What are the differences in the DBS over 2008 - 2012?

[Viperzs]

I have been looking at the DBS until it's the right time for me to commit. What I haven't able to find is a comprehensive list of differences between the early 2008/2009 models and the final 2012 model. All I've found so far is that the rising speakers became standard, the seat controls become smaller and chrome, and the early models are more likely to have no rear seats.

Is there anything else, does it make a difference which year you get?

[N430]

Have a look here, may not answer all your questions but a start! https://astonmartins.com/car-category/vh-architect...

[Minglar]

Viperzs said:

I have been looking at the DBS until it's the right time for me to commit. What I haven't able to find is a comprehensive list of differences between the early 2008/2009 models and the final 2012 model. All I've found so far is that the rising speakers became standard, the seat controls become smaller and chrome, and the early models are more likely to have no rear seats.

Is there anything else, does it make a difference which year you get?

Imho, in addition to what you already know, the three most obvious differences are as follows -
1. Gearbox - the car was launched with a six speed manual. This was quietly dropped midway through the cars lifecycle and later cars were all fitted with a six speed automatic. Low mileage early manual cars still command a fairly significant price premium though.
2. Wheels - it’s very easy to tell the age of DBS from the wheel design. The very early cars had a slim 20 spoke (more like 10 doubles really) spoke design. From about 2009/2010 onwards most cars were fitted with thicker 10 spoke (more like 5 doubles really) wheels.
3. Sat Nav - As with all Gaydon VH cars of that era, early cars were fitted with the Volvo system. Garmin became the standard fitment towards the end of the production run.
HTH a bit. BRM.

[AMTony]

Later cars had B&O as standard along with smaller exterior rear mirrors!

[Dobie177]

There were also a number of more subtle updates...
- plastic buttons became glass buttons (can be retrofitted of course)
- updated seat controls - plastic to chrome
- updated wipers
etc.

[dbs2000]

I believe from 2010 onwards there was quite a bit of tweaking and refinement done. I know my 2010 felt far better than my 2009.

[EVR]

Is the final 2012 then the best year?

[Minglar]

EVR said:

Is the final 2012 then the best year?

Probably. At the end of the production run 100 “Ultimate” versions were built, available as coupé or Volante. However, if you want a six speed manual you have to get an early car…BRM.

https://youtu.be/yfYC_CBNtiM

[Caslad]

I’d agree with the comment in the Definitive Guide to Aston Martin which says the DBS is not particularly model year sensitive.
There weren’t any changes to engine, gearbox, chassis or suspension over the 4 years other than early models being manual & later ones auto so the few differences are cosmetic like glass buttons, different wheels and door mirrors. I thought the fancy upholstery stitching on the Ultimate was a bit garish.
When I was looking 5 years ago prices were based more on condition & mileage (& especially manual vs automatic) than model year.

[EVR]

Minglar said:

Probably. At the end of the production run 100 Ultimate versions were built, available as coupé or Volante. However, if you want a six speed manual you have to get an early car BRM.

https://youtu.be/yfYC_CBNtiM

Best opening in the history of cinema.

[Import]

Sure some fine cinematography….

[Viperzs]

Thanks for the info, much appreciated!

[AMTony]

Minglar said:

EVR said:

Is the final 2012 then the best year?

Probably. At the end of the production run 100 Ultimate versions were built, available as coupé or Volante. However, if you want a six speed manual you have to get an early car BRM.

https://youtu.be/yfYC_CBNtiM

Not strictly true - I have a 2010 B&O model in Quantum Silver that is a manual.
Didn’t make many manuals after 2008 early ones so quite rare.

[Minglar]

AMTony said:

Minglar said:

EVR said:

Is the final 2012 then the best year?

Probably. At the end of the production run 100 Ultimate versions were built, available as coupé or Volante. However, if you want a six speed manual you have to get an early car BRM.

https://youtu.be/yfYC_CBNtiM

Not strictly true - I have a 2010 B&O model in Quantum Silver that is a manual.
Didn t make many manuals after 2008 early ones so quite rare.

Fair enough. That must have been around the time the manual gearbox was dropped as an option as it was rarely chosen once the automatic gearbox was available. I would assume your car must be one of the last manuals ever produced. Very nice indeed, sounds like a keeper.



BRM.

[Grant3]

As it’s nearly Xmas and we have just had Black Friday… here are all the main model year changes for the gen-1 DBS. The guide covers these for all models…. hope this helps

DBS Introduced in August 2007 for the 2008MY first deliveries early 08
June 2009 – DBS Volante is launched 2+2 seating and B&O stereo standard.

2009MY
Leather now a no cost option (most popular choice) to replace Alcantara seat/door centres.
October 08 - 1000W B&O Beosound DBS audio system is now standard equipment. Door caps now leather not Carbon-fibre (early 09MY cars didn’t have the upgrade, be sure to check)
New Options - Oct08 Touchtronic II automatic transmission available as an option.
New style of slim spoke optional 20 inch wheel introduced (early 2009).
Coupe option of a 2+2 seating configuration, rear storage replaced with two seats
Light weight seats available (2+0 only - no side airbags and 6-way control not 10)

2010MY
Sat nav system software upgrades (see options section for further information)
Improved Air Conditioning unit
Battery disconnect switch no longer available
Minor design changes to wing mirrors and seat headrest to meet new legislation/legal requirements.
New control features allow for setting of the auto-powerfold mirrors, also auto-dip for reverse and reduced guard
alarm function via the infotainment menu button.
Auto-unlock door feature improved, allows exit with one door pull rather than two.
New sound damping technology applied to the tub, improving NVH by around 6%.
New options - New Magnum silver mesh available for bonnet and, side vents.
Alcantara steering wheel now an option.
New Sports Tyres now an option - New luggage set available

2011MY
Introduction of glass surrounds for switchgear
Option to remove DBS logo from the seats
Bluetooth system improved, new microphone placed above driver in headliner offering improved clarity and
phone call quality.
Enhanced tyre pressure monitoring now shows individual tyres pressure via the OEL display and offers a
selectable track mode for the DBS.
March 2010: 10/11MY Euro5 compliant emissions improvements for Euro cars.
OEL display now shows PURE ASTON MARTIN in start up (APPLIED part way through 2010MY)!

2012MY
MAJOR UPGRADE MAY2011 - Volvo based sat-nav replaced with superior Garmin system.
Sat-nav also covers new areas - Brazil, Japan, HK, Taiwan, NZ and Singapore.
Improved Beam wipers standard. (Exhaust valve may be boot fuse15 (as 12MY DB9) unable to verify so check)
Touchtronic II as standard, top speed restricted to 183 mph. Manual – no cost option.
New Virage style alloy seat controls - Full Piano Black upper and lower console standard from 10/10/11.
New options - Optional red, yellow and grey brake calipers. Perforated leather now renamed indented leather.
Production of the current DBS finishes with the special edition DBS Ultimate (below) - limited to 100 cars

[Minglar]

Grant3 said:

As it s nearly Xmas and we have just had Black Friday here are all the main model year changes for the gen-1 DBS. The guide covers these for all models . hope this helps

DBS Introduced in August 2007 for the 2008MY first deliveries early 08
June 2009 DBS Volante is launched 2+2 seating and B&O stereo standard.

2009MY
Leather now a no cost option (most popular choice) to replace Alcantara seat/door centres.
October 08 - 1000W B&O Beosound DBS audio system is now standard equipment. Door caps now leather not Carbon-fibre (early 09MY cars didn t have the upgrade, be sure to check)
New Options - Oct08 Touchtronic II automatic transmission available as an option.
New style of slim spoke optional 20 inch wheel introduced (early 2009).
Coupe option of a 2+2 seating configuration, rear storage replaced with two seats
Light weight seats available (2+0 only - no side airbags and 6-way control not 10)

2010MY
Sat nav system software upgrades (see options section for further information)
Improved Air Conditioning unit
Battery disconnect switch no longer available
Minor design changes to wing mirrors and seat headrest to meet new legislation/legal requirements.
New control features allow for setting of the auto-powerfold mirrors, also auto-dip for reverse and reduced guard
alarm function via the infotainment menu button.
Auto-unlock door feature improved, allows exit with one door pull rather than two.
New sound damping technology applied to the tub, improving NVH by around 6%.
New options - New Magnum silver mesh available for bonnet and, side vents.
Alcantara steering wheel now an option.
New Sports Tyres now an option - New luggage set available

2011MY
Introduction of glass surrounds for switchgear
Option to remove DBS logo from the seats
Bluetooth system improved, new microphone placed above driver in headliner offering improved clarity and
phone call quality.
Enhanced tyre pressure monitoring now shows individual tyres pressure via the OEL display and offers a
selectable track mode for the DBS.
March 2010: 10/11MY Euro5 compliant emissions improvements for Euro cars.
OEL display now shows PURE ASTON MARTIN in start up (APPLIED part way through 2010MY)!

2012MY
MAJOR UPGRADE MAY2011 - Volvo based sat-nav replaced with superior Garmin system.
Sat-nav also covers new areas - Brazil, Japan, HK, Taiwan, NZ and Singapore.
Improved Beam wipers standard. (Exhaust valve may be boot fuse15 (as 12MY DB9) unable to verify so check)
Touchtronic II as standard, top speed restricted to 183 mph. Manual no cost option.
New Virage style alloy seat controls - Full Piano Black upper and lower console standard from 10/10/11.
New options - Optional red, yellow and grey brake calipers. Perforated leather now renamed indented leather.
Production of the current DBS finishes with the special edition DBS Ultimate (below) - limited to 100 cars

Thank you Grant. Excellent information as always. So if I read that correctly the manual gearbox was never actually dropped? It looks like it was an option all the way through production, but I guess it was rarely specified in the last couple of years? BRM.

[AMTony]

Minglar said:

AMTony said:

Minglar said:

EVR said:

Is the final 2012 then the best year?

Probably. At the end of the production run 100 Ultimate versions were built, available as coupé or Volante. However, if you want a six speed manual you have to get an early car BRM.

https://youtu.be/yfYC_CBNtiM

Not strictly true - I have a 2010 B&O model in Quantum Silver that is a manual.
Didn t make many manuals after 2008 early ones so quite rare.

Fair enough. That must have been around the time the manual gearbox was dropped as an option as it was rarely chosen once the automatic gearbox was available. I would assume your car must be one of the last manuals ever produced. Very nice indeed, sounds like a keeper.



BRM.

Think they only literally made a handful in 2010 and even less afterwards.
I often think of selling as don’t really use it much but each time I take it out of the garage I change my mind.
If I was caught on the right day at the right time I probably would sell, it’s a shame it spends all its time in a carcoon.
Need to make more time for it, been too busy with my other cars of late.

[Grant3]

When Touchtronic became standard fit in 2012 very few manuals were specified - rarer than hens teeth

[Caslad]

Interesting. I’d never noticed the restriction to the top speed outlined in the 2012 MY description.
I can now brag in the pub that my 2010 DBS is faster than the ‘Ultimate’ version!

[Djit]

Minglar said:

Grant3 said:

As it s nearly Xmas and we have just had Black Friday here are all the main model year changes for the gen-1 DBS. The guide covers these for all models . hope this helps

DBS Introduced in August 2007 for the 2008MY first deliveries early 08
June 2009 DBS Volante is launched 2+2 seating and B&O stereo standard.

2009MY
Leather now a no cost option (most popular choice) to replace Alcantara seat/door centres.
October 08 - 1000W B&O Beosound DBS audio system is now standard equipment. Door caps now leather not Carbon-fibre (early 09MY cars didn t have the upgrade, be sure to check)
New Options - Oct08 Touchtronic II automatic transmission available as an option.
New style of slim spoke optional 20 inch wheel introduced (early 2009).
Coupe option of a 2+2 seating configuration, rear storage replaced with two seats
Light weight seats available (2+0 only - no side airbags and 6-way control not 10)

2010MY
Sat nav system software upgrades (see options section for further information)
Improved Air Conditioning unit
Battery disconnect switch no longer available
Minor design changes to wing mirrors and seat headrest to meet new legislation/legal requirements.
New control features allow for setting of the auto-powerfold mirrors, also auto-dip for reverse and reduced guard
alarm function via the infotainment menu button.
Auto-unlock door feature improved, allows exit with one door pull rather than two.
New sound damping technology applied to the tub, improving NVH by around 6%.
New options - New Magnum silver mesh available for bonnet and, side vents.
Alcantara steering wheel now an option.
New Sports Tyres now an option - New luggage set available

2011MY
Introduction of glass surrounds for switchgear
Option to remove DBS logo from the seats
Bluetooth system improved, new microphone placed above driver in headliner offering improved clarity and
phone call quality.
Enhanced tyre pressure monitoring now shows individual tyres pressure via the OEL display and offers a
selectable track mode for the DBS.
March 2010: 10/11MY Euro5 compliant emissions improvements for Euro cars.
OEL display now shows PURE ASTON MARTIN in start up (APPLIED part way through 2010MY)!

2012MY
MAJOR UPGRADE MAY2011 - Volvo based sat-nav replaced with superior Garmin system.
Sat-nav also covers new areas - Brazil, Japan, HK, Taiwan, NZ and Singapore.
Improved Beam wipers standard. (Exhaust valve may be boot fuse15 (as 12MY DB9) unable to verify so check)
Touchtronic II as standard, top speed restricted to 183 mph. Manual no cost option.
New Virage style alloy seat controls - Full Piano Black upper and lower console standard from 10/10/11.
New options - Optional red, yellow and grey brake calipers. Perforated leather now renamed indented leather.
Production of the current DBS finishes with the special edition DBS Ultimate (below) - limited to 100 cars

Thank you Grant. Excellent information as always. So if I read that correctly the manual gearbox was never actually dropped? It looks like it was an option all the way through production, but I guess it was rarely specified in the last couple of years? BRM.

I took delivery of a new manual in 2010 and it came (I think) in May straight off the production line and was 10.75 model year. I think there were 7. When I bought mine I recall some dealers telling me to go auto “for the resale value” so that did affect quantities but you could still order manual !

At the time there were a handful of unregistered manuals made to 2009 spec available to buy (at £129k). The 2010.75 model year had 2+2 as standard, B&O pop up’s and the new style wheels. I think the all leather seat pattern was new too and maybe a bit more carbon fibre. Wonderful car. I was also told the rumour they were a bit faster, by the then Chair of the AMOC.