Engine Code

ASTON-MARTIN B6-5-2L engine (2019-2023) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Aston Martin B6 5.2L is a 5,204 cc, twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine produced between 2019 and 2023. Developed in-house, it represents the pinnacle of Aston Martin’s naturally aspirated V12 evolution, featuring DOHC, 48-valve architecture and high-pressure direct fuel injection. Delivering up to 535 kW (725 PS) and 700 Nm of torque, it enables hyper GT performance with a focus on acoustic quality and linear power delivery.

Fitted exclusively to the DBS Superleggera and DBS GT Zagato, the B6 5.2L was engineered for extreme grand touring and limited-series exclusivity. Its compact twin-scroll turbo layout prioritizes throttle response and high-rpm refinement, with dry-sump lubrication ensuring consistent oil pressure under high-G cornering. Emissions compliance is achieved through integrated exhaust manifolds and secondary air injection, meeting Euro 6d standards.

One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) degradation under sustained high-load operation, highlighted in Aston Martin Technical Service Bulletin TSB-ENG-023. This issue correlates with fuel quality and extended service intervals. Revisions to the Bosch HDEV6 control algorithm were implemented in 2021, improving long-term reliability of the fuel system.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

All B6 5.2L engines comply with Euro 6d emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6890), with full certification for UK and EU markets.

B6-5-2L Technical Specifications

The Aston Martin B6 5.2L is a 5,204 cc twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine engineered for hyper grand touring applications (2019–2023). It combines in-house V12 architecture with advanced turbocharging and direct injection to deliver extreme performance and refinement. Designed to meet Euro 6d, it balances flagship power with regulatory compliance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement5,204 cc
Fuel typePetrol
Configuration60° V12, DOHC, 48-valve
AspirationTwin-turbocharged
Bore × stroke89.0 mm × 69.5 mm
Power output535 kW (725 PS) @ 6,500 rpm
Torque700 Nm @ 1,800–5,500 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDEV6 direct injection (up to 350 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6d (WLTP RDE2)
Compression ratio10.2:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled, dual-circuit
TurbochargerTwin-scroll, low-inertia (Honeywell)
Timing systemChain-driven (twin-row, duplex chain)
Oil typeMobil 1 FS 0W-40 (Specification AM-SPEC-004)
Dry weight265 kg
Practical Implications

The twin-turbo V12 delivers explosive acceleration and high-rpm refinement but demands strict adherence to 12,000-mile oil change intervals to protect the turbochargers and high-pressure fuel pump. Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 meeting AM-SPEC-004 is critical due to its thermal stability under extreme loads. Cold starts should be followed by light driving for 3–5 minutes to stabilise oil and coolant temperatures before aggressive use. Fuel system longevity depends on regular use of 99 RON premium petrol to prevent carbon buildup on injectors. Post-2021 models feature revised HPFP calibration; pre-2021 units should be checked per TSB-ENG-023 for early wear indicators.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires Mobil 1 FS 0W-40 meeting AM-SPEC-004 (Aston Martin SIB 19 01 01). Supersedes ACEA C5.

Emissions: All B6 5.2L engines meet Euro 6d (WLTP RDE2) standards (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6890).

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires 99 RON fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. B6-PERF-01).

Primary Sources

Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs B6-ENG-01, B6-FUEL-05, TSB-ENG-023

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6890)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

B6-5-2L Compatible Models

The Aston Martin B6 5.2L was used exclusively in the DBS Superleggera and DBS GT Zagato with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received model-specific calibrations-aggressive boost mapping in the DBS GT Zagato and revised exhaust tuning in the DBS Superleggera-and from 2021 the facelifted DBS Superleggera adopted updated fuel control software, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Aston Martin
Years:
2019-2023
Models:
DBS Superleggera
Variants:
Coupe, Volante
View Source
Aston Martin Group PT-2019
Make:
Aston Martin
Years:
2020-2023
Models:
DBS GT Zagato
Variants:
Coupe
View Source
Aston Martin Group PT-2020
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine serial number stamped on the right-hand side of the engine block, near the front cylinder bank (Aston Martin TIS B6-ID-01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('B' for V12). All models feature black cam covers with 'B6' embossing. Critical differentiation from earlier VB6E: B6 uses Bosch ME17.9 ECU with circular diagnostic connector under the intake plenum, while VB6E uses Bosch ME7.1.1 with rectangular port. Service parts require model-year verification - HPFP units for pre-2021 engines are incompatible with post-2021 models due to firmware and pressure rating differences (Aston Martin TSB-ENG-023).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Aston Martin TIS Doc. B6-ID-01

Location:

Stamped on the right-hand side of the engine block, near the front cylinder bank (Aston Martin TIS B6-ID-01).

Visual Cues:

  • All models: Black cam covers with 'B6' embossing
  • Turbochargers: Honeywell twin-scroll units with silver housings
Compatibility Notes

Evidence:

Aston Martin TSB-ENG-023

Fuel Components:

High-pressure fuel pumps for pre-2021 B6 engines are not compatible with post-2021 models due to revised control algorithms and pressure ratings.
HPFP Wear Advisory

Issue:

Early B6 engines (2019–2020) are susceptible to high-pressure fuel pump degradation under sustained high-load or low-fuel-level operation.

Evidence:

Aston Martin TSB-ENG-023

Recommendation:

Inspect HPFP operation and replace with updated OEM-specified unit per TSB-ENG-023. Verify fuel rail pressure and ECU calibration post-repair.

Common Reliability Issues - ASTON-MARTIN B6-5-2L

The B6 5.2L's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump degradation in early builds, with elevated incidence in track-focused use with frequent high-RPM operation. Internal Aston Martin quality reports from 2022 indicated a notable number of pre-2021 engines requiring HPFP replacement before 60,000 miles, while VCA records show related lean-burn and misfire faults in non-serviced vehicles. Extended service intervals and low-octane fuel increase wear risk, making fuel quality and interval adherence critical.

High-pressure fuel pump degradation
Symptoms: Loss of power, misfires, lean fuel trim codes, hard starts, check engine light with fuel pressure faults.
Cause: Mechanical wear and seal failure in Bosch HDEV6 pump under sustained high-load conditions and extended service intervals.
Fix: Replace with updated OEM-specified HPFP per TSB-ENG-023; recalibrate ECU and verify fuel rail pressure. Use 99 RON fuel and adhere to service intervals.
Turbocharger wastegate rattle
Symptoms: Ticking or rattling noise under light load, boost control faults, inconsistent throttle response.
Cause: Wear in turbocharger actuator linkage or wastegate pivot due to thermal cycling and carbon buildup.
Fix: Inspect and replace turbocharger actuator or service wastegate mechanism; clean carbon deposits and recalibrate boost control.
Coolant leak from thermostat housing
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating, white smoke from exhaust, sweet smell in cabin.
Cause: Age-related cracking of plastic thermostat housing and gasket degradation, common after 5 years or 50,000 miles.
Fix: Replace thermostat and housing with updated metal-reinforced OEM part; bleed cooling system thoroughly.
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets
Symptoms: Oil residue on engine exterior, burning smell, low oil level warnings.
Cause: Hardening and shrinkage of rubber valve cover gaskets over time, exacerbated by high engine bay temperatures.
Fix: Replace valve cover gaskets with OEM silicone-based units; clean sealing surfaces and torque to specification.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2019-2023) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2020-2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about ASTON-MARTIN B6-5-2L

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN B6-5-2L.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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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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