The Aston Martin S65B40 is a 3,999 cc, naturally aspirated V8 petrol engine produced between 2008 and 2013. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 32-valve architecture, and Bosch ME17.8 engine management, delivering 309 kW (420 PS) and 400 Nm of torque. This engine was sourced from BMW and adapted by Aston Martin for longitudinal mounting in the V8 Vantage, combining high-revving performance with grand touring refinement.
Fitted exclusively to the V8 Vantage (2008–2013), the S65B40 was engineered for spirited driving dynamics, strong throttle response, and acoustic quality. 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 intake manifolds and ECU mapping in 2011, highlighted in Aston Martin Service Information Bulletin SIB-14 06 11. This change improved mid-range torque and throttle response. No major reliability concerns have been issued via official service bulletins; ongoing monitoring is maintained through AM-TIS field reports.
Production years 2008–2013 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Aston Martin S65B40 is a 3,999 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine adapted from BMW's S65 platform for high-performance applications (2008–2013). It combines DOHC 32-valve architecture with Bosch ME17.8 engine management to deliver linear power delivery and high-RPM refinement. Designed to meet Euro 5, it balances track-capable performance with road-going usability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,999 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol | |
| Configuration | V8, DOHC, 32-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 92.0 mm × 75.2 mm | |
| Power output | 309 kW (420 PS) @ 7,300 rpm | |
| Torque | 400 Nm @ 4,900 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch ME17.8 port injection | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 12.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Dual chain (front-mounted) | |
| Oil type | Aston Martin Longlife-08 (SAE 5W-50) | |
| Dry weight | 218 kg |
The naturally aspirated V8 design provides linear power delivery ideal for spirited driving, but demands adherence to 12,000 km oil change intervals using OEM-specified oil to maintain valvetrain longevity. Aston Martin Longlife-08 (5W-50) is critical due to its high-temperature stability and protection of high-RPM components. Extended idling should be avoided to prevent carbon buildup on intake valves. The Bosch ME17.8 ECU requires OEM-grade diagnostics for calibration updates. Post-2011 models feature revised intake manifolds and ECU tuning; retrofitting is not supported. Catalytic converters require RON 95+ fuel to prevent thermal degradation under sustained high-load conditions.
Oil Specs: Requires Aston Martin Longlife-08 (5W-50) specification (Aston Martin SIB 16 07 08). Supersedes ACEA A3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2008–2013 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-S65B40-PWR).
Aston Martin Technical Information System (TIS): Docs AM-S65B40-2008, SIB 14 06 11, SIB 16 07 08
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Aston Martin S65B40 was used exclusively in the V8 Vantage platform with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning—reinforced engine mounts and modified exhaust routing—but no structural changes. All variants are documented in OEM technical bulletins and ETK parts catalogues. The engine was phased out in 2013 with the introduction of the in-house AE16 twin-turbo V8.
Locate the engine identification plate stamped on the front-left cylinder bank near the timing cover (Aston Martin TIS AM-S65B40-ID). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('G' for S65B40 series). All units feature silver valve covers with black trim. Critical differentiation from later engines: S65B40 is naturally aspirated with no turbochargers or intercoolers; the successor AE16 engine has a different block architecture and distributor placement. Service parts require model-year verification—intake manifolds for 2011+ models are not interchangeable with earlier units (Aston Martin SIB 14 06 11).
The S65B40'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 2014 noted a moderate share of pre-2011 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 V8 Vantage 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 (2008–2013) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2013–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about ASTON-MARTIN S65B40.
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ASTON-MARTIN Official Site
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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
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