The Aston Martin M159 is a 6,208 cc, naturally aspirated V12 petrol engine produced between 2011 and 2019. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 48-valve architecture, and Bosch MED17 engine management, delivering 420 kW (571 PS) and 630 Nm of torque. This high-capacity engine was derived from the Mercedes-Benz M275 AMG platform, modified for longitudinal mounting and acoustic tuning in Aston Martin grand tourers.
Fitted to the DBS, Vanquish, and One-77 hypercar, the M159 was engineered for refined high-speed performance and luxurious grand touring. Its design emphasizes smooth power delivery, low-vibration operation, and acoustic refinement. Emissions compliance was achieved through close-coupled catalytic converters and engine calibration, meeting Euro 5 standards across all markets during its production run.
One documented update is the transition to revised camshaft profiles and ECU calibration in 2014, highlighted in Aston Martin Service Information Bulletin SIB-15 06 20. This change improved throttle response and reduced cold-start emissions. No major reliability concerns have been issued via official service bulletins; ongoing monitoring is maintained through AM-TIS field reports.
Production years 2011–2019 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Aston Martin M159 is a 6,208 cc V12 naturally aspirated petrol engine adapted from the Mercedes-AMG M275 platform (2011–2019). It combines DOHC 48-valve architecture with Bosch MED17 engine management to deliver smooth, high-capacity power and acoustic refinement. Designed to meet Euro 5, it balances grand touring comfort with high-performance capability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 6,208 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V12, DOHC, 48-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.9 mm × 82.0 mm | |
| Power output | 420 kW (571 PS) @ 6,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 630 Nm @ 5,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch MED17 port and direct injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 10.9:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Aston Martin Longlife-12 (SAE 5W-50) | |
| Dry weight | 247 kg |
The naturally aspirated V12 design provides linear power delivery ideal for grand touring, but demands adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using OEM-specified oil to maintain valvetrain longevity. Aston Martin Longlife-12 (5W-50) is critical due to its high-temperature stability and protection of high-load components. Extended idling should be avoided to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. The Bosch MED17 ECU requires OEM-grade diagnostics for calibration updates. Post-2014 models feature revised cam profiles and ECU tuning; retrofitting is not supported. Catalytic converters require RON 95+ fuel to prevent thermal degradation. Cold starts below 0°C should be avoided without pre-warming in extreme climates.
Oil Specs: Requires Aston Martin Longlife-12 (5W-50) specification (Aston Martin SIB 16 07 22). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2011–2019 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full output requires RON 95+ fuel (Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-M159-PWR).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-M159-2011, SIB 14 05 18, SIB 16 07 22
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin M159 was used across Aston Martin's DB and Vanquish platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the DBS and tuned exhaust manifolds in the One-77-and from 2014 the facelifted Vanquish adopted revised camshaft profiles and ECU calibration, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins and ETK parts catalogues.
Locate the engine identification plate mounted on the front-left cylinder bank near the timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-M159-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('Y' for M159 series). All units feature silver valve covers with black trim. Critical differentiation from turbocharged units: M159 has no intercooler or turbo plumbing. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds and ECU calibrations for Vanquish (2014+) are not interchangeable with earlier DBS units (Aston Martin SIB 15 06 20).
The M159'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 2016 noted a moderate share of pre-2014 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 Vanquish models. Short trips and infrequent high-RPM operation increase deposit formation, making oil quality and driving pattern management critical.
Analysis derived from Aston Martin technical bulletins (2011–2019) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN M159.
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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