Discussion
Hi,
Thinking about purchasing a DB9, i've loved Aston Martins all my life and now i'm in a position where I can purchase one myself.
I thought about a V8 vantage but after looking at them I thought they were too small, plus i've always thought the DB9 was the most Iconic beautiful car in the world.
So, i've ordered the Aston Martin book which I will read, but reading on some forums the DB9 V12 engine seems to have a common fault regarding the oil breather system resulting in the air filter(s) getting soaked in oil. How common is this? I'm not shy with car mechanics, when I was young i was lifting engines out etc, so when I start to look at some cars would you recommend looking at the filters (not sure how easy or if the private owners or dealerships would like me to!) to check if the engine has this problem. I wouldn't be so concerned if it wasn't for the fact that the repair is such a pain.
Also what do you guys think is classed as high mileage?
Aston started making them in 2004 so would you recommend avoiding the 04 & 05 cars as it sometimes takes car manufactures a couple of years to iron out problems when a new range of vehicles is produced?
What do you guy's think about the semi-automatic gearbox with the paddle levers behind the steering wheel? do most of you use these or just keep the car in automatic mode?
I've noticed some DB9's have 3 buttons next to the armrest (one saying sport) and others have 4 buttons, why is this?
Is there any other common faults, issues or general ownership concerns I should know about?
Thanks very much
Paul.
Thinking about purchasing a DB9, i've loved Aston Martins all my life and now i'm in a position where I can purchase one myself.
I thought about a V8 vantage but after looking at them I thought they were too small, plus i've always thought the DB9 was the most Iconic beautiful car in the world.
So, i've ordered the Aston Martin book which I will read, but reading on some forums the DB9 V12 engine seems to have a common fault regarding the oil breather system resulting in the air filter(s) getting soaked in oil. How common is this? I'm not shy with car mechanics, when I was young i was lifting engines out etc, so when I start to look at some cars would you recommend looking at the filters (not sure how easy or if the private owners or dealerships would like me to!) to check if the engine has this problem. I wouldn't be so concerned if it wasn't for the fact that the repair is such a pain.
Also what do you guys think is classed as high mileage?
Aston started making them in 2004 so would you recommend avoiding the 04 & 05 cars as it sometimes takes car manufactures a couple of years to iron out problems when a new range of vehicles is produced?
What do you guy's think about the semi-automatic gearbox with the paddle levers behind the steering wheel? do most of you use these or just keep the car in automatic mode?
I've noticed some DB9's have 3 buttons next to the armrest (one saying sport) and others have 4 buttons, why is this?
Is there any other common faults, issues or general ownership concerns I should know about?
Thanks very much
Paul.
Edited by paulrog1 on Saturday 12th March 14:04
paulrog1 said:
...What do you guy's think about the semi-automatic gearbox with the paddle levers behind the steering wheel? do most of you use these or just keep the car in automatic mode?
...
You've started the right way with selecting the DB9, then Grant's book, and most of your questions are answered many times in these threads, but the question you ask about paddles is one that interests me also. ...
I always use the paddles in my DB9, even though the ZF box in auto is one of the smoothest I've experienced. Tried it once or twice just to test it, then went to paddles from then on, even in heavy traffic.
I'd be interested to know how many other DB9 owners use paddles permanently too.
paulrog1 said:
Hi,
Thinking about purchasing a DB9, i've loved Aston Martins all my life and now i'm in a position where I can purchase one myself.
I thought about a V8 vantage but after looking at them I thought they were too small, plus i've always thought the DB9 was the most Iconic beautiful car in the world.
So, i've ordered the Aston Martin book which I will read, but reading on some forums the DB9 V12 engine seems to have a common fault regarding the oil breather system resulting in the air filer(s) getting soaked in oil. How common is this? I'm not shy with car mechanics, when I was young i was lifting engines out etc, so when I start to look at some cars would you recommend looking at the filters (not sure how easy or if the private owners or dealerships would like me to!) to check if the engine has this problem. I wouldn't be so concerned if it wasn't for the fact that the repair is such a pain.
Also what do you guys think is classed as high mileage?
Aston started making them in 2004 so would you recommend avoiding the 04 & 05 cars as it sometimes takes car manufactures a couple of years to iron out problems when a new range of vehicles is produced?
What do you guy's think about the semi-automatic gearbox with the paddle levers behind the steering wheel? do most of you use these or just keep the car in automatic mode?
I've noticed some DB9's have 3 buttons next to the armrest (one saying sport) and others have 4 buttons, why is this?
Is there any other common faults, issues or general ownership concerns I should know about?
Thanks very much
Paul.
Never heard of the oil breather issue. Nor have any other DB9ers I know.Thinking about purchasing a DB9, i've loved Aston Martins all my life and now i'm in a position where I can purchase one myself.
I thought about a V8 vantage but after looking at them I thought they were too small, plus i've always thought the DB9 was the most Iconic beautiful car in the world.
So, i've ordered the Aston Martin book which I will read, but reading on some forums the DB9 V12 engine seems to have a common fault regarding the oil breather system resulting in the air filer(s) getting soaked in oil. How common is this? I'm not shy with car mechanics, when I was young i was lifting engines out etc, so when I start to look at some cars would you recommend looking at the filters (not sure how easy or if the private owners or dealerships would like me to!) to check if the engine has this problem. I wouldn't be so concerned if it wasn't for the fact that the repair is such a pain.
Also what do you guys think is classed as high mileage?
Aston started making them in 2004 so would you recommend avoiding the 04 & 05 cars as it sometimes takes car manufactures a couple of years to iron out problems when a new range of vehicles is produced?
What do you guy's think about the semi-automatic gearbox with the paddle levers behind the steering wheel? do most of you use these or just keep the car in automatic mode?
I've noticed some DB9's have 3 buttons next to the armrest (one saying sport) and others have 4 buttons, why is this?
Is there any other common faults, issues or general ownership concerns I should know about?
Thanks very much
Paul.
Never used the paddles. Some swear by them eg George.
I looked from 09 onwards because of the revamp and additional items (see Grant's book). Since superseded by DB9 2.
I think mine had 4 buttons - sport, traction on/off, ejector seat....just kidding. In the Virage the 4th knob was a pop out pen.
Excellent car. The second best I've ever owned.
I have an 05 DB9, owned it for 5 years now. No engine problems at all, it has done 40,000 miles now. The service team at HW Motors have never mentioned any problems with the air filters.
I tend to use the auto in town driving and switch to paddles on the open road.
Mine has 4 buttons where you describe, sport; rear heated windscreen; rear parking sensor switch;front heated windscreen; . One of the latter two was an option I think.
Mine has been trouble free as far as running is concerned. But you do need to budget for the unexpected. I had an early MOT fail due to a headlamp self-leveler failing, best part of a grand for a new headlamp unit fitted. Coils are another thing to allow for as it is a big job, £1,000 plus, so check when they were last done, I think they last about 30,000 miles.
I tend to use the auto in town driving and switch to paddles on the open road.
Mine has 4 buttons where you describe, sport; rear heated windscreen; rear parking sensor switch;front heated windscreen; . One of the latter two was an option I think.
Mine has been trouble free as far as running is concerned. But you do need to budget for the unexpected. I had an early MOT fail due to a headlamp self-leveler failing, best part of a grand for a new headlamp unit fitted. Coils are another thing to allow for as it is a big job, £1,000 plus, so check when they were last done, I think they last about 30,000 miles.
paulrog1 said:
Hi,
Thinking about purchasing a DB9, i've loved Aston Martins all my life and now i'm in a position where I can purchase one myself.
I thought about a V8 vantage but after looking at them I thought they were too small, plus i've always thought the DB9 was the most Iconic beautiful car in the world.
So, i've ordered the Aston Martin book which I will read, but reading on some forums the DB9 V12 engine seems to have a common fault regarding the oil breather system resulting in the air filer(s) getting soaked in oil. How common is this? I'm not shy with car mechanics, when I was young i was lifting engines out etc, so when I start to look at some cars would you recommend looking at the filters (not sure how easy or if the private owners or dealerships would like me to!) to check if the engine has this problem. I wouldn't be so concerned if it wasn't for the fact that the repair is such a pain.
Also what do you guys think is classed as high mileage?
Aston started making them in 2004 so would you recommend avoiding the 04 & 05 cars as it sometimes takes car manufactures a couple of years to iron out problems when a new range of vehicles is produced?
What do you guy's think about the semi-automatic gearbox with the paddle levers behind the steering wheel? do most of you use these or just keep the car in automatic mode?
I've noticed some DB9's have 3 buttons next to the armrest (one saying sport) and others have 4 buttons, why is this?
Is there any other common faults, issues or general ownership concerns I should know about?
Thanks very much
Paul.
Hello Paul, you are a man of unquestionably good taste, the DB9 is an iconic car and its good to hear you can fulfil your dream. Thinking about purchasing a DB9, i've loved Aston Martins all my life and now i'm in a position where I can purchase one myself.
I thought about a V8 vantage but after looking at them I thought they were too small, plus i've always thought the DB9 was the most Iconic beautiful car in the world.
So, i've ordered the Aston Martin book which I will read, but reading on some forums the DB9 V12 engine seems to have a common fault regarding the oil breather system resulting in the air filer(s) getting soaked in oil. How common is this? I'm not shy with car mechanics, when I was young i was lifting engines out etc, so when I start to look at some cars would you recommend looking at the filters (not sure how easy or if the private owners or dealerships would like me to!) to check if the engine has this problem. I wouldn't be so concerned if it wasn't for the fact that the repair is such a pain.
Also what do you guys think is classed as high mileage?
Aston started making them in 2004 so would you recommend avoiding the 04 & 05 cars as it sometimes takes car manufactures a couple of years to iron out problems when a new range of vehicles is produced?
What do you guy's think about the semi-automatic gearbox with the paddle levers behind the steering wheel? do most of you use these or just keep the car in automatic mode?
I've noticed some DB9's have 3 buttons next to the armrest (one saying sport) and others have 4 buttons, why is this?
Is there any other common faults, issues or general ownership concerns I should know about?
Thanks very much
Paul.
Regarding oil in the air filters, I have also read similar stories and indeed there was reference to this issue on one of the specialist's websites. Not sure how prolific it is and what the long term consequences area.
Astons can be quite mileage sensitive, but there does seem to be a buyer for every Aston regardless of how high the mileage is. What is classed as high mileage is purely subjective, but I would consider anything above 70k to have been around a bit. If memory serves me correctly, I think there was a DB9 advertised not long ago with 190k! miles on it (or was it 90k)
Regarding age yes the newer the car the better it is. It seems there were improvements over previous models every year. Noteable changes came in MY07 and then again in MY10.
My car is a touchtronic, and I drive it fully auto mode 95% of the time. Only use the paddles when I need to do a swift overtake or enjoying a bit of spirited driving. I'm happy to let the car take care of the gear changing most of the time.
The extra button near the armrest on some cars you speak of is actually the heated windscreen button. All cars had rear demister, parking sensors and sport buttons in this location. The extra is for the optional heated windscreen. I do find that it isn't really that effective and mine only clears half the screen.
The cars are generally pretty reliable and well built. Common faults I know of are paint blistering and corrosion. I think they are quite sensitive to oil level and there was a recall for a longer dipstick. Timing chain cover oil leaks are also quite possible, it is a big job to replace, but again not sure at what stage you should be worried. A slight weep wouldn't really be a big deal I would have thought. The ignition coils are also a known weak point and something that may need replacing.
I have had mine just over a year now and I have had to do the ignition coils and replace one of the door handle LEDs in my ownership. The ignition coils may not have been an issue, but it had the spark plug service prior to collection. Its been suggested that messing with the plugs/coils, will cause the coils to fail. Some places advise leave the spark plugs alone if you haven't done much mileage. My car was 8 years old but with just 30k miles on it. Maybe if the spark plugs hadn't been done the coils wouldn't have failed shortly after.
Prices seemed to have firmed up and hopefully they will continue to increase. It still does really represent stonking value for money.
Good luck with your search
Shaz
Hi,
I have owned my DB9 for 21/2 years now. It is a 2005 model.
Yes there are problems with oil working its way into the throttle bodies through the pcv valve breather pipes and then dribbling down into the maf sensors and air filters. This issue has been addressed on various forums (fora?) using oil catch tanks. On my own car I have just fitted two in-line oil/water airline filters which are already collecting gunk from the pipes. It is a simple matter and easily reversible if required.
The paint can blister but tends not to spread as badly as it would on steel.
The oil dipstick issue was to compensate for poor maintenance and lack of a low oil sensor. Aston issued a SHORTER dipstick so as to raise the oil level.
I have just replaced all the 2 pin coils in my car. I had a misfire at idle initially, so I took the engine apart and found a cracked spark plug insulator. I jumped to the wrong conclusion and only replaced the spark plugs. A week later the misfire was back but slightly different (maybe). I had read the Aston Martin book where it states that you only need to replace the faulty coil despite all the comments on forums to the contrary. I had a P0312 code which indicated a misfire on cylinder 12. Engine apart again and fitted a new coil on cylinder 12 which is the one nearest the windscreen on the left hand side (looking forwards).
Two days later misfire still apparent. This time it was a misfire on cylinder 2.
I was sick of taking the engine apart at this stage and decided to just replace all the coils and be done with it.
Engine apart, replace coils, put back together!
Wow! What a difference! Really smooth and much more responsive. I also put the coils on a coil tester and not one of the old coils performed anywhere near as good as the new ones. The difference was like chalk and cheese. Some of the old ones barely fired at all. It was a wonder how the poor car ran at all.
I have owned my DB9 for 21/2 years now. It is a 2005 model.
Yes there are problems with oil working its way into the throttle bodies through the pcv valve breather pipes and then dribbling down into the maf sensors and air filters. This issue has been addressed on various forums (fora?) using oil catch tanks. On my own car I have just fitted two in-line oil/water airline filters which are already collecting gunk from the pipes. It is a simple matter and easily reversible if required.
The paint can blister but tends not to spread as badly as it would on steel.
The oil dipstick issue was to compensate for poor maintenance and lack of a low oil sensor. Aston issued a SHORTER dipstick so as to raise the oil level.
I have just replaced all the 2 pin coils in my car. I had a misfire at idle initially, so I took the engine apart and found a cracked spark plug insulator. I jumped to the wrong conclusion and only replaced the spark plugs. A week later the misfire was back but slightly different (maybe). I had read the Aston Martin book where it states that you only need to replace the faulty coil despite all the comments on forums to the contrary. I had a P0312 code which indicated a misfire on cylinder 12. Engine apart again and fitted a new coil on cylinder 12 which is the one nearest the windscreen on the left hand side (looking forwards).
Two days later misfire still apparent. This time it was a misfire on cylinder 2.
I was sick of taking the engine apart at this stage and decided to just replace all the coils and be done with it.
Engine apart, replace coils, put back together!
Wow! What a difference! Really smooth and much more responsive. I also put the coils on a coil tester and not one of the old coils performed anywhere near as good as the new ones. The difference was like chalk and cheese. Some of the old ones barely fired at all. It was a wonder how the poor car ran at all.
paulrog1 said:
Hi,
Thinking about purchasing a DB9, i've loved Aston Martins all my life and now i'm in a position where I can purchase one myself.
I thought about a V8 vantage but after looking at them I thought they were too small, plus i've always thought the DB9 was the most Iconic beautiful car in the world.
So, i've ordered the Aston Martin book which I will read, but reading on some forums the DB9 V12 engine seems to have a common fault regarding the oil breather system resulting in the air filter(s) getting soaked in oil. How common is this? I'm not shy with car mechanics, when I was young i was lifting engines out etc, so when I start to look at some cars would you recommend looking at the filters (not sure how easy or if the private owners or dealerships would like me to!) to check if the engine has this problem. I wouldn't be so concerned if it wasn't for the fact that the repair is such a pain.
Also what do you guys think is classed as high mileage?
Aston started making them in 2004 so would you recommend avoiding the 04 & 05 cars as it sometimes takes car manufactures a couple of years to iron out problems when a new range of vehicles is produced?
What do you guy's think about the semi-automatic gearbox with the paddle levers behind the steering wheel? do most of you use these or just keep the car in automatic mode?
I've noticed some DB9's have 3 buttons next to the armrest (one saying sport) and others have 4 buttons, why is this?
Is there any other common faults, issues or general ownership concerns I should know about?
Thanks very much
Paul.
My advice is buy the youngest car you can afford with as much service history as poss.Thinking about purchasing a DB9, i've loved Aston Martins all my life and now i'm in a position where I can purchase one myself.
I thought about a V8 vantage but after looking at them I thought they were too small, plus i've always thought the DB9 was the most Iconic beautiful car in the world.
So, i've ordered the Aston Martin book which I will read, but reading on some forums the DB9 V12 engine seems to have a common fault regarding the oil breather system resulting in the air filter(s) getting soaked in oil. How common is this? I'm not shy with car mechanics, when I was young i was lifting engines out etc, so when I start to look at some cars would you recommend looking at the filters (not sure how easy or if the private owners or dealerships would like me to!) to check if the engine has this problem. I wouldn't be so concerned if it wasn't for the fact that the repair is such a pain.
Also what do you guys think is classed as high mileage?
Aston started making them in 2004 so would you recommend avoiding the 04 & 05 cars as it sometimes takes car manufactures a couple of years to iron out problems when a new range of vehicles is produced?
What do you guy's think about the semi-automatic gearbox with the paddle levers behind the steering wheel? do most of you use these or just keep the car in automatic mode?
I've noticed some DB9's have 3 buttons next to the armrest (one saying sport) and others have 4 buttons, why is this?
Is there any other common faults, issues or general ownership concerns I should know about?
Thanks very much
Paul.
Edited by paulrog1 on Saturday 12th March 14:04
In my Model Year 2010 Volante the engine was upgraded to 470bhp from the original 450bhp and the electronic Suspension introduced (ADS).
It's great and now even better since having switchable exhaust fitted takes it to 510bhp when switched on. If you have upgrade work where the engine comes out I'd recommend also replacing all 12 coil packsespecially on an older car, the parts cost is relatively low, it's the labour charge that is high so best to get all work done at once.
I mainly use mine in auto but when pushing on the paddles are great on the down changes but no comparison with the SSM automated manual on the older Vanquish or the SSM2 or 3 available on other more recent Aston models. Mind you using those in auto is less smooth IMO.
Wow! In circa 6 years of ownership and being around this and the AMOC forum I had never heard about the oil issue (the change to a shorter dipstick but not oil hitting the filters)
The cars are generally pretty reliable. Didn't have any major issues with mine during my ownership but as ever there are some cars that do see problems and some that are faultless. Having said that I'd check thoroughly for paint blistering (door handles seem most prone). Two smaller things I'd check - make sure the air-con is working fine and (if it's a UK car) the AM module on the radio - no idea why but they seem to go and AM charge a lot to replace them
The big update to the db9 came with my09 (circa sept 2008 onwards). That's where it gained 20bhp, revised suspension, new dash (and the move to the glass key). If you can stretch to it it's worth it
Don't be too fussy with mileage (just pay appropriately)- the engines are pretty solid. There was one owner on here with a car that had done 120k recently that still looked mint. I'd almost be worried by a car with too few miles; it's a car that should be used
The cars are generally pretty reliable. Didn't have any major issues with mine during my ownership but as ever there are some cars that do see problems and some that are faultless. Having said that I'd check thoroughly for paint blistering (door handles seem most prone). Two smaller things I'd check - make sure the air-con is working fine and (if it's a UK car) the AM module on the radio - no idea why but they seem to go and AM charge a lot to replace them
The big update to the db9 came with my09 (circa sept 2008 onwards). That's where it gained 20bhp, revised suspension, new dash (and the move to the glass key). If you can stretch to it it's worth it
Don't be too fussy with mileage (just pay appropriately)- the engines are pretty solid. There was one owner on here with a car that had done 120k recently that still looked mint. I'd almost be worried by a car with too few miles; it's a car that should be used
My MY08 DB9 is currently in for a service, MOT and a few other things found on its pre-purchase inspection. One of the things found was oil in the maff tubes on the oil brother circuit, I have decided to do this on my next service as it is not too bad and due to my estimated milage for the year being quite low, I can keep a check of how much oil is being used on a regular basis.
I have been advised that on the whole the car is in good shape and look forward to getting it back soon, I didn't realise that the empty garage and not having my PAJ around would be so hard, especially with the mild wether we are currently experiencing. Roll on next weekend!!
I have been advised that on the whole the car is in good shape and look forward to getting it back soon, I didn't realise that the empty garage and not having my PAJ around would be so hard, especially with the mild wether we are currently experiencing. Roll on next weekend!!
I have an 04 DB9 number 93 in fact.
The plugs and coil packs have been replaced (40k miles or so) they get roasted in the engine and due to removal of the intake manifolds to get at them are a much bigger job than it should be and also this is why they tend to get replaced in 12's. I noticed the new V12 engine for the DB11 has them accessible without manifold removal - ABOUT TIME.
The oil can get into the air filters in extreme cases but I had the whole lot replaced when the coil packs were done and I checked last week and not a drop of oil in either intake. I think the replacement is easy but access is poor and with the manifolds off it is a lot easier.
Check for shorter dipstick.
Other than that paint bubbling/blistering around door handles and flaking of paint on door mirror arms and wiper arms. The door mirrors and wipers can be remedied very easily but the paint blistering is a paint shop job.
The reason for one less button is the front heated screen which was an option.
I have cruise but no phone buttons on steering wheel mine has a sim card holder and built in phone. Works well. There is a well known upgrade to the system which gives bluetooth/ipod connectivity also there are various front/rear camera options available in the aftermarket.
The sat nav is fine but like all built in systems becomes redundant quickly. I use an app on my phone if I really need directions.
The car is sensitive to battery charge level. They are not expensive and if there is no evidence of a battery change then maybe consider getting a good quality battery in there and a decent charger to keep it topped up.
The gearbox is fine. In non sport mode it changes up quickly and the paddles are great for pressing on. It tells you what gear you are in on the dash and will change up for you if in non sport mode if you get near the rev limit.
The plugs and coil packs have been replaced (40k miles or so) they get roasted in the engine and due to removal of the intake manifolds to get at them are a much bigger job than it should be and also this is why they tend to get replaced in 12's. I noticed the new V12 engine for the DB11 has them accessible without manifold removal - ABOUT TIME.
The oil can get into the air filters in extreme cases but I had the whole lot replaced when the coil packs were done and I checked last week and not a drop of oil in either intake. I think the replacement is easy but access is poor and with the manifolds off it is a lot easier.
Check for shorter dipstick.
Other than that paint bubbling/blistering around door handles and flaking of paint on door mirror arms and wiper arms. The door mirrors and wipers can be remedied very easily but the paint blistering is a paint shop job.
The reason for one less button is the front heated screen which was an option.
I have cruise but no phone buttons on steering wheel mine has a sim card holder and built in phone. Works well. There is a well known upgrade to the system which gives bluetooth/ipod connectivity also there are various front/rear camera options available in the aftermarket.
The sat nav is fine but like all built in systems becomes redundant quickly. I use an app on my phone if I really need directions.
The car is sensitive to battery charge level. They are not expensive and if there is no evidence of a battery change then maybe consider getting a good quality battery in there and a decent charger to keep it topped up.
The gearbox is fine. In non sport mode it changes up quickly and the paddles are great for pressing on. It tells you what gear you are in on the dash and will change up for you if in non sport mode if you get near the rev limit.
Hi Paul
Great decission and one you won't regret.
I ended up entering the Aston Martin world through a 2005 DB9. I was originally going for a 2011 DBS (and may still do that) but after a bad experience (dealer - not car) I walked away but still had an Aston itch that needed scratching.
To be honest, for a third of the price of the DBS my old DB9 is fantastic. Had it just over a year now and no issues at all (with 60k miles on the clock). Beautiful to behold, wonderful to drive and universal respect and admiration from everyone.
The '3 or 4' button issue has already been covered. Regarding the auto/paddle shift - personally I use a mixture of the two depending on how I am feeling. The auto is so good that you only ever really need to use the paddles for fun or (honestly) to show off - but they really are great fun!
I would say do things in the following order (this is just my personal thoughts):
(1) Decide on the colour and spec you want (inside and out). If this isn't right nothing else will be.
(2) Find all available models that fit point 1 in the best condition possible (there are incredible differences here - my 2005 DB9 with 60k miles was in MUCH better condition than many newer and/or lower mileage cars I looked at)
(3) Walk away from any that do not have a full AM (or recognised specialist) Service History
(4) Let age and milage only be relevant to price
(5) Do try and stop looking at it so much when it is on your drive that your wife gets jealous (probably not just my experience!)
Enjoy the hunt, the right one will probably come along quicker than you think
Great decission and one you won't regret.
I ended up entering the Aston Martin world through a 2005 DB9. I was originally going for a 2011 DBS (and may still do that) but after a bad experience (dealer - not car) I walked away but still had an Aston itch that needed scratching.
To be honest, for a third of the price of the DBS my old DB9 is fantastic. Had it just over a year now and no issues at all (with 60k miles on the clock). Beautiful to behold, wonderful to drive and universal respect and admiration from everyone.
The '3 or 4' button issue has already been covered. Regarding the auto/paddle shift - personally I use a mixture of the two depending on how I am feeling. The auto is so good that you only ever really need to use the paddles for fun or (honestly) to show off - but they really are great fun!
I would say do things in the following order (this is just my personal thoughts):
(1) Decide on the colour and spec you want (inside and out). If this isn't right nothing else will be.
(2) Find all available models that fit point 1 in the best condition possible (there are incredible differences here - my 2005 DB9 with 60k miles was in MUCH better condition than many newer and/or lower mileage cars I looked at)
(3) Walk away from any that do not have a full AM (or recognised specialist) Service History
(4) Let age and milage only be relevant to price
(5) Do try and stop looking at it so much when it is on your drive that your wife gets jealous (probably not just my experience!)
Enjoy the hunt, the right one will probably come along quicker than you think
Thanks very much for all your interesting information, i've started a DB9 checklist for when I start to go out to look at them.
I do have a couple more questions?
I've looked online and found out to look at the air filters you need to remove -
1- Undertray
2- Wheel arch liners
3- Front wheels
Is this right? if so I won't be able to check if the car has the oil in the airfilter problem when I go to view, I stupidly thought I could just quickly take off the airfilter covers like on most cars.
Plus, when is replacing the sparkplugs on the AM service schedule? is it 40,000 miles? plus if the coils get damaged when the sparkplugs are replaced do AM replace the coil packes at the same time? is there an easy way to see if they have been replaced?
Thanks
Paul.
I do have a couple more questions?
I've looked online and found out to look at the air filters you need to remove -
1- Undertray
2- Wheel arch liners
3- Front wheels
Is this right? if so I won't be able to check if the car has the oil in the airfilter problem when I go to view, I stupidly thought I could just quickly take off the airfilter covers like on most cars.
Plus, when is replacing the sparkplugs on the AM service schedule? is it 40,000 miles? plus if the coils get damaged when the sparkplugs are replaced do AM replace the coil packes at the same time? is there an easy way to see if they have been replaced?
Thanks
Paul.
Yes that is correct, the air filters are hidden behind the front bumper and only accessible by removing the things you have listed.
The spark plugs are changed at year 7 or 70k miles according to the service schedule.
The coil packs are non service item and should in theory last the life of the car. However it seems they are more prone to failure if they are removed/replaced to do the spark plugs. You wont know if they have failed until you drive the car and notice the slight misfire and then have this diagnosed. Some suggest if you replace the spark plugs it is prudent to do the coils at the same time.
The cost of the coils is approx £60 each but the labour is £600-£700ish. However if the inlet manifold is off to do the plugs there should be no labour charge as the hard work is already done. There is no easy way to know if they have been replaced, a receipt is the proof you need.
Regards
The spark plugs are changed at year 7 or 70k miles according to the service schedule.
The coil packs are non service item and should in theory last the life of the car. However it seems they are more prone to failure if they are removed/replaced to do the spark plugs. You wont know if they have failed until you drive the car and notice the slight misfire and then have this diagnosed. Some suggest if you replace the spark plugs it is prudent to do the coils at the same time.
The cost of the coils is approx £60 each but the labour is £600-£700ish. However if the inlet manifold is off to do the plugs there should be no labour charge as the hard work is already done. There is no easy way to know if they have been replaced, a receipt is the proof you need.
Regards
Hi Paul
Sorry, I can't answer these questions as I have never experienced such issues and in any event I am technically useless in such matters!
There will be other here who can and their advice on these points.
If I can be of any help with other matters just let me know.
Good luck in your search.
Sorry, I can't answer these questions as I have never experienced such issues and in any event I am technically useless in such matters!
There will be other here who can and their advice on these points.
If I can be of any help with other matters just let me know.
Good luck in your search.
I got fed up with removing the undertray just to access the filter housing screws so I drilled two holes in line with the screws. This allows me to change the filters without taking off the undertray. You only have to loosen the front of the wheel arch liner and push it aside. If I recall correctly there are 4 screws inside the wheel arch and 5 or 6 under the front part.
Yes, the front wheels need removing.
I can try to post a diagram of where to drill the holes if anyone is interested.Just found my other post, here is the link
http://en.aston-martin-club.com/forum-topic/db9-ai...
Yes, the front wheels need removing.
I can try to post a diagram of where to drill the holes if anyone is interested.Just found my other post, here is the link
http://en.aston-martin-club.com/forum-topic/db9-ai...
Edited by Organeer on Sunday 13th March 19:58
3200gt said:
You can easily check the if the pcv valves have failed by disconnecting the air intakes to the throttle bodies which is easily accessible and just one clip. If they have failed there will be evidence of oil in the throttle bodies.
Good idea, didn't think of that, should be able to check relatively easily then.On the short dipstick issue, i'm assuming that AM would replace it when the car comes in for service? So how long ago was this done? My point being that the cars AM have serviced should have the shorter dipstick now? Plus how can I tell?
Thanks
Paul.
Edited by paulrog1 on Monday 14th March 15:49
Edited by paulrog1 on Monday 14th March 15:58
Regarding oil getting down to the air filters, I got tired of replacing oiled-up units and have fitted compressor airline filters in the pipe just beside the throttle body inlets. I pulled off the rubber connector and bent some 8mm copper pipe around and under the throttle body so that the filters sit close to the TB. Since fitting these filters I have emptied the bowls every few weeks and taken out a sludge of oil and water.
I have just checked the air filters (app 6 months after fitting) and they are oil free. I did this during the renewal of both headlight washers as the car had failed its annual "roadworthiness" test on that issue. Fitting new headlight washers is a real PIA as wheels, wheel arch liner, and filter airbox (both pcs) have to be removed.
One headlight had the washer mountings broken off so I removed the headlight unit and fabricated new mounting pillars and fixed them in place with "Hot staples".
Am I alone in this, or does anyone else question the effectiveness of these washers? I really think that just spraying on water is useless on its own, but you can't use wipers on plastic lenses.
I have just checked the air filters (app 6 months after fitting) and they are oil free. I did this during the renewal of both headlight washers as the car had failed its annual "roadworthiness" test on that issue. Fitting new headlight washers is a real PIA as wheels, wheel arch liner, and filter airbox (both pcs) have to be removed.
One headlight had the washer mountings broken off so I removed the headlight unit and fabricated new mounting pillars and fixed them in place with "Hot staples".
Am I alone in this, or does anyone else question the effectiveness of these washers? I really think that just spraying on water is useless on its own, but you can't use wipers on plastic lenses.
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