Aston Martin DBX - my journey
Discussion
samoht said:
Sorry to hear about the issues, agree the car looks fab though!
AIUI the DBX has air suspension, so I can fairly easily imagine intermittent wonkiness if that starts to play up. There are a few threads on here with owners of old E-Classes who sometimes suffer from this sort of thing, maybe Aston licenced the Wonkymatic tech from Merc along with the engines?
Hope the dealer gets to the bottom of it and gets it sorted soon, so you can enjoy the car.
No the air suspension is an Aston design, probably why it’s gone awry! AIUI the DBX has air suspension, so I can fairly easily imagine intermittent wonkiness if that starts to play up. There are a few threads on here with owners of old E-Classes who sometimes suffer from this sort of thing, maybe Aston licenced the Wonkymatic tech from Merc along with the engines?
Hope the dealer gets to the bottom of it and gets it sorted soon, so you can enjoy the car.
So I’ll have the car back tomorrow.
ADM (air damping module) is being replaced. The car was straight on their ramps but nevertheless changing the module should ensure it doesn’t happen again, until of course it does
They didn’t say if it showed any errors on their equipment or not so part of me thinks they are changing it just because.
Annoyingly the headlamp and DRL weren’t showing signs of condensation so nothing other than them sending the pics onto Aston HQ have been done. One to keep an eye on.
Feeling mixed about it all to be honest. Let’s hope this isn’t the start of another service centre centric ownership.
ADM (air damping module) is being replaced. The car was straight on their ramps but nevertheless changing the module should ensure it doesn’t happen again, until of course it does
They didn’t say if it showed any errors on their equipment or not so part of me thinks they are changing it just because. Annoyingly the headlamp and DRL weren’t showing signs of condensation so nothing other than them sending the pics onto Aston HQ have been done. One to keep an eye on.
Feeling mixed about it all to be honest. Let’s hope this isn’t the start of another service centre centric ownership.
So I’ll have the car back tomorrow.
ADM (air damping module) is being replaced. The car was straight on their ramps but nevertheless changing the module should ensure it doesn’t happen again, until of course it does They didn’t say if it showed any errors on their equipment or not so part of me thinks they are changing it just because.
Annoyingly the headlamp and DRL weren’t showing signs of condensation so nothing other than them sending the pics onto Aston HQ have been done. One to keep an eye on.
Feeling mixed about it all to be honest. Let’s hope this isn’t the start of another service centre centric ownership.
ADM (air damping module) is being replaced. The car was straight on their ramps but nevertheless changing the module should ensure it doesn’t happen again, until of course it does
They didn’t say if it showed any errors on their equipment or not so part of me thinks they are changing it just because. Annoyingly the headlamp and DRL weren’t showing signs of condensation so nothing other than them sending the pics onto Aston HQ have been done. One to keep an eye on.
Feeling mixed about it all to be honest. Let’s hope this isn’t the start of another service centre centric ownership.
Edited by nathwraith1 on Thursday 19th January 21:42
CSK1 said:
From the pictures you posted about the headlight condensation, I think it’s quite minimal especially given the extreme weather conditions.
My V12 Vantage S’s headlights used to mist up completely and I had to install a venting kit.
The condensation you are experiencing (judging from the pictures you posted) is similar to what I experienced on my 2021 Range Rover SVR.
To be honest I wouldn’t of send the car in for just the condensation but as it wha going anyway I thought was worth them checking it out. My V12 Vantage S’s headlights used to mist up completely and I had to install a venting kit.
The condensation you are experiencing (judging from the pictures you posted) is similar to what I experienced on my 2021 Range Rover SVR.
Hopefully it’s just a symptom of the weather but my old DBX never did that, so time will tell!
CSK1 said:
Great accessory to deploy when parked to avoid someone damaging your diffuser which sticks out quite a bit!
This is very true!Mild update: Car is coming back next week as HQ have authorised the headlamp & DRL to be “tested” ooo. Service have swapped the 520d for a DBX 500 now too. Good.
The colour is called “Minotaur green”.
CSK1 said:
Lovely courtesy car, nice touch to give you a green DBX. 
Have they improved the standard DBX550 since yours which was one of the first ones I believe?
Yep my whinging about the 5 series obviously paid off! Have they improved the standard DBX550 since yours which was one of the first ones I believe?
Yes the newer 550 DBX’s feel a lot more solid than my 1/500. The redesigned steering wheel and cup holders make it just alittle nicer.
Car has come back home today! Aston tech confirmed the old ADM unit has stored error codes so the new ADM replacement was justified. So that’s the suspension sorted.
Aston HQ have also agreed to replace the headlamp and DRL under warranty for me, result! Just a case of waiting for parts now. I know it’s a minor quibble but when the car is this expensive I expect it to be perfect!
So the DBX as large a vehicle as it is, does lack interior storage. It has a decent glovebox and average sized armrest cubby & door bins but even my wife’s RAV4 has superior storage. The DBX has this rather interesting storage area where you can put your phone, Aston do sell a leather bag that fits perfectly in there too. However it’s a grand! And only has one large compartment. Absolutely not worth the money imo.
I measured the space and went on the hunt for a quality small bag that would nestle into the space that I could keep a few bits and bobs in. Rather than just dumping everything into the arm rest cubby.
The bag is a “Alpaka Gear Tech bag”, it has a contrasting interior with many pockets & a detachable strap. Fits pretty well I think. A boring detail perhaps but as a daily practical car it’s nice to be able to expand on that.
Whilst my car has been away it has managed to grow a new parcel shelf! Mines currently tucked away in the garage. So now I have two. I’ll keep hold of it until it inevitable needs to go back into the service centre!
Aston HQ have also agreed to replace the headlamp and DRL under warranty for me, result! Just a case of waiting for parts now. I know it’s a minor quibble but when the car is this expensive I expect it to be perfect!
So the DBX as large a vehicle as it is, does lack interior storage. It has a decent glovebox and average sized armrest cubby & door bins but even my wife’s RAV4 has superior storage. The DBX has this rather interesting storage area where you can put your phone, Aston do sell a leather bag that fits perfectly in there too. However it’s a grand! And only has one large compartment. Absolutely not worth the money imo.
I measured the space and went on the hunt for a quality small bag that would nestle into the space that I could keep a few bits and bobs in. Rather than just dumping everything into the arm rest cubby.
The bag is a “Alpaka Gear Tech bag”, it has a contrasting interior with many pockets & a detachable strap. Fits pretty well I think. A boring detail perhaps but as a daily practical car it’s nice to be able to expand on that.
Whilst my car has been away it has managed to grow a new parcel shelf! Mines currently tucked away in the garage. So now I have two. I’ll keep hold of it until it inevitable needs to go back into the service centre!
Mezzanine said:
Seemingly completely off tangent perhaps but do you listen to The Grey Nato podcast by any chance?!
Glad the car has come back (almost) fixed
Never heard of it!Glad the car has come back (almost) fixed
RC1807 said:
I'm pleased you have your car back with a suitable update as to what's going to be done.
I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a new car to be perfect, whether it's priced at 20k or 200k.
100% agreed. I don't think it's unreasonable to expect a new car to be perfect, whether it's priced at 20k or 200k.
Fitted the roof bars & Thule box today ready for our road trip this weekend.
DBX707 roofbox by nath Wraith, on Flickr
DBX707 roofbox by nath Wraith, on Flickr
DBX707 roofbox by nath Wraith, on Flickr
DBX707 roofbox by nath Wraith, on Flickr
DBX707 roofbox by nath Wraith, on FlickrDBX707 roofbox by nath Wraith, on FlickrDBX707 roofbox by nath Wraith, on FlickrDBX707 roofbox by nath Wraith, on Flickrbolidemichael said:
A roof box in addition to the boot of an SUV?
We travelled for two and a half weeks in France and didn't need more than the boot space in the Range Rover (L322) -- is the capacity really that limited in the DBX?
To be fair I don't strictly need 707ps to get to where I'm going but it's nice to have We travelled for two and a half weeks in France and didn't need more than the boot space in the Range Rover (L322) -- is the capacity really that limited in the DBX?
Boot space is extremely generous but the sloping rear glass does limit bulkier items.
For what it's worth there will be 2 adults, baby & 2 dogs in the car. We are taking artwork, bedding and other long but light items with us onto our destination.
Plus it looks cool.
Pic taken just after filling up outside st Ives, 310 miles done at 21.74 mpg actual. Still had 1/4 tank left. Economy is lower than my old DBX 550 but 160 extra extra bhp and a higher final drive may have something to do with it. The colder weather and winter tyres too no doubt.
Comfortable as always and arrived feel reasonably fresh as one can be after travelling 7 hours with a baby & 2 dogs! Adaptive cruise control is simply incredible.
The roof box endured plenty of rain and remained dry which is good. Car looks filthy now.
bolidemichael said:
I suppose that the avg speed'll be a factor too. My experience was in France, where a little more liberal application of the throttle is usually tempting.
Do AM offer an official roof box set up?
They do indeed it’s a rebranded Yakima but the features and capacity are less than the Thule vector. The Aston one only opens on one side etc.Do AM offer an official roof box set up?
Plus something about another Aston Martin badge felt abit cringe.
Edited by nathwraith1 on Saturday 28th January 13:00
TeddS]Nathwraith1 said:
Very nice write up! I saw a AMRG DBX707 at our local dealer and for some reason, yours looks so much nicer! I was considering one and decided to go with a bolder color on my 707. (Your original test drive helped to convince me to pull the trigger on mine.) I just passed 1,500 miles on ours and so far, we are very impressed.
Keep the updates coming! It's nice to hear how others are getting on as a daily driver.
Just passed 2.7k miles on the car now.
Whilst washing it I noticed the rubber weatherstrip seal on the front passenger door was rather loose. In fact it looks like the adhesive tape that holds it on, has still got it’s backing on!
Another friendly email to Aston Martin service to ask why my hand build £220K car has such school boy errors present
The joy of owning an Aston Martin. In seriousness it doesn’t bother me too much but in principal it really is not good enough. I’d be cross discovering this on a new car of any value.
The car goes in on the 15th for its headlights and DRL replacements which is good news.
Looking to swap the summer tyres/wheels on soon as weather is extremely mild.
After a well overdue clean:
Edited by nathwraith1 on Thursday 2nd March 09:08
Edited by nathwraith1 on Thursday 2nd March 09:17
Not a DBX update but I have acquired a companion for it! The Vantage F1 replaces my Supra as my 2nd car. This will be getting tracked and enjoyed when I don't require more than 2 seats.
I bought this as a "Timeless" approved used. Registered in Jan 2022, 6K miles. Saved a solid chunk off ordering a brand new car (£35k!) and ended up with a car that is as good as. The other element is that in my experience these new age Astons whilst mechically reliable, do have a habit of being niggly. This now being a year old, first service complete and 6K miles in, you'd hope anything that was going to rear it's head would be dealt with. Nevertheless I still have 2 years remaining.
Usually with this calibre of car I would shy away from a used example simply because there are so many options to configure and personalise. This tends to lead to some "worst spec" combos. Luckily the F1 only has 3 exterior paint options (in either matte or gloss), 3 different caliper colours, only really one choice of interior with accents and then finally the aero kit/stripe or not. All the usually parts that are optional on the "regular" vantage(vaned grill, black sills, carbon roof, carbon vents, smoked lights, dark chrome interior, sports+ seats etc are standard on the F1.
The only thing I did change on the F1 prior to collection is the badges, this car originally had black badges which have now been switched to chrome enamel, Apple CarPlay was added too.
I bought this as a "Timeless" approved used. Registered in Jan 2022, 6K miles. Saved a solid chunk off ordering a brand new car (£35k!) and ended up with a car that is as good as. The other element is that in my experience these new age Astons whilst mechically reliable, do have a habit of being niggly. This now being a year old, first service complete and 6K miles in, you'd hope anything that was going to rear it's head would be dealt with. Nevertheless I still have 2 years remaining.
Usually with this calibre of car I would shy away from a used example simply because there are so many options to configure and personalise. This tends to lead to some "worst spec" combos. Luckily the F1 only has 3 exterior paint options (in either matte or gloss), 3 different caliper colours, only really one choice of interior with accents and then finally the aero kit/stripe or not. All the usually parts that are optional on the "regular" vantage(vaned grill, black sills, carbon roof, carbon vents, smoked lights, dark chrome interior, sports+ seats etc are standard on the F1.
The only thing I did change on the F1 prior to collection is the badges, this car originally had black badges which have now been switched to chrome enamel, Apple CarPlay was added too.
AyBee said:
Very nice - saw that sat outside the WIlmslow dealership a few weeks ago. The red DBS SL they have is lovely too!
That DBS was on my radar too. A relative bargain compared to the new list price. I’ve driven all the modern Astons and the Vantage F1 is the sharper drive, although it does miss out on that glorious V12 and the more classical styling. The big but came when you realise that’s a 2019 car and the used approved warranty is not quite as extensive as a factory one. Carbon ceramics too £££. Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff