Aftermarket Cruise Control Kit for Vantage

[V8V CG]

I think I paid almost exactly that for the official after-market Aston-Market cruise control. The main cost is a new steering wheel. Later models had a steering wheel with a cutout enabling the switches to be added, but we earlier model owners have to buy a new wheel. You cheer me up to know an after-market, non-Aston kit is the same price!

[Shmee]

V8V CG said:

I think I paid almost exactly that for the official after-market Aston-Market cruise control. The main cost is a new steering wheel. Later models had a steering wheel with a cutout enabling the switches to be added, but we earlier model owners have to buy a new wheel. You cheer me up to know an after-market, non-Aston kit is the same price!

Mine's an MY09 without the cutout so I've been quoted £850 for it including a new steering wheel

[V8V CG]

I paid £665.76 for a 57 plate 2008 V8VR.

[Petrolhead]

I looked into this, there is a compnay in Birmingham way that does it for £650 however by the time you account for fuel and overnight accomodadtion you may as well get the AM kit retrofitted. I think (Can't find my thread) the cost was about £600-£800 depending on steering wheel ie std or perforated

[Petrolhead]

If its any help I decided not to go with that company as I felt it may de-value my car

[rick-derby-]

there isn't an actuator on the modern Astons, it is integrated into the system and controlled by the engine management systems, I have spoken to the people in Birmingham, their normal method would usually be to intercept the accelerator controls, but as the Aston use a dual sensor system this would mean installing two kits, what they can do is add an actuator too the pedal itself which in concept sound great but i have not seen one and not sure how the pedal would feel work clearances etc, they also said they would be able to access the original wiring as this is preinstalled for what would normally be for the steering wheel controls and fit an additional stalk,this would still need programming by such as a dealer to enable the feature, the engine management ecu/ecu's have to be programmed as new units and when asked if the car has cruise control simply put yes, and then reprogram the keys (two sets of keys are required) speaking to them they did seem to understand the systems and have work a rounds, for cars out of warranty it does seem possible, for cars in warranty this would probably be an issue,

[V8V CG]

Would Rick-Derby think that for much the same price, the best option is the official Aston upgrade - new steering wheel (and I expect some change to the software)?

[rick-derby-]

at this time the Aston Martin system without a doubt would be my choice as it is fully integrated and designed specifically for the Aston's, the after market kit is generic and may or may not work perfectly and as it has not yet been fitted on such as a DB9 or V8 vantage it remains an unknown, until I saw a modern Aston with it fitted and working correctly I would have to reserve judgement and as the cost for both are within a few hundred pounds of each other,and an Aston approved system would add an extra feature come resale time, where as a non standard accessory may put people off (although it could be removed and trim replaced which would incur additional cost just at a later date)to be fair on speaking to the company I did feel they knew what they are doing and understood the issues and concepts they were also confident it would work,

[Petrolhead]

i have found the breakdown of costs that i got from the aston workshot at beamish:

std steering wheel = £276, the perforated one is £458
switch = £55
1.5 hours labour = £180

all above + vat. however they said they woul do a deal

[Grant3]

I would go for the official Aston cruise and negotiate with your local friendly dealer, keeps the car Aston approved - if cash is tight you can always sell the old wheel on fleabay