I Gambled Big on My Aston Martin DB9: Have The Upgrades Been Worth It?

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Today, I assess the results of Bamford Rose's inspection of the car, and whether the work we have done has paid off.
#AstonMartin #DB9 #V12
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[@dadcars]

Thank you so much for doing this James… in the sometimes heartbreaking world of used performance cars, you make me proud to be a petrolhead 🙏😊 not all hero’s wear capes… some wear jazzy shirts 😅… whoever buys this is getting the best pound for pound Aston in the country.

[@Yorkshiremadmick]

Hey I wear Jazzy Shirts 👔 😂😂😂😂😂

[@BobbyAngmalaysia]

The ceramic ingestion issue is real. My 2015 Rapide S had a weird misfire issue a year ago, upon changing all spark plugs, injectors and coil packs (at my request, not my workshop's suggestion) the misfire is still there. Then upon watching one of Bamford Rose's videos, we found the issue. I was very lucky the ceramic bits got stuck at the valves and not in between the cylinders. Upon taking it out and properly cleaning it up, i had the primary cats deleted. The car no longer sounded as good as it was, it is considerably louder, but at least the car now runs perfect and revs livelier. I got the car at the same time as an Audi RS6, and thr Audi actually cost me more in terms or maintenance over the past 4 years. The Aston never really give issues. Love it.

[@yashwin8858]

Ayy Bobby! Fancy seeing you here

[@williamegler8771]

I am watching this from the United States. I live in Chicago and over the last couple of weeks the city has been suffering through a polar vortex with record-breaking cold interspersed with snow storms. My commute takes me along Lake Shore Drive and passes some of the most affluent areas in the city. Imagine my surprise when I saw an Aston almost identical to yours covered with salt and road grime chugging along at 15 mph behind the snow plow!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

That is very brave! These are not good in the snow

[@julianevans9548]

These comments are clearly making the internet an harmonious blend of entertainment and education, striking a perfect equilibrium with your hard work and talent. Here is a picture of my pants.

[@peteromara642]

😂

[@peteromara642]

Surprised you don't keep it a little longer now its nice and sorted .

[@GM-fh5jp]

Yup, I was like WTF when he said that.

[@lptomtom]

Jay Emm is a bit of an addict, he never keeps them long

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Not really - I've had quite a few cars for years, but the DB9 was always a temporary resident

[@GM-fh5jp]

See if you can get a car club guy's Mazda RX4 Coupe for a review.They are so good, I had one in period in midnight blue that was sublime....worth a fortune now days :/@@JayEmmOnCars

[@paulbird1808]

Does all your money come from YT Jay, or do you trade in motors?!

[@donaldelder540]

I’ll never be able to afford a Aston Martin, especially because the price of them in Australia is mental, but my god they have the best shape of any sports car in my opinion

[@paulbird1808]

Don't worry - they're crap - theyll also rip you off at any opportunity - and depreciate like hell?

[@marcus.H]

how much are they in Austraila? Here it's £20,000 for a cheap DB9

[@zzhughesd]

So much content James. Thanks.

[@JamesDean-eb2nx]

Great vid, James. Glad you’re looking after another of the great v12s!

[@Blue_m3]

Love these updates. Bought an ‘09 sport pack manual based on your videos. Looking forward to seeing the consummation of all these upgrades you speak of!

[@Project40Cars]

It’s a lovely looking car, the exhaust note sounds epic.

[@m.p.509]

I don’t think I knew you were going to move it on so quickly! Beautiful car and great video as always. Thank you, James!

[@jonathonbrett-qn1ic]

Beautiful car and fantastic job on keeping this classic special. Great episode Brilliant channel

[@craigburgess2237]

Whilst rare, my V12V roadster ingested its cats and engine had to be changed. £25k! Luckily the car was still under warranty so no cost. Went straight to Bamford as soon as I got it back and had the same exhaust mod you had. Noise was magnificent and gained about 50 bhp.

[@6272jac]

First generation Aston Martin DB9 was my dream car since the episode of Top Gear where they raced to France. Ever since then I have not stopped wanting one. I must say Jay, your video is tempting me!

[@DMSR-35]

Lovely work with the overhead shot at 14:31

[@RobKey-ei8uz]

Great upgrades James. The sound it now makes is so much better. And it's nice to see that your spine can get a rest from that terrible suspension.

[@jamespink4202]

I went for road series Nitron dampers and all wish bones replaced with Powerflex bushes, 20" forged GT9 wheels with 245/295 PS4Ss on my 2006 4.3 Vantage. Really sharp and accurate at all times, so much better than standard...

[@adamlane5182]

Can I ask how much the dampers and bushes cost installed?

[@wamgoc]

You’re very fortunate to be able to sort these cars out! Sadly most of us don’t.😢

[@kevinneary2283]

Great content you certainly crammed a lot in . I watch all your posts regardless of the vehicle. I never liked Astons before suddenly I’m interested 😂 . Keep up the good work 👍

[@fransb8543]

Thanks Jay, for allowing all of us to vicariously live the dream through you.

[@andybroer651]

Great offer for sale. I appreciate this as a viewer and subscriber.

[@Miffs16]

Excellent review & grateful that finally you put one on the bag. My question value, the alteration on the exhaust. I appreciate its been done by a cerfitied garage.

[@terrelltoney6785]

The noise about the 12:30 mark is glorious!

[@ChrisFEJackson]

Good luck with the sale, I'm sure the right owner will be found. Nice dedication to the brand.

[@MediocreHero66]

So happy for you, the car and Mike. Bamford have looked after my dads V8S and upgraded various bits in the time he has had it and the difference is night and day. Mike is a dry character but his knowledge is unmatched and we've always gotten on well with him, I am glad you sought his advice and took it!

[@stevecharnley3234]

Another great video. I recognise many of the roads so you must be quite local to me here in north Esssx. I dont think I can stretch to Db9 yet. Maybe a 7 first.

[@abarratt8869]

That looks like a veeeery nice car! I always liked the look and idea of the DB9 - the long legged, continent crossing GT that wouldn't destroy you too in the process!

[@tiguanman1170]

There's a very interesting V8 Vantage on the Kidston Production channel, if you want noise and flames out of the exhaust on the over-run. This, however, is a very well sorted Aston.

[@OneEyedJacker]

I had an ‘08 DB9 and i loved it, but the eyewatering cost of dealer maintenance was not sustainable.

[@lukemallory7832]

Sounds fantastic!

[@CyberSales007]

Jay, like many watching this, I'd love the DB9. Just not good timing. Great sound now.

[@onlyequity]

You were also enthralled about the Lexus LC500, and not only by its engine sound. Which one would you choose? I would love to see a video from you on this comparison.

[@timallsopp8656]

Drone footage is a great addition!

[@karllelliott681]

Well done for getting the 'Proof of the pudding .......' statement right. So many don't!

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

Probably the best thing to do with a sound usable example, financial loss aside. Nice to have made it essentially all it could be, what it deserved to be. Shame it wasn’t quite for you, but you have your “new” MG ZT-T to console you while the yellow “lemon” MG gets fixed properly !

[@blackjacket_]

I cant even afford a garage for this car, but I would change that piano black for wood. Also the top part of the door cars were furnished in wood if equipped. It looks wonderful imo

[@cruiseoveride]

So interestingly enough I too have a 2009 sport pack car with dynamics dampers. I was also contemplating the bilstein switch. I added 1inch of foam to the driver's seat and it made such a world of a difference that I have no interest in changing the shocks and springs now.

[@kidcowdy1231]

What you were saying about how it preforms in a car park at low speeds reminds me very much of the late Richard parry jones :)

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Yep, the fifty yard test

[@lanceboyle4255]

My brother had a Volante with the manual gearbox. It developed a misfire which resulted in the cat failure Jay referenced. Needed a new engine.

[@adamprice8313]

What a job you & Bamford Rose have done here! Will be heading there for my next service and more as you kindly advised!

[@Spenny909]

If I leant a car to James, I would worry he would drive it like it has not been driven before, make the engine hum and the exhaust groan, and give it all this beauty treatment and upgrades, it wouldn't want to come back to me 😂 Good video, James. A real petrolhead of a video. I enjoyed hearing about the improvements.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

Ha thats a curious way of putting it

[@Nickbaldeagle02]

Lent.

[@bendoyle5023]

Hi James! I know you're a busy man but it would be great to see some pictures or footage of the old/ new parts fitted to the vehicle you get work done on, for example would have loved to have seen the old tired suspension being replaced with the shiny new parts on this Aston! Thanks for your great content!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I have the old suspension in a box!

[@matsohlsson7899]

Yes, and what about a 2017 Vantage V8. Would the Bilstein dampers and the rest of it make an improvement?

[@javalam7769]

Alright R Kid. Best shaped car ever designed. Am gonna do the lottery this week. Considering the effort you put in this car I will only ever by from yourself. Love the videos as always. You are our Magmum.

[@jimmyfootski9282]

Good video Jay...........

[@seanyworny104]

I still remember when you asked Santa for a DB9 in your first review of it ;)

[@davidcooks5265]

It does sound more meaty now James 👍🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

[@carlharvey7098]

God thats tempting James!

[@simonryder4857]

Hi James, I’ve owned my 2006 Vantage V8 since 2009. Now heavily modified and full GT4 spec. It’s unbelievable, sounds glorious and goes and handles brilliantly. I’ve upgraded the interior to carbon fibre backed bucket seats and exterior cf diffuses, splitter and more. It’s been totally reliable. Any expenditure beyond routine servicing is only reducing my funeral costs as I’m going to be buried in it 😂😂😂

[@ashleywright7909]

Owning and driving a V12 Vantage that Bamford Rose look after, I know James' DB9 will be a corker. I've had the exhaust mods too and the transformation is amazing. If you're in the market for one, this will be the one to buy. I don't know James btw!

[@oggie1967]

I’m having the primary cats deleted next month! Is it really that good?

[@ashleywright7909]

100%. The sound is wonderful. There's a nice performance boost too. Buy the main thing for me was the knowledge that the engine is immune to the CAT failure ingestion issue now. I was really pleased with the work and would do it again.

[@oggie1967]

@@ashleywright7909 I’ve only driven mine on a test drive! It’s being delivered next week but I’ve booked it in with Bamford Rose already! I’ve saved hard for my car and the last thing I’d want would be the engine to lunch itself on ceramic cat pieces!😬

[@ashleywright7909]

I hope you enjoy your car. I love mine.

[@Greyboxer]

Hey Jay! Love the video. In Ben's video following yours, he discussed a small creak that used to occur in the rear of the car that was the result of something worn out (not the dampers). Did Mike at BR diagnose and fix that? I have an unexplained creak at the back of my 2011 DB9 with the adaptive damping system and if you ever found out what it was, I'll see if I can get it sorted at my annual service next month!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It was just the seats not being fitted quite right

[@Simont6.0]

Great news with the car Jay....looking forward to seeing the respray. Will there be a video of the respray itself or just the finished product? Very interested in the exhaust upgrade...may well look into it for my DB9.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

I've got footage of before the spray - may share it once done

[@Simont6.0]

@@JayEmmOnCars it would be good to see the before and after footage!!

[@kellysmith1144]

Bilsteins are awesome! From an Aston Martin and Subaru fan!

[@matslundstrom7763]

A chrashy suspension is often down to high initial internal friction in the dampers. You can compare this to the initial resistance felt when opening a one-grip water faucet. Bilstein and Öhlins excel in beeing among the best brands in addressing this issue.

[@thedetailingdoctor5746]

Awesome to hear this info I’ve been considering fitting bilstein b6 sport dampers to my X5 4.6is will deffo be going forward with it now !

[@abrownm5brown339]

Very nice! I have to say I'm a big fan of Bilstein dampers. B2's for great quality OE replacements, B4's if you want something a bit stiffer. I put B6's on my Focus ST170 because I wanted the inverted struts which really reduce the flex you get at the front, now the steering is super precise regardless of load, it just shrugs off mid corner bumps now. B8's are the same but are designed for lowering springs.

[@robi4387]

a brown e39 m5! Is that LHD?

[@abrownm5brown339]

It's an E 34. I had an Avus Blue one for 5 years but I really wanted a Brown one, makes it look like a 518i taxi! Only one I have seen is the BMW UK press car featured in Graham Robinson's BMW M cars book, which is where I cropped my avitar from.@@robi4387

[@keithshayle7027]

It seems as though that Bamford Rose really know what they are doing. Seems like a great car... 18 months ago when changing cars i did albeit briefly consider a used DB11 which it around 90k was in the ball park of the car i did go for - a Genesis Electrified G80, which is clearly very far removed from a AM, but it looked particularly fetching in red with black roof. However the running costs impracticality and level of technology were just too much of a consideration, but ive always had a soft spot for an Aston, and your video rekindled that interest. Although i remain very pleased with the Genesis, and after twenty years of various Jaguar's and Maserati, it remains the best car ive owned!

[@NigelDeForrest-Pearce-cv6ek]

Brilliant!!!!

[@riggs1590]

Not sure I'm convinced on the exhaust sound, maybe it's just not coming across on film. To me it sounds like the clutch is slipping then just as it should start to sound nice, their's an up shift. Nice car though, always loved the look of Aston's.

[@DavidDatura]

Such a beautiful design. One of Aston’s prettiest IMHO.

[@CharlesFlahertyB]

It does sound good.

[@rjdavies1982]

Hi James, would love to see a V12 XJ-S in your stable!

[@davidnimmo5115]

DB9 sounds amazing

[@eric-wb7gj]

ty J 🙏🙏

[@ianmead7712]

Amazing car keep it

[@robtt997]

Love it !

[@TLRDL-pb2kc]

I had one of those and loved it, but brake feel drove me crazy. Is not that They didnt work, but they had the weirdest feeling. What about it James?

[@charleigh195]

Fab film Jay.

[@alexwillard6108]

Glad you're happy with your DB9 James, The later dampers really do bring the car a bit more up to date. Interestingly, I also went for a Maser GS back in the day and couldn't get on with it so eventually went back to an Aston. I need to get you in the seat of my Valiant Ecosse car don't I? Admittedly, It's pretty much a GT4 car with a luxury interior and it's not set up like a road car as it spends so much time on track but I think you'd have a lark in it.

[@JayEmmOnCars]

You really do! Email me on [e-mail] if you haven't already, let's do it when the roads dry out

[@alexwillard6108]

@@JayEmmOnCars sure thing James. Well heat cycled Cup 2 tyres, 480 BHP car, freezing cold roads and track suspension make for a very timid test drive !

[@elcasho]

Nice mods!

[@1Z50railtourinfo]

Love the way these cars pass around the KZbinrs! Tavarish got MA's GT3! Dad Cars got Jack's XK and you got Dad Car's DB9!!

[@dadcars]

🙌😅

[@dylanwakley2553]

Don’t forget that GT3 was originally Adam LZ’s 😂

[@hexgraphica]

Am I allowed to express my appreciation for your content even though I don't have any alluring body part on display in my profile picture?

[@julianevans9548]

Heretic

[@markjohnson8352]

​@@julianevans9548😂

[@alancrisp1582]

😂😅 Yes, and if you are a male 👨, please keep it that way !!.....

[@lukeshardlow768]

Lovely car that! Going into my second year with mine and planning my 3rd big trip into Europe. Anyone thinking of getting one just do it.

[@alistairneish5033]

Was just wandering which part of Scotland do you go to? I assume from your "roads may be shut" comment, it's the lecht area?

[@sheriffdb9]

I have a '14 DB9 and have had my eye on a forged carbon fiber ski slope from ECPS. If you fancy replacing any of the interior of your car with their products, I'd be interested in your thoughts on the experience.

[@DavidPayne-ii4uv]

Hi James is the Aston Martin sold or is it still up for sale thank you Dave

[@Kernwaffe88]

Sounds corgeous😊

[@yogiguitar1]

i'll swap you for my 97 merc e300 td ! its a classic !

[@stephendavies6949]

Hi again James. "locomotive Guy" here. Looks like you've got your Aston running like a (luxury Pullman) train!

[@JayEmmOnCars]

The executive express

[@stephendavies6949]

@@JayEmmOnCars Well put.

[@grahamfrost2480]

Glad you got it sorted. 👍🇬🇧

[@dallisb1047]

Nice!

[@davekennedy6315]

You were in the Bottle Hall area on some of this weren`t you?

[@Yet_Another_Steve]

If I was an Austin specialist I'd give you a huge quote on an A4 piece of paper inside a 10p plastic folder so you wouldn't unfold just the paper on camera. Somehow I feel that would soften the blow...

[@tripleb4736]

i was going to offer a tenner a week for the next 60 years but now im asking why there are bottoms everywhere ?

[@sr20trx]

What is this with you, Dad cars and No.27? Noel Edmonds Swap shop?

[@jayjohnson3732]

Damn. Yet another car that I would have a very hard time letting go of.

[@godspeed6315]

Talking about the manifolds primary cat deletes , does this not affect the emissions come MOT time?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

This is why you have to compensate with uprated secondary cats. As it is, Aston fitted the car with more cats than it needed to pass UK emissions - so it will do okay with a partial decat if done correctly

[@garychilds1130]

You wouldn't buy it the way it was but you did buy it the way it was

[@forresttm]

I've always wanted a rapide.

[@nosebergs-are-at-it-again]

lol I can see why they kept the exhaust quiet from factory... well, at least you didn't pay $2,500 for that sound ;)

[@bennbeardshaw2310]

I have a 58 plate DBS that is also crashy at low speed, did that have the Dynamic vs Bilstein issue? I wasn’t sure if it was just the sportier DBS that led to the harsher ride?

[@drleftie]

No, the DBS has adjustable dampers so can’t be the Dynamics version discussed here.

[@charlesmcguffy]

Isn't a de-cat illegal in the UK?

[@matsohlsson7899]

Thanks Jay, As a Vantage V8, 4,3 owner it's a treat to see your videos. You look at a lot of cars, but it all seem to rotate around Aston Martin, and why shouldn't it, it is style, it is glamour, it is roar, it is sophisticated engineering and reliable mechanics (bar sport shift). I will never sell my V8 Vantage but I know I will have a DB11 as well, I find it stunning and at half the price of at DB12, a bargain! So what, infotainment, you are not driving a DB11 to listen to music, the music is produced under the hood. It is the follow up bargain to the V8 Vantage, mark my words.

[@getawayhs2856]

Is it twice as good as a 5.0 XKR that costs half the money though? And the Jag doesn't have these big bills lying in wait.

[@activat0rz]

I'm curious, what do you do with the old shocks and dampers? were you able to sell them or is it straight to the bin?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

They're in my garage. I might turn them into furniture

[@waverleyjournalise5757]

The transformation she deserves. You should hold onto her for a bit longer, enough to see some of the summer at least

[@edwardobernardino4347]

Jay would you ever consider selling all your expensive to maintain british and Euro cars and buy a Lexus LC500?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

My next video is just for you

[@edwardobernardino4347]

@@JayEmmOnCars thanks Jay I've recently been through a difficult period in my life and your videos have drowned out the silence on my way to and from work and falling asleep each night..

[@moStallion]

You should do a manual swap n upgrade chasis

[@paulsheehan2998]

Sounds fkin awesome

[@grahamdaws4775]

what exactly did you do to the primary catalysts?

[@275lucky]

gutted them and welded them back up.

[@Mylough1]

Curious to know if you've done enough to change your mind about the Aston you really want? Is there another round of upgrades that could make that one a keeper?

[@JayEmmOnCars]

It would make more financial sense to change to my ideal car rather than "ruin" this one

[@Mylough1]

@@JayEmmOnCars I heard the part about this one costing half (in relation to the DBS, etc) and had to ask. That may be my only path to one. And, honestly, I tend to enjoy the process.

[@mt1104uk]

Aston should be responsible for that suspension bill....