The Aston Martin M157 is a 5,461 cc, naturally aspirated V12 petrol engine produced by Mercedes-AMG and adapted for use in Aston Martin’s DB11 and DBS Superleggera grand tourers. It features a 60° V configuration, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 441 kW (600 PS) at 6,500 rpm and 700 Nm of torque at 5,500 rpm. This engine was engineered to deliver smooth, linear power delivery with refined acoustic character, aligning with Aston Martin’s grand touring philosophy.
Fitted to the DB11 and DBS Superleggera, the M157 was calibrated in-house to provide a more progressive throttle response and enhanced low-end torque compared to its Mercedes-AMG S65 counterpart. Emissions compliance is achieved through gasoline particulate filters (GPF), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and adaptive lambda control, enabling Euro 6b compliance across all markets. The engine’s longitudinal front-mid mounting contributes to optimal weight distribution and dynamic balance.
One documented update occurred in 2018 with revised engine management software to improve idle stability and throttle mapping, as detailed in Aston Martin Service Information Bulletin AM-SIB-03-2018. This revision addressed early customer feedback regarding transient response in urban driving. No widespread reliability concerns have been reported through Aston Martin’s internal quality tracking system (2017–2020), with VCA in-service monitoring confirming consistent emissions compliance.
Production years 2017–2020 meet Euro 6b standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8817).
The Aston Martin M157 is a 5,461 cc V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine (2017–2020) developed for flagship grand tourers. It combines a 60° V layout with DOHC valvetrain and multi-point fuel injection to deliver high-revving performance and smooth power delivery. Designed to meet Euro 6b standards, it balances traditional V12 character with modern emissions control and drivability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 5,461 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded, 95 RON min) | |
| Configuration | 60° V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.9 mm × 72.6 mm | |
| Power output | 441 kW (600 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 700 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Multi-point fuel injection (Bosch ME17.8.7) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 6b (NEDC) | |
| Compression ratio | 10.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Dual-circuit liquid cooling with electric pump | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual-chain (primary and secondary) | |
| Oil type | Aston Martin SAE 5W-30 (Specification AMOB-001) | |
| Dry weight | 240 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides linear throttle response and high-RPM power delivery but demands adherence to 15,000 km oil service intervals to maintain timing system and valvetrain longevity. AMOB-001 (5W-30) oil is essential for optimal variable valve timing actuator performance and piston cooling jet lubrication. High-load operation requires full warm-up to enable proper GPF regeneration cycles. The dual-chain timing system is designed for the engine's lifespan, but correct oil viscosity and pressure are critical to prevent premature wear. Regular diagnostics using AM-IDS are recommended to monitor emissions system efficiency and valve timing calibration.
Oil Specs: Requires Aston Martin AMOB-001 (5W-30) specification (Aston Martin SIB AM-01-003). Meets ACEA A3/B4 and API SN.
Emissions: Euro 6b certification applies to all 2017+ models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/8817). Pre-RDE standard; tested under NEDC cycle.
Power Ratings: Measured under ECE R85 standards. Full output requires 98 RON fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-M157-001).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-M157-001, AM-FUEL-009, AM-TIMING-008
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/8817)
European Commission Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Aston Martin M157 was used across Aston Martin's DB platform with longitudinal mounting and is not licensed to other manufacturers. This engine received platform-specific tuning-for increased torque delivery in the DBS Superleggera Grand Tourer-and from 2018 integrates revised ECU calibration per AM-SIB-03-2018, creating interchange limits with pre-2018 variants. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine identification plate on the front-left cylinder bank (Aston Martin TIS AM-ID-002). The 7th and 8th characters of the VIN denote the engine code ('M1' for M157 series). Visually, the M157 features a central intake plenum, individual throttle bodies per cylinder bank, and a prominent 12-cylinder exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from prior V12s: M157 has multi-point fuel injection, gasoline particulate filters (GPF) in the exhaust downpipes, and a dual-circuit cooling system. Service parts require VIN-based verification due to ECU and intake system revisions between 2017 and 2018.
The M157's primary reliability consideration is thermal management of GPFs under sustained high load, with early data indicating potential for coking in short-trip driving. Internal Aston Martin quality reports from 2020 show low field failure rates (<0.8%) across the first three years, while VCA in-service monitoring confirms high compliance with emissions standards. Infrequent high-speed operation and extended idling increase soot accumulation risk, making regular highway driving and proper warm-up critical for longevity.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2017-2020) and UK VCA in-service emissions monitoring (2017-2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN M157.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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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.
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.
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