What are common problems with Bentley? This article looks at known Bentley issues and information about preventing common Bentley problems. Independent Bentley Specialist are an independent Bentley specialist working throughout Sittingbourne, Kent. Find out more about common Bentley problems.
Preventing common Bentley problems
While the issues mentioned above are common across all Bentley models, they aren't as prevalent as you'd imagine. As high-performance vehicles, their specialist service schedules ensure they remain operational.
Compared to other manufacturers, such as Ford or Fiat, Bentley servicing is far more rigorous and in-depth. Aside from regular services, there are other ways to ensure your Bentley remains in good condition. These include the following:
Regular Maintenance
While they are luxury vehicles, maintaining your Bentley is similar to maintaining any other car. Naturally, the maintenance tasks are a little more thorough for Bentley vehicles, such as those for the Continental GT.
Following your specific maintenance schedule is the best way to care for your vehicle and avoid the common issues mentioned above.
Reference the owner’s manual
Your Bentley owner's manual provides excellent information about the systems in your car. Consulting this manual and following its recommendations are the best ways to keep everything in working order.
For example, when you intend to park your Bentley for extended periods, you should place the adjustable suspension in the lowest setting. This removes pressure from your air suspension, increasing its lifespan.
Use a Bentley specialist
There are many high-end vehicle specialists out there. Most of these will understand what your Bentley needs.
However, when it comes to maintenance, you should always take your Bentley to a certified Bentley garage. These garages offer services specifically designed to care for your Bentley, including supplying OEM parts and services.
This is especially important for models that suffer from specific issues, such as those common to the Continental GT or Flying Spur.
Some parts in these models can be difficult to replace. But a dedicated Bentley garage will know exactly what to do. Having a Bentley on your driveway is a true privilege. They are the pinnacle of motoring performance and elegance, with minute attention to detail in every regard.
This outstanding performance does come at a price, which gives you all the more reason to take good care of your Bentley. If you want to avoid the common issues Bentley models suffer from, follow your maintenance schedule.
This is the simplest way to ensure your car remains in good condition for many years. Following the recommendations in your owner's manual will give you the best chance of avoiding serious issues. Using a certified Bentley mechanic will also make things a lot easier.
Common Bentley Problems
The Bentley brand is synonymous with luxury and elegance. However, unlike simpler cars, they can be challenging to own. Since they are high-performance vehicles, they require very precise and thorough maintenance.
Without this care, Bentleys can quickly encounter mechanical problems. If you are a Bentley owner or are considering becoming one, here are some of the problems to look out for. These are the most common issues Bentley vehicles suffer from.
The air suspension systems on Bentleys can be temperamental. One of the most obvious signs of failure is the front end riding lower than usual.
The suspension arms are also prone to failure, which you can identify by a knocking sound when you drive over bumps in the road. Ultimately, you will need to have the offending components replaced. It is always best to take your Bentley to a certified Bentley technician to have this done. They understand what issues Bentleys encounter and can provide the best solutions.
This issue applies primarily to the Bentley Continental GT model. Given the configuration of the brake lights, it's common for the highest ones to burn out prematurely.
You'll find these brake lights in the centre of the rear end. It's easy to fix by simply replacing the bulbs.
Noticing a hissing noise when you lower or raise your windows is a sign that their motors are failing. Each window in your Bentley has its own ECU (Electronic Control Unit).
These are complicated to fix without the appropriate training. Your technician can replace the ECU for you since you cannot replace the offending motor alone.
Bentley engines are some of the finest high-performance machines in the world. However, because they are so impressive, maintaining them can be difficult. Bentley Flying Spur models, for example, often suffer from gasket leaks. This is a serious issue that requires extensive repairs. Other problematic engine components include:
- Turbo oil pipe
- Turbo oil vacuum
- Cooling fans
- Radiator
- Flywheel
Almost all Bentley models suffer from weak brake hoses. Once they wear out, you will need to replace them. This usually occurs every 5 years.
This weakness is again due to Bentley's high-performance nature, with the brake hoses taking a significant amount of pressure while driving.
The plenum chamber sits between your windscreen and the bonnet. It is essentially an air intake for your cabin temperature control system.
When blocked, this chamber can leak water into the interior of your car. If this damages your electronics, it will be expensive to repair. Ensure your plenum chamber is free of debris and leaves to prevent this.
Bentley convertibles also run into specific issues with their tops. Many Bentley owners have complained about their convertible roofs leaking water into the car.
This is often caused by the securing straps breaking. The rear bow of the Bentley Azure convertible top often becomes bent and tangled in the top fabric, also causing significant damage.
Oil leaks are a common issue you can find in almost all Bentley models. They are often serious, and you should fix them as soon as possible.
If they are left to continue, they can lead to further issues, such as suspension failure, gearbox problems, engine fires and engine failure. You'll notice a warning light on your dashboard if your Bentley is suffering an oil leak. Alternatively, you will hear a grinding sound from the metal component in your engine. Smoke from burning oil in your exhaust system is another clear sign of a leak.
Power steering leaks were a particular problem for Bentley Continental Supersports between 2017 and 2018. The source of the issue was an inadequate steering column pipe.
This pipe would often disconnect and cause the steering fluid to leak. When your power-assisted steering fails, it will be much harder to turn the wheel, potentially leading to a crash.
You should have your air suspension fixed as soon as you notice one side of your Bentley riding lower than the others.
When the top mount bushes begin to strain their compressors, it can lead to serious damage. These issues are most common in the Bentley Flying Spur model.
This one can sometimes be a little confusing. Some Bentley owners have reported their dashboards lighting up when nothing is wrong.
These faulty icons are caused by electrical issues, which you need to remedy as quickly as possible.
As a luxury vehicle, you'd expect Bentleys' infotainment systems to be first-class. Unfortunately, many owners have complained about Bluetooth connectivity issues with their smartphones.
Owners also cannot connect wireless Android Auto systems with their infotainment systems.
Bentleys have an exceedingly expensive maintenance routine compared to other car brands. Adhering to your maintenance schedule is the best way to ensure the longevity of your vehicle. Taking your Bentley to a certified mechanic is also the best way to maintain your car.
These professionals have the right skills and equipment to care for your Bentley properly. You should have your Bentley serviced once every 10,000 miles. These services include a range of replacements and maintenance checks, including:
- Cabin air filter change
- Oil filter change
- Oil change
- Key fob battery replacement
- Tyre rotation
Are you looking for Bentley Continental servicing in Sittingbourne and Kent? Our independent Bentley specialist offers repairs, diagnostics and repairs.
