noob to AM - Essential factory service fixes ?

[Citrus7]

Potential new AM owner looking for some advice on essential factory service fixes please.

Considering the 06 AMV8 , here but want to ensure any factory fixes have been applied. Have tried searching best I can and came up with following, but wondered if there are any more I should be questioning ?


"A factory service ‘fix’, included oil additives / modified oil, a change to the selector cables and selector arm, but at best, I think the ‘bulking’ feeling was only lessened"

[taylor172]

if these were factory recalls then the dealer would have to have completed them before selling the car.

[Citrus7]

Good point.

However are there any fixes that may have taken customer negotiation rather than AM stump up a fix for all cars. I've experienced this with other marques, so assume there may be some with AM ?

For example the one I mention in 1st post, was this a recall item that everyone has fixed ?

I'm not worried about petty small fixes, but more the ones that AM drivers class as must haves

Thanks in advance

Dave.

[RIB27]

Hi Dave,

No "fixes" as such but a few common issues. From the top of my head ...

1. Power steering buzzing noise - additive in fluid required.
2. Oil leak on the valve timing covers.
3. Squeaky brakes needing come copper grease.
4. Stiff 1st/2nd gear when cold.
5. Throttle body needing cleaning.

I'm sure I've forgotten plenty but those above crop up fairly frequently on here.

[RIB27]

Forgot to mention all of the above will be covered on your AM extended warranty (as you're buying from a dealer) should they turn up.

Expensive "non warranty" bits are:

- Clutch: £2-3k (25 - 60k miles depending how you drive it).

- Pads £300-400 per axle.

- Tyres: £250-300 per corner. Approx 10k miles on rears, 15-20k miles fronts. Depends how you drive it of course.


ps. Before somebody else says it, buy Grant's book: http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

[Citrus7]

Thanks

Dave

[Neil1300R]

It wasn't an official factory recall, but its worth checking if it's had the additional microphone installed for the bluetooth phone. The factory microphone is in the light unit behind the rear view mirror, and its useless! Lots of cars had another microphone installed (visible) attached to the headlining by the drivers sun visor.

Would also be worth asking has the thermostat been replaced on a car of that age. if it hasn't it will soon need to be

[Phoenix Red]

Hi Dave,

I collected my '07' DB9 (Manual with Sports Pack) from a main dealer in early October. It came with a full AM service and warranty. After a week of driving I took it back as I thought that the gear selection (Particularly 1st, 2nd and Reverse) were a nightmare to select when cold.

They rang the Main Dealer who carried out the 4 year service to ask if they had changed the gear box oil as per AM instructions..... Even though they had the Reg number and date of service they 'Couldn't Tell' if they had changed the gear box oil or not. (The service manager at my main dealer suspects that as the car only had 10,000 miles on the clock they didn't bother).

So, my main dealer changed the gear box oil and reported that it was like treacle.

The car is much better now but still a bit clunky when cold. I asked about the 'Throttle Body Fix' and one about a plastic cover that is attached to the clutch cable and they said that they hadn't heard anything about that fix!!!

I suppose my point is that just because you are buying the car from a main dealer and it comes with a full AM service and new MOT...don't assume that everything that should be done has been.

You are right to get a list of AM 'Fixes' and ask the main dealer to show invoice evidence that it has actually been done. (I wish I had).

Have Fun

Dave

[JACK6284]

Thats a very nice looking car. Similar to mine, you may wish to ask if it has the "Premuim" sound system though. All of the points already mentioned had been done on my car when I picked it up from Grange.

[Citrus7]

JACK6284 said:

Thats a very nice looking car. Similar to mine, you may wish to ask if it has the "Premuim" sound system though. All of the points already mentioned had been done on my car when I picked it up from Grange.

Don't think it does have premium sound system, which is a shame, but the 1 owner , low mileage is offsetting that for me at the mo.

[bogie]

dont forget the squeaky drive belt issue - there have been a few revisions of aux belt/pulley ...its only £60 + 1 hours labour if it hasnt been done

also some early cars never had the wiring correctly in the boot for the battery conditioner...

other common non warranty issues for cars with some miles on now:

wheel bearings - comes as whole bearing assembly, £200ish each
coolant sensors - had 2 of those fail at £20 each
O2 sensors - had 2 of those - £60 each

[Citrus7]

Thanks Guys, much appreciated.

At least some of the numbers don't look too frightening

[vankypanky]

golden rule is a service is only that as shown on the sheet. the 140 point check is only that shown on the sheet. they wont do anything else in a main dealer unless you ask and depending on who does it, they might not even know the issues as just in long trousers. sometimes an independent knows all the little quirks and how to cure them but i would only do that outside of any warranty. inside a warranty i would think a good main dealer is not a bad bet.
my dealer benefits from a guy there that is a positive fossil and knows the vanq all ways round so i am ok. not all have one of those.

[Lunablack]

When I had mine serviced this year..(V8V). The mechanic pointed out that my car missed out on 2 upgrades...

Front belt pulley...
And a gear linkage mod...

He asked if either bothered me. Ie squeaking belt or stiff gear change??

I haven't noticed either, car feels fine so opted to leave well alone

[yeti]

Citrus7 said:

At least some of the numbers don't look too frightening

Nope, they really aren't too bad as an ownership prospect. Thank you to the Ford Motor Company for that

[Grant3]

Aston tend to put their rectifications into three categories.
Service Recalls - The car needs recalling to have the fault fixed (x4 Vantage).
Service Actions - recommended updates/improvements that should take place at the next service (x18 Vantage).
Service Bulletins - recommended A.M. repair procedures for common issues that may crop up along the way.

I have included a list of all the recall and actions in the guide ( www.astonmartinreview.co.uk ), covering each model in the range by model year, in order to give prospective owners an overview of the main modifications applied along the way. A properly serviced 06 V8 should have had the quirks ironed out, mainly leaving wear and tear/age related issues to watch out for.

Just in case it's of interest here is a link to the list of service actions for the Vantage
https://www.astonmartintechinfo.com/showdocuments....

[Phoenix Red]

Lunablack said:

When I had mine serviced this year..(V8V). The mechanic pointed out that my car missed out on 2 upgrades...

Front belt pulley...
And a gear linkage mod...

He asked if either bothered me. Ie squeaking belt or stiff gear change??

I haven't noticed either, car feels fine so opted to leave well alone

Was there a 'Gear Linkage Mod' for the 07 Manual DB9. (Mine is still clunky despite new gearbox oil). I just need written evidence that there is such a fix as the service manager at my main dealer says he has never heard of it.

[Lunablack]

Don't know mate....