Positioning:
High-performance luxury grand tourer
Competitors:
Ferrari 456 GT, Bentley Continental R, Jaguar XKR
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, powerful V12 performance, refined luxury
Purpose:
To provide detailed guidance for servicing, diagnosing, and repairing the Aston Martin DB7 V12 Vantage 1999.
Powertrain:
Engine, fuel system, ignition, exhaust, cooling, lubrication
Transmission:
Gearbox (manual and automatic options), clutch, driveshafts
Chassis:
Suspension, steering, brakes, wheels and tires
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting, instruments, ECUs, battery, charging system
Body:
Body panels, doors, windows, interior trim, HVAC
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid changes, filter replacements, inspections
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, fault code interpretation, diagnostic procedures
Repair:
Component removal and installation, adjustments, rebuild procedures
Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications
Depth:
Comprehensive, from basic checks to full engine and transmission rebuilds
Engine Type:
V12, Naturally Aspirated
Engine Code:
Usually referred to by its displacement and configuration (e.g., 6.0L V12)
Horsepower:
Approximately 420 hp @ 6000 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 400 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Fuel Delivery:
Sequential Multi-Port Fuel Injection (MPI)
Displacement:
5935 cc (5.9 Liters)
Bore X Stroke:
83 mm x 92 mm
Compression Ratio:
10.3:1
Type:
5-speed Manual (Getrag 280)
Type:
5-speed Automatic (optional, often ZF 5HP30)
Clutch:
Hydraulically actuated, dual-plate clutch (for manual transmission)
Manual Transmission Fluid:
Likely a high-quality synthetic gear oil (e.g., API GL-4 or GL-5, viscosity dependent on ambient temperature, refer to manual for exact spec like Castrol SAF-XJ or equivalent)
Automatic Transmission Fluid:
Likely a DEXRON-III or equivalent ATF (refer to manual for exact specification)
Length:
Approximately 4700 mm (185 in)
Width:
Approximately 1790 mm (70.5 in)
Height:
Approximately 1270 mm (50 in)
Curb Weight:
Approximately 1760 kg (3880 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Refer to vehicle VIN plate
Crash Test Data:
Limited public data for this era/exclusivity, but designed to meet contemporary regulations.
Braking System:
Ventilated disc brakes, front and rear. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System).
Traction Control:
Traction Control System (TCS) often standard or optional.
Airbags:
Driver and passenger airbags.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia reel seatbelts with pre-tensioners.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first (refer to manual for exact recommendation).
Major Service:
Detailed intervals for spark plug replacement, coolant, brake fluid, and other major components will be outlined in the manual.
Engine Oil:
Synthetic 5W-30 or 5W-40 (check manual for precise API and ACEA specifications).
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based coolant with corrosion inhibitors, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 (refer to manual for specific requirement).
Common Concerns:
Potential for minor electrical gremlins, cooling system component wear, and occasional clutch wear on high-mileage manual cars. The manual will detail troubleshooting for these.
Example Part Lookup:
The manual will provide specific part numbers for filters (oil, air, cabin), spark plugs (e.g., NGK PFR6N-9), belts, and other common replacement items.
Legacy:
Aston Martin has a long history of producing luxury sports cars with a focus on performance and craftsmanship.
Db7 Lineage:
The DB7 was a significant model for Aston Martin, revitalizing the brand. The V12 Vantage model introduced the powerful V12 engine, replacing the earlier supercharged inline-6.
Manufacturing Location:
Newport Pagnell, Buckinghamshire, England
Model Years Covered:
Focuses on the 1999 model year of the DB7 V12 Vantage.
