Aston Martin AM05 Engine (2016–2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Aston Martin AM05 is a 4,735 cc, V8, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 2016 and 2020. It served as the primary powerplant for several grand tourer and sports car models, featuring dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), variable valve timing (VVT), and multi — point fuel injection. In standard configuration, it delivered 344 kW (470 PS) and 540 Nm of torque, providing smooth power delivery and refined high — speed cruising capabilities.

Fitted to models such…

Aston Martin AM05 Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2016–2020 meet Euro 6b standards .

Aston Martin AM05 Technical Specifications

The Aston Martin AM05 is a 4,735 cc V8 naturally aspirated petrol engine designed for grand touring applications (2016–2020). It combines multi-point fuel injection with variable valve timing to deliver smooth, linear power and acoustic refinement. Engineered to meet Euro 6b, it balances everyday usability with spirited driving performance.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement
4,735 cc
Fuel type
Petrol
Configuration
V8, DOHC, 32-valve
Aspiration
Naturally aspirated
Bore × stroke
94.0 mm × 85.8 mm
Power output
344 kW (470 PS) @ 7,300 rpm
Torque
540 Nm @ 5,000 rpm
Fuel system
Bosch ME17 multi-point injection
Emissions standard
Euro 6b
Compression ratio
11.3:1
Cooling system
Water-cooled
Turbocharger
Not applicable
Timing system
Dual chain (front-mounted)
Oil type
Refer to vehicle handbook / manufacturer specification
Dry weight
223 kg

Aston Martin AM05 Compatible Models

The Aston Martin AM05 was used across Aston Martin's Vantage and DB platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received platform-specific tuning—slightly higher torque in the Vanquish S and revised intake manifolds in the DB11—but no structural changes. All variants are documented in OEM technical bulletins and ETK parts catalogues.

Make:
Aston Martin
Years:
2016–2020
Models:
V8 Vantage
Variants:
V8 Vantage
View Source
Aston Martin TIS Doc. AM-VANTAGE-2016
Make:
Aston Martin
Years:
2016–2018
Models:
DB11
Variants:
DB11 V8
View Source
Aston Martin Group PT-2022
Make:
Aston Martin
Years:
2016–2018
Models:
Vanquish S
Variants:
Vanquish S
View Source
Aston Martin ETK Doc. VANQ-002

Looking for a replacement Aston Martin engine?

Free to submit · No obligation to buy

Engine Finders UK Ltd, which operates EngineCode.uk, can pass your enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. The service is for vehicles in the United Kingdom, with UK delivery or fitting. This is a commercially connected service, and sending an enquiry does not confirm diagnosis or compatibility.

Diagnostic reminder: If a technician has recommended replacing the engine, you can send an enquiry to engine suppliers in the UK. Confirm the diagnosis first: an engine-code record does not diagnose a fault.

Common Reliability Issues - ASTON-MARTIN AM05 Compatible Models

Field reports and technical service bulletins highlight component wear patterns under high-load operation. Adherence to manufacturer service intervals and approved fluid specifications is critical for long-term reliability.

Throttle body actuator wear
Symptoms: Reduced throttle response, hesitation under load, stored DTCs, occasional limp-mode activation.
Cause: Mechanical wear in the electronic throttle body actuator, exacerbated by frequent short trips and thermal cycling.
Fix: Replace with updated throttle body assembly per SIB-AM05-03; recalibrate ECU and verify throttle adaptation.
Intake valve and port carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, reduced power, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Lack of fuel washing over intake valves in port-injected engines; worsened by short-trip driving and extended oil intervals.
Fix: Perform walnut-shell blasting of intake valves; replace PCV valve and adhere to 12,000 km oil change intervals using OEM-specified oil.
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets
Symptoms: Oil residue on engine exterior, smell of burning oil, occasional drips on undertray.
Cause: Age-related degradation of multi-layer valve cover gasket; exacerbated by thermal cycling and incorrect oil type.
Fix: Replace gasket with OEM part and clean sealing surfaces; confirm use of Aston Martin Longlife-16 (5W-30) oil.
Coolant leak from water pump
Symptoms: Coolant loss, overheating warnings, visible leaks at front of engine.
Cause: Seal degradation in the mechanical water pump over time, particularly in units exceeding 100,000 km.
Fix: Replace water pump with latest-spec OEM unit; inspect belt tension and cooling hoses during service.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from manufacturer technical service bulletins and industry workshop records. Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

ASTON-MARTIN AM05 FAQ Common Questions Answered

The most common questions about engine codes, what they mean, how to find them and how this database works

The AM05 is a robust naturally aspirated engine with strong build quality. No widespread reliability issues have been reported, though early units (2016–2017) may develop throttle body actuator wear if used primarily for short trips. Regular maintenance, use of RON 95+ fuel, and adherence to 12,000 km oil changes with OEM-specified oil ensure long-term durability.

The most documented issues are throttle body actuator wear (especially 2016–2017), intake valve carbon buildup, and minor oil leaks from valve cover gaskets. Coolant leaks from the water pump have been noted in high-mileage units. These are addressed in Aston Martin service information bulletins.

The AM05 powers the V8 Vantage (2016–2020), DB11 V8 (2016–2018), and Vanquish S (2016–2018). It was succeeded by the twin-turbo AE31 in 2020. No non-Aston Martin applications exist. All models are Euro 6b compliant.

Aftermarket ECU tuning is common on the AM05 platform, but increasing boost or altering engine parameters accelerates component wear, impacts emissions compliance, and may void vehicle warranties. Any modifications should be evaluated carefully by a qualified specialist.

In the V8 Vantage, combined consumption is ~11.8 L/100km (23.9 mpg UK), with city driving reaching ~15.2 L/100km (18.6 mpg). Highway efficiency improves to ~9.2 L/100km (30.6 mpg). Real-world figures vary significantly with driving style. Expect 18–24 mpg (UK) under mixed conditions.

Yes. The AM05 is an interference engine. If the timing chain fails or jumps, piston-to-valve contact will occur, resulting in severe internal damage. Regular inspection of the chain and tensioner per service schedule is essential to prevent catastrophic failure.

Aston Martin specifies SAE 5W-30 synthetic oil meeting Aston Martin Longlife-16 standards. Oil must be changed every 12,000 km or 12 months. Using correct oil ensures proper high-RPM lubrication and reduces intake carbon formation in this port-injected engine.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

Platform Overview

About this reference

EngineCode.uk is operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. It provides engine-reference information and an optional commercial enquiry service. It is not an official manufacturer website. Check the record's sources and confirm vehicle-specific details before relying on it for parts, repairs or replacement.

Sourcing Policy

Source selection

Our editorial standard prioritises relevant manufacturer documentation and official regulatory sources. The sources and verification status for a record should be checked alongside the data.

Evidence and uncertainty

A statement is not verified merely because a source is listed. Where supporting evidence is missing or conflicting, the record should identify that limitation. Please report unsupported or inconsistent information.

Transparency in gaps

A missing or unverified value does not mean the manufacturer has withheld it. We distinguish information not yet verified, information not available to us, and information explicitly not disclosed by the source.

Regulatory Stability

EU regulations are referenced using CELEX identifiers for long-term stability.

Primary Sources

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.

Regulatory Context

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.

Methodology

Data compilation

Records are subject to review and correction. Source links, dates and verification notes should be read with the technical information. Our Editorial and Sourcing Policy explains our standards and review process.

Corrections & Submissions

Found an error or missing source? Report a problem with this page. Include the field or statement concerned and a supporting source if available. You can also email corrections@enginecode.uk.

Copyright & Legal

Copyright and permissions

Images and other material may be protected by copyright. Attribution does not by itself grant permission to reuse material. If you believe material on this site infringes your rights, contact copyrights@enginecode.uk with the page URL and details of your claim. We will review the material and take appropriate action.

Copyright Concerns

For copyright concerns, email: copyrights@enginecode.uk

Data Privacy

Privacy and cookies

Our Privacy Policy explains how Engine Finders UK Ltd uses information from visits, vehicle lookups, enquiries and messages. Our Cookie Policy explains cookies and similar technologies and how to change your choices.

Data Requests

For access, correction, or deletion requests, email: gdpr@enginecode.uk

Trademarks

Trademark Notice

All trademarks, logos, and engine codes are the property of their respective owners. Use on this site is strictly for reference and identification.

Commercial Disclosure

Ownership and commercial services

EngineCode.uk is owned and operated by Engine Finders UK Ltd. Alongside our reference content, we offer an optional replacement-engine enquiry service through Engine Finders and may identify relevant services provided by businesses connected with us. These commercial connections are disclosed. Using an enquiry service is not required to read our reference content.

Funding model

Engine Finders UK Ltd operates this website. Our optional enquiry service has a commercial purpose. Our Ownership and Commercial Disclosure explains the relationship between the reference website and that service. Participating suppliers pay a fee or subscription to participate on the network and receive quote requests.

Verification and identification note

Use this record as a starting point for identification. Specifications and vehicle applications may contain errors or omissions. Confirm the exact engine variant and compatibility using vehicle-specific documentation and a qualified supplier or technician.

All external links open in new tabs. Please verify current availability of resources.