Models · Aston Martin
Aston Martin DBS buying guide
The DBS was Aston Martin's flagship from 2007 to 2012, with a 510bhp 5.9 V12, carbon ceramic brakes, and a coupé body joined by the Volante in 2009. Just over 2,500 were built.
The versions
- 5.9 V12 (AM11), 510bhp
- Graziano six-speed manual (discontinued in 2011) or ZF Touchtronic II six-speed automatic from 2008
- Coupé in two-seat or 2+2 form; Volante convertible from 2009
- Carbon Edition, Ultimate Edition (2012) and other limited editions
What to check on a DBS
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Inlet manifold breathing
What to look for: With the engine idling and then at steady revs, listen for the engine note rising and falling while the rev counter stays steady.
Why it matters: Early cars could show this 'breathing', and a stronger, reinforced inlet manifold fixed it on later cars. Specialists suggest a 2009-on car if possible, as the earliest cars had more teething troubles. Rarely used cars can also leak oil past the sump gasket.
Gear selection
What to look for: On an automatic, press each gear selector button several times and check it engages positively with no warning light. On a manual, listen for a squawk from the clutch at low speed.
Why it matters: Early Touchtronic cars can mis-select and show a warning; a system reset is only temporary, and a factory software reflash is the permanent cure. On manuals, a low-speed squawk is a clutch pad material fault on early twin-plate clutches.
Carbon ceramic brake disc bolts
What to look for: Look through the wheels at the bolts securing each brake disc to its carrier, and check the disc surface and pads. On the drive, feel for any wobble or vibration under braking.
Why it matters: The 12 bolts that hold each disc to its carrier can shear from overheating, letting the disc wobble; new bolts are available. The carbon ceramic discs themselves are a major item to replace but should last at least 70,000 miles without track use.
Also in the full guide
- Water ingress
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the DBS
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Aston Martin.