Engine Code

ASTON-MARTIN AE54 engine (2022–2025) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Aston Martin AE54 is a 3,995 cc, twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine produced between 2022 and 2025. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 32-valve architecture, and Bosch MED17.8 engine management, delivering 535 kW (728 PS) and 800 Nm of torque. This engine was developed in-house by Aston Martin to power the DB12 and DBS 770 Ultimate, combining forced induction with refined grand touring dynamics.

Fitted to the DB12 and DBS 770 Ultimate, the AE54 was engineered for high-speed stability, strong low-end torque, and improved responsiveness over its predecessor. Emissions compliance was achieved through close-coupled catalytic converters and advanced ECU calibration, meeting Euro 6d standards across all markets during its production run.

One documented update is the transition to revised intake manifolds and camshaft profiles in 2023, highlighted in Aston Martin Service Information Bulletin SIB-14 06 23. This change improved throttle response and mid-range torque delivery. No major reliability concerns have been issued via official service bulletins; ongoing monitoring is maintained through AM-TIS field reports.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2022–2025 meet Euro 6d standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7789).

AE54 Technical Specifications

The Aston Martin AE54 is a 3,995 cc twin-turbocharged V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance grand touring (2022–2025). It combines DOHC 32-valve architecture with Bosch MED17.8 engine management to deliver strong low-end torque and high-speed refinement. Designed to meet Euro 6d, it balances track-capable performance with road-going usability.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement3,995 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationV8, DOHC, 32-valve
AspirationTwin-turbocharged
Bore × stroke94.0 mm × 71.8 mm
Power output535 kW (728 PS) @ 6,000 rpm
Torque800 Nm @ 1,800–5,000 rpm
Fuel systemBosch MED17.8 direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6d
Compression ratio10.5:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerTwin-scroll turbochargers (IHI units)
Timing systemDual chain (front-mounted)
Oil typeAston Martin Longlife-20 (SAE 0W-20)
Dry weight227 kg
Practical Implications

The twin-turbocharged design provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for daily driving and rapid acceleration, but demands adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using OEM-specified oil to maintain turbo and timing system longevity. Aston Martin Longlife-20 (0W-20) is critical due to its low-viscosity formulation protecting high-RPM components. Extended idling should be avoided to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. The Bosch MED17.8 ECU requires OEM-grade diagnostics for calibration updates. Post-2023 models feature revised intake manifolds and cam profiles; retrofitting is not supported. Catalytic converters require RON 98+ fuel to prevent thermal degradation under sustained high-load conditions.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Aston Martin Longlife-20 (0W-20) specification (Aston Martin SIB 16 08 30). Supersedes ACEA C5.

Emissions: Euro 6d certification applies to all 2022–2025 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7789).

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires RON 98+ fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-AE54-PWR).

Primary Sources

Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-AE54-2022, SIB 14 06 23, SIB 16 08 30

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7789)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

AE54 Compatible Models

The Aston Martin AE54 was used across Aston Martin's DB and DBS platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the DBS 770 Ultimate and tuned exhaust manifolds in the DB12-and from 2023 the facelifted DB12 adopted revised intake manifolds and camshaft profiles, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins and ETK parts catalogues.

Make:
Aston Martin
Years:
2023–2025
Models:
DB12
Variants:
DB12
View Source
Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-DB12-2023
Make:
Aston Martin
Years:
2022–2025
Models:
DBS
Variants:
DBS 770 Ultimate
View Source
Aston Martin Group PT-2023
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine identification plate mounted on the front-left cylinder bank near the timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-AE54-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('X' for AE54 series). All units feature gloss black valve covers with red Aston Martin branding. Critical differentiation from naturally aspirated units: AE54 has twin turbochargers and intercoolers; no throttle body actuator issues. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds for 2023+ DB12 models are not interchangeable with earlier DBS units (Aston Martin SIB 14 06 23).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-AE54-ID

Location:

Stamped on front-left cylinder bank near timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-AE54-ID).

Visual Cues:

  • All units: Gloss black valve cover with red Aston Martin logo
  • Twin IHI turbochargers with chrome heat shielding
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Aston Martin SIB 14 06 23

E C U Calibration:

DB12 and DBS ECU maps differ; cross-model use not supported without reprogramming.

Intake Manifold:

Revised plenum design in 2023 improves mid-range torque; not interchangeable with pre-2023 units.

Common Reliability Issues - ASTON-MARTIN AE54

The AE54's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup in low-speed urban use, with elevated incidence in vehicles with extended oil intervals. Internal Aston Martin field reports from 2024 noted a moderate share of pre-2023 units showing reduced airflow by 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records indicate a low but growing number of emissions-related failures in city-driven DBS models. Short trips and infrequent high-RPM operation increase deposit formation, making oil quality and driving pattern management critical.

Intake valve and port carbon buildup
Symptoms: Reduced throttle response, rough idle, misfires under load, decreased fuel efficiency.
Cause: Lack of fuel washing over intake valves in direct-injected engines; exacerbated by short-trip driving and extended oil intervals.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell blasting of intake valves; replace PCV valve and update oil change schedule to 12,000 km using OEM-specified oil.
High-pressure fuel pump wear
Symptoms: Hard starts, fuel pressure DTCs, hesitation under acceleration, reduced power output.
Cause: Mechanical wear in the high-pressure fuel pump due to low lubricity in substandard petrol or contaminated fuel.
Fix: Replace with latest-spec Bosch HPFP; flush fuel system and ensure use of RON 98+ fuel meeting EN 228 standards.
Turbocharger boost control faults
Symptoms: Loss of boost, over/under-boost DTCs, limp mode activation, inconsistent throttle response.
Cause: Wear or sticking in the turbo wastegate actuator; early units prone to vacuum diaphragm degradation.
Fix: Inspect and replace actuator per service bulletin; recalibrate boost control in diagnostics and verify vacuum integrity.
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets
Symptoms: Oil residue on engine exterior, smell of burning oil, occasional drips on undertray.
Cause: Age-related degradation of multi-layer valve cover gasket; exacerbated by thermal cycling and incorrect oil type.
Fix: Replace gasket with OEM part and clean sealing surfaces; confirm use of Aston Martin Longlife-20 (0W-20) oil.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2022–2025) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2023–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about ASTON-MARTIN AE54

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN AE54.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialASTON-MARTIN documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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