2012 Aston Martin DBS Maintenance Schedule & Service Intervals

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
• Engine oil capacity: 11 liters for service fill; recommended oil change every 16,000 km or 12 months
• Brake fluid: Replacement interval of 12 months to maintain hydraulic system performance
• 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)

Factory Service Schedule

The 2012 Aston Martin DBS follows a structured maintenance schedule with service required every 12 months or 16,000 km (approximately 10,000 miles), whichever comes first . The maintenance schedule for the DBS is divided into 10,000-mile/12-month intervals .

A documented example of a 2012 DBS Volante shows the importance of adhering to this schedule: the car received annual inspections by a main dealer and a major 10-year service in 2022, which included changing all fluids, filters, and checking or replacing all belts .

The official owner's manual for the DBS V12 (2007-2014) includes a comprehensive maintenance section covering oil changes, tire pressure checks, and brake inspections .

Service Interval Summary

Engine Oil Service

Specifications and Capacity

The 2012 DBS is powered by a 5.9L V12 engine producing 510 hp (380 kW) and 570 Nm of torque . The engine oil capacity is 11 liters .

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 . Use only high-quality fully synthetic oil meeting manufacturer specifications.

Brake Fluid Service

Replacement Interval

The factory maintenance schedule specifies brake fluid replacement at 12-month intervals . This is a significantly shorter interval than some general automotive recommendations (which suggest 24 months) and underscores the high-performance nature 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 is still required.

Transmission Service

The 2012 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)

General guidance for the DB9/DBS/DB11 generation also suggests transmission fluid replacement at approximately 60,000 miles . Manual transmission fluid is often overlooked and should be changed at the prescribed interval.

Rear Differential Service

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

Extended Maintenance Guidance

The following table summarizes core maintenance intervals for the DBS, based on general guidance for the DB9/DBS/DB11 generation :

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

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 and do not require scheduled replacement. General guidance suggests inspecting the timing chain at 24-month intervals .

Extended Warranty and Service Plans

The 2012 DBS was protected by a 3-year/unlimited mileage vehicle warranty from new, with a 10-year/unlimited mileage anti-perforation warranty . At the conclusion of the factory period, Aston Martin offers an extended warranty for added assurance .

A documented 2012 DBS Volante example shows that full Aston Martin warranty coverage was still valid as of February 2025, demonstrating the availability and value of extended warranty plans .

An optional extended Premium service contract can extend from two years all the way out to 10 years with unlimited mileage, subject to a multi-point Aston Martin inspection . All services are performed by factory-trained technicians using genuine Aston Martin parts .

Both plans offer coverage of components including the engine, cooling system intercoolers, air conditioning, transmission, clutch, differential, wheel bearings, steering, suspension, and brakes, covering all the way down to the supercharger unit .

Long-Term Ownership Considerations

Service Documentation

For a 2012 DBS, comprehensive service records from Aston Martin dealers or approved specialists are essential. A documented example demonstrates the importance of "Full Aston Martin service history" with annual checks and all advisories addressed . A major 10-year service in 2022, including all fluid and filter changes and belt inspection/replacement, was noted as a significant maintenance milestone .

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 repair manual provides detailed technical information, including scheduled maintenance procedures, diagnostic procedures, and troubleshooting guides .