Market Segment:
Luxury Grand Tourer
Competitors:
Ferrari 612 Scaglietti, Bentley Continental GT, Maserati GranTurismo, Porsche 911 (997 generation).
Design Philosophy:
Elegant styling, powerful V8 engine, luxurious interior, advanced technology, GT comfort.
Manual Advantage:
Empowers owners and independent specialists with factory-level diagnostic and repair information, reducing reliance on authorized dealerships.
Powertrain:
Engine (V8 4.3L/5.9L, diagnostics, removal/installation, overhaul), Transmission (Touchtronic, torque converter, gearbox removal/installation, fluid), Clutch (hydraulic system), Cooling System, Fuel System, Exhaust System.
Chassis:
Suspension (front/rear, components, alignment), Steering System (power steering, column, rack and pinion), Brakes (ABS, EBD, DSC, hydraulic components, pad/rotor replacement, bleeding), Wheels and Tires.
Electrical:
Engine Control Module (ECM), Transmission Control Module (TCM), Body Control Module (BCM), Lighting System (headlamps, tail lamps, interior), Instrumentation, Audio System, Navigation System, Climate Control System, Power Accessories (windows, seats, mirrors, locks), Battery, Alternator, Starter Motor, Fuse and Relay Locations, Wiring Diagrams.
Body And Interior:
Body Panels (removal/installation, repair), Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Seats, Airbag System (SRS), Safety Restraints.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-ups, brake inspections, tire rotations.
Troubleshooting:
System diagnostics, fault code interpretation, symptom-based troubleshooting guides for engine, transmission, brakes, electrical systems, and more.
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including engine rebuilds, transmission overhauls, suspension component replacement, electrical component diagnosis and repair, bodywork repairs.
Technical Data:
Specifications, tolerances, torque values, diagnostic procedures, wiring diagrams, component locations.
Depth:
Expert level, covering everything from basic maintenance to complex diagnostics and full vehicle overhauls.
Transmission Type:
ZF 6HP26 Touchtronic Automatic Transmission
Transmission Type:
BorgWarner 6-speed Manual Transmission (less common)
Gear Selection:
Paddle shifters, sport mode, manual override.
Transmission Fluid Type:
ZF Lifeguard Fluid 8 (or equivalent such as Texaco ETL 7045 E, Mercon SP)
Length:
Approx. 4760 mm (187.4 in)
Width:
Approx. 1862 mm (73.3 in) (excluding mirrors)
Height:
Approx. 1285 mm (50.6 in)
Curb Weight:
Approx. 1775 kg (3913 lbs)
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating:
Approx. 2200 kg (4850 lbs)
Crash Test Data:
While specific NHTSA/Euro NCAP ratings for the 2008 DB9 are not as widely published as mainstream vehicles, Aston Martin vehicles are engineered to meet rigorous international safety standards. The VH platform incorporates advanced safety structures.
Braking Systems:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD), Emergency Brake Assist (EBA).
Stability Control:
Dynamic Stability Control (DSC), Traction Control System (TCS).
Airbags:
Driver and front passenger airbags, side airbags, curtain airbags.
Body Structure:
High-strength aluminum chassis with strategically placed steel and composite reinforcements for occupant protection.
Audio System:
Premium audio system (e.g., Bang & Olufsen or Aston Martin Premium Audio), CD player, auxiliary input.
Navigation:
In-dash satellite navigation system.
Parking Sensors:
Front and rear parking sensors.
Bluetooth:
Optional Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free calling.
Major Service Interval:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to specific manual for exact details.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 10,000 miles or 12 months.
Engine Oil Type:
Mobil 1 0W-40 (or equivalent meeting Aston Martin specifications).
Coolant Type:
OAT (Organic Acid Technology) coolant, typically blue or green. Specific Aston Martin part number should be verified.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 4 (or DOT 5.1 if specified).
Common Wear Items:
Brake pads and discs, suspension bushings, exhaust hangers, fuel pumps, ignition coils.
Electrical Gremlins:
Some owners report occasional minor electrical glitches due to the complexity of the vehicle's integrated systems. Proper diagnosis using this manual is key.
Vantage Variant Considerations:
Note that some DB9 models might share components or systems with other Aston Martin models like the V8 Vantage of the same era, and this manual's detailed information is crucial.
Brand Legacy:
Aston Martin, a British manufacturer, has a long-standing reputation for producing luxurious, high-performance sports cars with iconic design and engineering.
Db9 Introduction:
The DB9 was introduced in 2003 as a replacement for the DB7 and represents a significant step forward with its VH (Vertical/Horizontal) platform architecture.
Manufacturing Location:
Gaydon, Warwickshire, England
Production Run:
The first generation DB9 (including the 2008 model year) ran from 2003 to 2012, with minor updates and facelifts.
