2009 Aston Martin DBS Coupe Service Schedule & Maintenance Guide

Key Takeaways

• Primary service interval: Every 12 months or 16,000 km (approximately 10,000 miles), whichever comes first
• Engine: 5.9L V12 producing 510 hp (380 kW)
• Engine oil capacity: 11 liters; recommended viscosity 0W-40 for temperate climates
• Brake fluid: Replace every 12 months – a critical high-performance interval
• Coolant: System capacity 15 liters; replacement at 160,000 km or 60 months
• Transmission: ZF 6-speed automatic (9.7L capacity) or Graziano 6-speed manual (5.0L capacity)
• Differential: 1.6-liter capacity; replacement every 32,000 km / 24 months
• Service documentation: Official owner's manual available for 2009 DBS V12 models

Factory Service Schedule

The 2009 Aston Martin DBS Coupe follows a structured maintenance schedule with service required every 12 months or 16,000 km (approximately 10,000 miles), whichever comes first . This 5.9L V12 grand tourer demands regular attention to maintain its 510-horsepower output and sophisticated engineering.

The maintenance schedule for the DBS is divided into 10,000-mile/12-month intervals . Each service at an Aston Martin dealer includes a comprehensive factory 131-point maintenance procedure . The official owner's manual for the 2009 DBS V12 (available for 2008-2012 models) contains the complete maintenance schedule, including oil changes, tire pressure checks, and brake inspections .

A documented 2009 DBS example shows the importance of adhering to this schedule, with 13 services recorded from 2010 to 2023, reflecting annual or near-annual servicing regardless of mileage .

Service Interval Summary

Engine Oil Service

Specifications and Capacity

The 2009 DBS is powered by a 5.9L V12 engine producing 510 hp (380 kW) . The engine has the following oil specifications:

Oil Change Interval

The factory-recommended oil and filter change interval is every 16,000 km or 12 months, aligned with the primary service schedule .

Owner Oil Level Check

Aston Martin recommends checking the engine oil level regularly between services. Running the engine with oil below the lower mark or above the upper mark can cause serious engine damage. Only use high-quality fully synthetic oil meeting manufacturer specifications.

Brake Fluid Service

Replacement Interval

The 2009 DBS maintenance schedule specifies brake fluid replacement every 12 months . This is a shorter interval than many vehicles, reflecting the high-performance braking demands of the DBS. The system capacity is measured between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir .

This safety-critical service should not be deferred. Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, which reduces its boiling point and can lead to brake fade under hard use.

Cooling System Service

Specifications and Replacement Interval

Proper coolant concentration and condition are essential for the 5.9L V12's thermal management. The extended replacement interval reflects the durability of modern coolants, but regular inspection at each service is still required.

Transmission Service

The 2009 DBS was available with either a ZF 6-speed automatic transmission or a Graziano 6-speed manual transmission .

Automatic Transmission (ZF 6HP26)

Manual Transmission (Graziano 6-speed)

The gearbox oil on manual transmission cars often gets overlooked and should be changed at the prescribed interval to ensure smooth shifting and gearbox longevity. General guidance suggests manual transmission fluid replacement at approximately 40,000 miles for this generation .

Rear Differential Service

The correct limited-slip additive is essential to ensure proper operation and prevent diff chatter.

Power Steering Service

Inspect the power steering fluid level and condition at each regular service interval.

Extended Maintenance Guidance

The following table provides additional maintenance items for long-term ownership planning, based on service plan guidance for the DBS generation (2007-2014) :

Service Pricing for DBS (2007-2014)

Stratstone and HR Owen service plans for the DBS generation list the following approximate costs (including VAT) :

Note on Spark Plugs: Spark plug replacement on the V12 engine is a significant service item, with V12 spark plug replacement priced at approximately £1,195-£1,210 including VAT . Always verify the exact interval for your specific vehicle in the official owner's manual.

The DBS features a timing chain rather than a timing belt. Unlike timing belts, timing chains are designed to last the life of the engine under normal driving conditions, though general guidance suggests inspection at 24-month intervals .

Long-Term Ownership Considerations

Service Documentation

For a 2009 DBS, comprehensive service records from Aston Martin dealers or approved specialists are essential. A documented example shows the importance of maintaining a stamped service book with invoices—the car described had 13 services recorded over 14 years, with work carried out by Aston Martin dealers and specialists . The official owner's manual for the 2009 DBS V12 should be kept with the vehicle .

Warranty Coverage

The 2009 DBS was protected by a 3-year/unlimited km vehicle warranty from new . At the conclusion of the factory period, Aston Martin offers an extended warranty for added assurance. Extended Premium service contracts can extend from two years all the way out to 10 years with unlimited mileage, subject to a multi-point Aston Martin inspection .

Service Costs

Servicing costs for the DB9/DBS/V12 Vantage generation at official dealers are approximately £805 to £900 for basic services, with major services including additional items such as brake fluid and coolant changes . Independent Aston Martin specialists may offer competitive rates while maintaining the required standards.

Parts and Lubricants

When undertaking a servicing task, only parts, materials, and lubricants specifically recommended by Aston Martin should be used. The official workshop service manual provides detailed technical information, including scheduled maintenance procedures, diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting guides.