aimed at discerning clientele seeking both performance and exquisite design.

Competitors:

Ferrari 456 GT, Bentley Continental R, Porsche 911 (993 generation), Jaguar XJ-S.

Distinctive Attributes:

Elegant styling, V8 engine, rear-wheel drive, luxurious interior, hand-built quality, iconic British automotive marque.

📋 Manual Details

Covered Years:

1999

Covered Models:

Aston Martin DB7 (Coupe and Volante)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (typical workshop manuals of this era can range from 1000-3000+ pages depending on detail and inclusion of all variants)

Manual Type:

Service Repair Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Systems:

General Information, Engine Mechanical, Engine Electrical, Emission Control, Fuel System, Clutch System, Manual Transaxle System, Automatic Transaxle System, Driveshaft and Axle, Suspension System, Steering System, Restraint System, Brake System, Body (Interior and Exterior), Body Electrical System, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning (HVAC)

Brake System Details:

Front: Ventilated discs with 4-piston calipers (e.g., Girling or AP Racing); Rear: Ventilated discs with 4-piston calipers. Includes ABS and EBD system diagnostics and repair.

Suspension System Details:

Front: Independent, double wishbone, coil springs, anti-roll bar; Rear: Independent, trailing arm, coil springs, anti-roll bar. Includes shock absorber, spring, and bushing replacement procedures.

Procedures:

Step-by-step instructions, diagrams, illustrations, wiring schematics, specifications for repair and troubleshooting, maintenance procedures, diagnostic routines

Troubleshooting Procedures:

Detailed fault-finding charts and diagnostic procedures for common drivability issues, electrical problems, and mechanical failures, including specific symptom-to-cause correlations.

Diagnostic Tools:

Information on required diagnostic tools, including scan tools for engine management system, multimeter usage for electrical diagnostics, and specialized tools for specific procedures.

Depth:

Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to advanced diagnostics and repair, mirroring dealership technician procedures

Body Coverage:

Panel removal and installation, door and latch mechanisms, convertible top operation and repair (Volante), interior trim, seating, dashboard, lighting, and exterior trim components.

Electrical Coverage:

Comprehensive wiring schematics for all vehicle systems, including engine management, lighting, power windows, central locking, ignition, and HVAC. Includes troubleshooting guides for electrical faults.

Engine Mechanical Coverage:

Engine assembly and disassembly, cylinder head removal and installation, piston and connecting rod service, crankshaft and bearing inspection, valve train timing and adjustment, lubrication system, cooling system overhaul.

Fuel System Coverage:

Fuel pump testing and replacement, fuel injectors, fuel pressure regulator, fuel lines, fuel tank removal and installation, fuel filter replacement.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Type:

Adobe PDF

Print Capability:

Printable on a per-page basis, allowing for specific sections to be printed for workshop use

Binding:

Digital (PDF format, not a physical binding)

Paper Recommendation:

N/A (Digital, but recommended for printing on durable paper for workshop use)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type:

4.0L (3950cc) V8, DOHC, 32 valves

Engine Code:

V8 (often referred to by its Jaguar lineage, AJ-V8)

Horsepower:

335 bhp @ 6000 rpm (typically)

Torque:

400 lb-ft (542 Nm) @ 4000 rpm (typically)

Fuel Delivery:

Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)

Recommended Fuel:

Premium Unleaded Gasoline (91 Octane or higher)

Bore X Stroke:

86.0 mm x 85.0 mm (typical for this V8)

Compression Ratio:

10.0:1 (typical)

Coolant Capacity:

Approximately 10.5 Liters (refer to manual for exact spec)

Oil Capacity:

Approximately 8.5 Liters (refer to manual for exact spec)

Recommended Engine Oil:

API SG/SH/SJ, ACEA A2-96 or B2-96, SAE 10W-30 or 10W-40 (verify with manual for specific Aston Martin approval)

🔧 Transmission

Transmission Type Standard:

5-speed Manual (Getrag 265/06, often sourced from BMW M3 E36)

Transmission Type Optional:

5-speed Automatic (ZF 5HP30)

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated single dry plate clutch (manual transmission)

Automatic Transmission Features:

Electronically controlled with selectable sport mode

Manual Transmission Fluid:

GL-4 or GL-5 rated gear oil, SAE 75W-90 (refer to manual for precise specification and capacity)

Automatic Transmission Fluid:

ZF LifeguardFluid5 (or equivalent Dexron III H/J/K type, verify with manual)

📐 Dimensions

Length:

4650 mm (183.1 in)

Width:

1795 mm (70.7 in)

Height:

1270 mm (50.0 in)

Wheelbase:

2590 mm (102.0 in)

Curb Weight:

Approximately 1700-1800 kg (3748-3968 lbs) depending on configuration

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited public crash test data available for this model, as is common for ultra-luxury and low-volume vehicles of this era. Refer to manual for specific structural and safety component information.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Traction Control System (TCS)

Passive Safety Features:

Driver and Passenger Airbags, Seatbelt pretensioners, Reinforced chassis structure

💡 Technology Features

Infotainment System:

Typically a cassette player with an optional CD changer, and an analog radio. Later models might have had aftermarket head unit upgrades. The manual covers the factory system's electrical components.

Driver Assistance Features:

Limited by modern standards. Primarily ABS and Traction Control. No advanced adaptive cruise control or lane-keeping assist in the 1999 model.

Connectivity:

No factory Bluetooth or USB connectivity. Typically relies on analog audio inputs or aftermarket solutions.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (typical for Aston Martin of this era - refer to manual for exact specification)

Major Service Interval:

Significant inspections and component replacements typically recommended every 30,000 miles or 2-3 years (refer to manual for detailed schedule)

Brake Fluid:

DOT 4 (refer to manual for specific Aston Martin approval and change interval)

Coolant:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze, typically 50/50 mix with distilled water (refer to manual for specific type and capacity)

Common Problems:

Wiring harness degradation (common in many vehicles of this age), suspension bush wear, minor electrical gremlins, potential for coolant leaks from aging hoses or the water pump. Some owners report issues with the convertible top mechanism (if Volante). The manual will detail how to diagnose and repair these.

Oil Filter Part Number:

Specific part number will be listed in the manual (e.g., Mann-Filter W940/5, Mahle OC243, or OEM equivalent - verify via manual or VIN)

Air Filter Part Number:

Specific part number will be listed in the manual (e.g., Mann-Filter C25 177, or OEM equivalent - verify via manual or VIN)

📚 Vehicle History

Heritage:

Aston Martin, founded in 1913, is renowned for its classic sports cars and grand tourers, often associated with the James Bond film franchise, embodying British luxury and performance.

Evolution:

The DB7 succeeded the V8 Vantage and Virage. The 1999 model is part of the original DB7 generation, which was later succeeded by the DB9. The DB7 was designed by Ian Callum and initially launched with a supercharged straight-six engine, with the V12 Vantage arriving later. The 1999 model year specifically refers to the naturally aspirated V8 version, often shared with Jaguar's XJ architecture.

Production Period:

The DB7 was produced from 1994 to 2004. The 4.0L V8 models were produced until 1999/2000 before the introduction of the V12 engine across the range.

Manufacturing Location:

Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Automotive Awards:

The DB7 as a model line received critical acclaim for its styling and performance upon release, often praised by automotive journalists for revitalizing the Aston Martin brand. Specific awards for the 1999 model year are less documented as it was a mature model at that point, but it consistently received accolades for its design and driving experience.