The Aston Martin AM38 is a 5,935 cc, V12 petrol engine produced between 2000 and 2005. It features a 60° V12 configuration, DOHC valvetrain, and Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 port fuel injection, delivering 368 kW (500 PS) and 570 Nm of torque. Its naturally aspirated design and high-revving character were engineered for grand touring performance, with a redline of 6,500 rpm.
Fitted to the DB7 Vantage, Vanquish, and V12 Vanquish, this engine was designed to deliver refined, effortless performance and a distinctive exhaust note. Emissions compliance was achieved through precision fuel mapping and secondary air injection, enabling Euro 3 certification across all markets. The all-aluminium block and quad-cam design reflect Aston Martin’s commitment to performance engineering.
One documented concern is premature failure of the inlet camshaft phaser solenoids, noted in Technical Service Bulletin AMB-TB-2002-008. This can lead to erratic variable valve timing operation, resulting in rough idle and reduced low-end torque. From 2003, Aston Martin introduced revised solenoid materials and updated ECU calibration to mitigate the issue.
Production years 2000–2005 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567).
The Aston Martin AM38 is a 5,935 cc naturally aspirated V12 petrol engine developed for grand touring applications (2000–2005). It features a 60° V12 layout with dual overhead camshafts per bank and sequential port fuel injection, delivering smooth power progression and responsive throttle characteristics. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances traditional refinement with modern engine management.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,935 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | 60° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 79.5 mm | |
| Power output | 368 kW (500 PS) @ 6,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 570 Nm @ 5,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch Motronic ME7.1.1 sequential port injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.9:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | N/A | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted, 120,000 km interval) | |
| Oil type | Aston Martin M-spec 5W-50 | |
| Dry weight | 266 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 delivers smooth, high-RPM power ideal for grand touring but requires adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using M-spec 5W-50 to maintain camshaft and VVT system longevity. The front-mounted dual timing chains must be replaced every 120,000 km or 8 years—failure to do so risks catastrophic engine damage. High-octane fuel (RON 95 minimum) is recommended for optimal combustion stability. Pre-2003 models should have cam phaser solenoids inspected per AMB-TB-2002-008; post-2003 units feature revised components. Engine longevity is highly dependent on consistent maintenance and avoidance of prolonged idling.
Oil Specs: Requires Aston Martin M-spec 5W-50 (AMB-TB-2000-01). Meets ACEA A3/B4 and BMW LL-01 standards.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all models (2000–2005) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across production run (Aston Martin TIS AM-AM38-PEP).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-AM38-01, AM-AM38-04, AMB-TB-2002-008
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4567)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin AM38 was used in the DB and V platforms with longitudinal mounting and developed under in-house engineering. This engine received platform-specific tuning—optimized intake manifolds in the Vanquish and revised exhaust headers in facelifted variants—and from 2003 the updated V12 Vanquish adopted a higher-lift cam profile and modified ECU calibration, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the right-hand side of the block near the front timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-AM38-ID1). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('C' for V12 series). Pre-2003 models have silver cam covers with black plastic intake manifolds; post-2003 units use black cam covers. Critical differentiation from V12 Vanquish variants: Original AM38 uses Bosch ME7.1.1 ECU with rectangular diagnostic connector, while 2003+ V12 Vanquish models use ME7.2.1 with updated firmware. Service parts require model-year verification—cam phaser solenoids for pre-2003 engines are not compatible with V12 Vanquish units due to revised internal design per AMB-TB-2002-008.
The AM38's primary reliability risk is camshaft phaser solenoid failure, with elevated incidence in high-temperature climates. Internal Aston Martin field reports from 2002 indicated a measurable number of pre-2003 engines requiring solenoid replacement before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA data shows VVT-related faults in vehicles with poor oil maintenance. Extended idling and infrequent servicing increase thermal stress and oil degradation, making high-quality oil and strict maintenance intervals critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2000–2005) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2001–2008). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN AM38.
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EUR-Lex
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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