2006 Aston Martin DB9 Volante Manual Maintenance Schedule & Service Intervals

Key Takeaways

• Primary service interval: Every 10,000 miles (16,000 km) or 12 months, whichever comes first, after the initial 1,000-mile service
• Initial free service: Required at 1,000 miles (1,500 km) / 3 months, performed at no cost by the selling dealer
• Brake fluid: Renewed every 12 months to maintain hydraulic brake system performance and clear absorbed moisture
• Manual transmission rarity: Only 37 examples of the DB9 Volante were produced with the manual gearbox
• Manual transmission fluid: Often overlooked; specialist guidance recommends changing every fourth service
• Clutch life: Typically 20,000–25,000 miles, with replacement cost around £1,500–£2,000
• Engine: 5.9L V12 producing 450 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque

Factory Service Schedule

The 2006 Aston Martin DB9 Volante with manual transmission follows the structured service schedule outlined in the official owner's manual. The schedule is based on both time and distance, with services required at the following intervals :

Important: "Apart from the initial 1,500 km (1,000 mile) / 3 month service, whichever occurs first, vehicle servicing is every 16,000 km (10,000 mile) / 12 months, whichever occurs first" .

Each item in the Service Schedules must be performed on time, as failure to do so may void the New Car Warranty or other warranties .

Initial Service (Free of Charge)

The initial service is provided free of charge by the selling dealer. It consists of an inspection and oil change after completion of the first 1,000 miles / 3 months and includes fine adjustments to compensate for initial "bedding-in" (e.g., handbrake adjustment). The engine oil and filter will be changed to clear any contaminants picked up during the initial running period .

Service Documentation

A documented 2006 DB9 Volante shows consistent dealer servicing at the recommended intervals :

• 3 Month Service: 1,096 miles (April 2006)
• 12 Month Service: 4,119 miles (February 2007)
• 24 Month Service: 10,046 miles (April 2008)
• 3rd Year Service: 12,082 miles (February 2009)

Brake Fluid Service

Replacement Interval

The 2006 DB9 owner's manual specifies that brake fluid is renewed every 12 months to maintain hydraulic brake system performance and clear the system of absorbed water vapor . This safety-critical service should not be deferred. A documented 2006 DB9 Volante had its brake fluid flushed in May 2025 at 26,000 miles .

Manual Transmission Service

Rarity and Overview

The manual DB9 Volante is equipped with a six-speed manual transaxle with a limited-slip differential. Manual transmission DB9 Volantes are extremely rare—only 37 examples were produced with the manual gearbox, making them highly desirable for enthusiasts .

Transmission Fluid

The gearbox oil on manual transmission cars often gets overlooked and needs changing every fourth service, according to specialist guidance . General guidance for manual transmissions suggests fluid changes every 30,000–60,000 miles . Alternative specifications may list 75W-90 gear oil as suitable for the Getrag manual transmission.

Clutch Maintenance

The manual DB9's clutch is a significant maintenance consideration :

• Normal life expectancy: Typically 20,000–25,000 miles, though this varies significantly with driving style
• Clutch replacement is a costly job, with a typical bill between £1,500–2,000
• Warning signs: Harder/stiffer clutch pedal feel; slipping when accelerating hard; clutch engaging high on release

Clutch Inspection Points

When evaluating the clutch, check for:

• No crunching or resistance when changing into second gear (may indicate hard use)
• Evidence of clutch replacement in service history

Engine Oil Service

Specifications and Interval

The 2006 DB9 Volante Manual is powered by a 5.9L V12 engine producing 450 hp and 420 lb-ft of torque . The engine oil capacity for this model year is approximately 10.4–11.0 liters—this is not the 13.1-liter capacity used in later AM11 engines.

The factory-recommended oil and filter change is performed at the initial 1,000-mile service and subsequently every 12 months or 10,000 miles .

Owner Oil Level Check

Check the engine oil level regularly. Running the engine with oil below the lower mark or above the upper mark can cause serious engine damage.

Cooling System Service

The cooling system should be inspected at each regular service interval. A documented 2006 DB9 had a new radiator fitted in 2019 at 34,633 miles . For the DB9 generation, coolant replacement is generally recommended at approximately 48 months / 4 years.

Extended Maintenance Guidance

For long-term ownership planning, the following additional maintenance items should be considered :

Note: Always verify exact intervals for your specific model in the official owner's manual or service book.

The DB9 features a timing chain rather than a timing belt and does not require scheduled replacement.

Long-Term Ownership Considerations

Service Documentation

For a 2006 DB9 Volante Manual, comprehensive service records from Aston Martin dealers or approved specialists are essential. The original Aston Martin Service Book should be kept with the vehicle . A documented example shows the importance of maintaining a stamped service book with invoices .

Running Costs

The DB9 is a costly car to run. Average fuel consumption is around 15 mpg, with 20 mpg achievable on the motorway . Be prepared to spend around £200 to £250 per corner on decent tyres when replacement is needed .

Common Issues to Monitor

• Ignition Coil Packs: Coil pack failures are not uncommon . A misfire or hesitation when accelerating are the warning signs to watch for.
• Recalls: A recall regarding a battery-supply cable that could short circuit affected cars built in the early part of 2007.