Engine Code

Aston Martin AM28 Engine (2016-2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Aston Martin AM28 is a 3,982 cc, V8 petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It is a clean — sheet design developed entirely in — house by Aston Martin, marking a departure from previous Ford/Jaguar — based architectures. Featuring twin overhead camshafts (DOHC), 32 — valve configuration, and variable valve timing, it delivers high — revving performance with linear power delivery. In standard tune, it produced 375 kW (510 PS) and 610 Nm of torque, later increased to

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All AM28-powered vehicles meet Euro 6b emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).

Aston Martin AM28 Technical Specifications

The Aston Martin AM28 is a 3,982 cc V8 petrol engine engineered for high-performance grand touring and sports car applications (2016–2020). It features a lightweight aluminum block, DOHC 32-valve heads, and dual injection (direct + port) to deliver strong mid-range torque and high-RPM power. Designed in-house and manufactured at Aston Martin’s facility in Cologne, Germany, it meets Euro 6b standards while supporting dry-sump lubrication for track use.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
3,982 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Configuration
90° V8, DOHC, 32-valve
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Bore × stroke
86.0 mm × 85.8 mm
Power output
375–441 kW (510–600 PS)
Torque
610–685 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
Fuel system
Dual injection (direct + port), Bosch MD17.8.11 ECU
Emissions standard
Euro 6b
Compression ratio
11.3:1
Cooling system
Water-cooled, dual-circuit
Turbocharger
N/A
Timing system
Chain-driven (dual overhead camshafts)
Oil type
Mobil 1 0W-40 (Aston Martin Specification WSS-M2C949-A1)
Dry weight
202 kg

Aston Martin AM28 Compatible Models

The Aston Martin AM28 was used across Aston Martin's VH platform vehicles with longitudinal mounting and entirely in-house design. This engine received model-specific calibrations-intake tuning in the Vantage and revised exhaust manifolds in the DB11 V8-and from 2019 the Vantage AMR adopted the AM28-HP variant with higher-lift camshafts and optimized valve timing, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Aston Martin
Years:
2016-2020
Models:
DB11 V8
Variants:
DB11 V8, DB11 Volante V8
View Source
Aston Martin Group PT-2020
Make:
Aston Martin
Years:
2018-2020
Models:
Vantage
Variants:
Vantage, Vantage AMR
View Source
Aston Martin Group PT-2020

Common Reliability Issues - ASTON-MARTIN AM28 Compatible Models

The AM28's primary reliability risk is crankshaft sensor signal instability on pre-2019 units, with elevated incidence in high-temperature environments. Internal Aston Martin service reports from 2019 indicated intermittent misfires under sustained high-RPM operation, while UK DVSA records show related fault codes contributing to emissions-related MOT failures. Track use and infrequent servicing increase EMI exposure, making use of revised harness shielding critical.

Crankshaft sensor signal instability
Symptoms: Intermittent misfires, check engine light, limp mode, erratic idle under high thermal load.
Cause: Electromagnetic interference affecting crankshaft position sensor signal due to inadequate harness shielding in early production units.
Fix: Install revised sensor harness with enhanced shielding per service bulletin AM-SIB-19-002; verify routing away from high-voltage sources.
Oil consumption in high-mileage engines
Symptoms: Excessive oil usage (over 1 L/5,000 km), blue exhaust smoke under acceleration, carbon buildup in combustion chambers.
Cause: Wear in piston rings and valve stem seals, particularly in engines with extended oil intervals or improper viscosity.
Fix: Verify oil type and service history; consider compression/leakdown test. Severe cases may require top-end rebuild with updated seals.
Cooling system leaks and thermostat faults
Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, temperature fluctuations, heater inefficiency, steam from engine bay.
Cause: Age-related degradation of coolant hoses, radiator seams, and thermostat housing gaskets due to high underhood temperatures.
Fix: Inspect and replace coolant hoses, thermostat, and housing gasket; flush system and refill with OEM-spec coolant.
Throttle body motor wear
Symptoms: Limp mode, erratic idle, delayed throttle response, ECU fault codes related to throttle position sensor.
Cause: Carbon buildup and motor brush wear in electronic throttle bodies, especially in vehicles with infrequent maintenance.
Fix: Clean or replace throttle body; perform adaptation reset using OEM diagnostic system to restore proper operation.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2016-2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2018-2022). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

ASTON-MARTIN AM28 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The AM28 is generally robust when properly maintained, but pre-2019 models are prone to crankshaft sensor signal issues. Later revisions (post-2019) improved harness shielding. Regular oil changes with correct 0W-40 specification and coolant system maintenance are essential. Well-serviced engines can exceed 120,000 km without major issues.

The most frequent issues are crankshaft sensor signal instability (especially pre-2019), oil consumption in high-mileage engines, cooling system leaks, and throttle body motor wear. These are documented in Aston Martin service bulletins and supported by dealer repair records.

The AM28 powered the DB11 V8 (2016–2020) and the Vantage (2018–2020), including the Vantage AMR. It was developed in-house and is not shared with any other manufacturer. Each application features model-specific tuning and intake systems.

Yes, though it is naturally aspirated. ECU remapping can yield +20–35 kW gains safely. Intake and exhaust upgrades improve breathing. Forced induction conversions exist but are complex. Tuning should preserve factory reliability and use high-octane fuel to prevent knock.

Moderate for a high-performance V8. In a DB11 V8, expect ~15.2 L/100km (city) and ~9.1 L/100km (highway), or 19 mpg UK combined. The lighter Vantage achieves slightly better economy. Real-world consumption depends heavily on driving style and fuel quality.

Yes. The AM28 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, pistons can contact open valves, causing catastrophic damage. Chain replacement is recommended every 120,000 km or 10 years, whichever comes first.

Aston Martin specifies Mobil 1 0W-40 meeting WSS-M2C949-A1 standard. Oil must be changed every 12,000 km or 1 year. Using incorrect oil can accelerate cam and chain wear due to the dry-sump system and high-pressure valve train design.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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If a data point is not officially disclosed, it is marked 'Undisclosed'.

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EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources

ASTON-MARTIN Official Site

Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.

EUR-Lex

EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C

UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.

DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT

Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.

Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)

UK type-approval authority for automotive products.

Regulatory Context

Regulation (EC) No 715/2007

Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.

Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151

WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.

GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval

UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.

VCA Certification Portal

Type-approval guidance and documentation.

Methodology

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Last Updated: 25 Feb 2026

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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