DBS Not Clearing Parking Lot Ramp

[Seanday]

Hi guys just took the bite and bought a DBS. Issue that i never thought would be a problem is yet i problem. The car does not clear the slope out of the building ( Due to regulations with road/government the slope cannot be extended)

I cannot tell the exact height not clearing but it should be arround 1.5-2cm max as Porsche 991.2 without lifting system clears the same slope out (when coming in does not hit bottom of bumper.

Is there any solutions anyone can suggest

1. Any coilover kits for the DBS 08-09 Coupe that could raise my ride height slightly (it has a suspension button on car so have to be shocks that have the function?)

2. Can i UP size my tires slightly?
- 245/35/20 to 255/35/20 (+0.13inch = 0.33cm ride height)

-245/35/20 to 245/40/20( 0.48inch = 1.2cm ride height)

-295/30/20 to 305/30/20 (+0.12inch 0.30cm ride height)

-295/30/20 to 295/35/20 (+0.58inch 1.47cm ride height)

And would these size fit or RUB under turning or over speed bumps

3. Custom springs? Anywhere that would produce custom springs at +1-2cm ride height?

Thanks in advance for any answers would want to keep cars as stock and clean as possible but would really need the car the clear parking ramp if possible.

[Lincsls1]

I know nothing about AMs, but since you seem short of replies I'll add my thoughts.
I think short of fitting some sort of aftermarket lifting system you're going to be very limited.
Anything you do is going to compromise the current setup in varying degrees.
Changing the tyres, assuming they won't rub will slightly compromise the handling and probably won't quite solve your problem.
Fitting coilovers will move the car away from standard as you like it, and will probably lose the suspension button function.
It might be possible to put some sort of spacer in the springs or even fit front springs that are simply taller as required, but again something will be lost. And it would feel like a bodge in something as nice as your car.
Raising the car permanently by 1-2cm will spoil the handling to some degree. Many car manufacturers lower their performance versions of models by this much to 'improve' handling.
IMO a lift system, if done very professionally and well is going to be the right answer. That way you can keep the standard tyre specs and suspension setup.

Edited by Lincsls1 on Sunday 4th July 22:14

[yvr]

Have you tried approaching on an angle? I have a steep driveway and a DB9 (front overhang is similar to DBS). I have to approach the driveway at about a 45 degree angle, get one wheel on the slope, and straighten out as I ascend. It works.

[Austin_Metro]

Worth an email to Aston Martin Works?

[Seanday]

Thanks for the Reply guys

In terms of sloping in at 45 degree angle to get one wheel to touch pavement have already been tried but doesnt clear.

Will see if Aston Martin works have something for me

[F1NDW]

You say it doesn't catch coming in so can you back out?

[LTP]

F1NDW said:

You say it doesn't catch coming in so can you back out?

I was going to post this. I have a small but steep ramp into my garage and if I drive my V8V in forwards the splitter kisses the concrete of the main floor. Reverse in and nothing touches down at either end, coming or going.

I appreciate reversing into/out of places is not always practical in a traffic situation.

[JohnG1]

Seanday said:

Hi guys just took the bite and bought a DBS. Issue that i never thought would be a problem is yet i problem. The car does not clear the slope out of the building ( Due to regulations with road/government the slope cannot be extended)

I cannot tell the exact height not clearing but it should be arround 1.5-2cm max as Porsche 991.2 without lifting system clears the same slope out (when coming in does not hit bottom of bumper.

Is there any solutions anyone can suggest

1. Any coilover kits for the DBS 08-09 Coupe that could raise my ride height slightly (it has a suspension button on car so have to be shocks that have the function?)

2. Can i UP size my tires slightly?
- 245/35/20 to 255/35/20 (+0.13inch = 0.33cm ride height)

-245/35/20 to 245/40/20( 0.48inch = 1.2cm ride height)

-295/30/20 to 305/30/20 (+0.12inch 0.30cm ride height)

-295/30/20 to 295/35/20 (+0.58inch 1.47cm ride height)

And would these size fit or RUB under turning or over speed bumps

3. Custom springs? Anywhere that would produce custom springs at +1-2cm ride height?

Thanks in advance for any answers would want to keep cars as stock and clean as possible but would really need the car the clear parking ramp if possible.

I had a similar problem some time ago. I had some initial conversations with Mike at Bamford Rose. This was a few years back, so forgive me but I think the proposal was to re-use some Range Rover air suspension. This was 2011/2012 so I might be way off the mark.

I would give him a call and talk through the problem.

[Jules Sunley]

Sorry to hear your new car experience has this issue. As others have said I'd try reversing in if you haven't already, much as they may be a bit odd/impractical if you are having to negotiate a barrier etc. Another option to add to the list (albeit one you may not like) is what are the chances of getting another bumper (maybe from a breaking car if you can find one) and having it slightly modified at the front if this is the issue and then getting sprayed to match your car? I say 'another bumper' as then when you come to sell the car you can just reinstate the current one.

It may of course be a zillion pounds for a bumper but equally it could be cheaper than looking at an aftermarket lift kit (if there are such things to fit your car) and those are the only 2 options I can see that would avoid you having to sacrifice the stock handling by messing with ride height/springs etc and maybe just alter the aerodynamics slightly which unless you are tracking it I am guessing won't make much difference.

[InitialDave]

Although you can't extend the slope, can you change the transitions to a smooth radius rather than a sharp corner or similar?

[Seanday]

Thanks for all the reply guys

-Backing out rather than driving out is not an option as its an Apartment building hence i would hold up alot of traffic (obviously during covid there is less traffic but later would not be possible)

- I am trying to add some asphalt to make the slope slightly less steep but it wouldnt help too much as the entrance is v close to main road already, as you cannot modify public roads but only the entrance entering onto the road

- remaining viable options remains
1) Any custom springs slightly higher?
2) Tire size option as above?
3) No coilover mode specific mods?

4) Add a quicksilver exhaust to shed weight lol? Dont want to spam the topic suggestion but does anyone know the difference between the sport/ supersport one? Im actually serious whether if i can shed some weight might increase my ride height.

Thanks everyone again

[TR-Spider]

Probably you can add a lifter system (something like "KW suspension hydraulic lifter") to the stock dampers & springs.
I dont know if it fits the DBS, but the older VH platform dampers would allow something similar.

That would be a clean solution im terms of not altering/ruining the handling...

Edited by TR-Spider on Monday 5th July 14:50

[Seanday]

Have checked KW and Bilsteins both seem to not ave parts for DBS VH platform

[AdamV12V]

Seanday said:

4) Add a quicksilver exhaust to shed weight lol? Dont want to spam the topic suggestion but does anyone know the difference between the sport/ supersport one? Im actually serious whether if i can shed some weight might increase my ride height.

I dont believe either of the QS exhausts are any lighter than the OEM one, you would need a Titanium exhaust really to save weight and they are very expensive, plus I honestly dont think even shaving off 20Kg would make even a single mm difference to the ride height.

The difference between the QS sport and the supersport is just the noise level - the supersport being somewhat louder still.


Why not get two planks of wood that you can swiftly deploy to reduce the angle by bridging the worst bit, then stash them away each time - ideally somewhere near the entrance rather than having to put them in your boot.

Edited by AdamV12V on Monday 5th July 16:22

[TR-Spider]

Seanday said:

Have checked KW and Bilsteins both seem to not ave parts for DBS VH platform

they may not have dedicated parts - however, when the body of the lifter fits onto the outer diameter of the shock, most likely a skilled workshop can adapt. KW sells "universal lifter kits".

[JonnyCJ]

AdamV12V said:

Why not get two planks of wood that you can swiftly deploy to reduce the angle by bridging the worst bit, then stash them away each time - ideally somewhere near the entrance rather than having to put them in your boot.

Edited by AdamV12V on Monday 5th July 16:22

This is being well overthought. As above - 2 planks or ramp extenders made of metal will solve the problem, can go in a bag in the boot and job done.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/124275359603?epid=25016...

Edited by JonnyCJ on Tuesday 6th July 08:39

[Astontony]

My suggestion is check with the building owner and if you can add a stick on or screw on speed bump in the correct place. You can buy these at safety suppliers and it will give you another 4-5 inches of distance over the ramp which may solve your problem.