Pick up my first Bentley tomorrow

[neilsfishing]

A 1997 Brooklands looks the nuts (well to me) what do I need to keep check on
Thanks
Neil

[andyh68]

Hope you're enjoying your car! PH has many more mechanically minded people than me, so I'll let them comment on potential issues, but repairs are going to be expensive. Post some pics when you get the chance, Andy

[christofmccracke]

Congradulations ! Very jealous

[neilsfishing]

What a car! the wife wants to place it where the sun don't shine though

[kwak]

One picture, that's just teasing. Give us more!

[Thin White Duke]

Indeed, what a machine. It's threads like this that only reinforce my aim to buy a Bentley.

The ones from this era already have a classic look about them, yet still fresh and every much a head turner as a
brand new model - perhaps more so.

[bergxu]

Things my '96 Turbo has needed;

-Steering rack (they ALL leak). Rebuilt racks are reasonable and you can put a Rolls rack in if you desire lighter steering.

-Heater matrix (you'll know it's leaking if your windscreen fogs up with the heat on and you smell coolant).

-Front end bushings and ball joints (typical and commensurate with mileage). Mine has 89K.

-Brakes (again, commensurate with mileage). Rotors are expensive but last a long time. Rears are the b*tch to replace, due to having to strip the hubs completely down.

-Tires. This is a point of contention. The only 'proper' ones are Avon Turbospeeds. These, however are expensive, old technology and have issues with the rubber cracking badly. I have Pirelli P Zero Rossos on my car in a 255/60(?)-17 size. Little bigger than stock, but they clear the arches fine.

The aforementioned things were what I'd consider to be more of the 'expensive' things. There have been other things that have popped up, some more expensive than others (power steering reservoir....$1,300 USD!!), but for the most part, given that I use the car daily, it's been pretty darn reliable. Oh, and I have replaced the brake accumulators and rear gas springs as typical service items...no biggie.

Congrats on the car, looks fantastic!

[Scotty2]

Out of interest, I may be needing the brake accumulators on my 96 RL. What did you have to pay to get yours done if I am not being too cheeky...

[Balmoral Green]

bergxu said:

Steering rack (they ALL leak).

[smug mode]Mine doesn't.[/smug mode]

[neilsfishing]

Some more pics

[Balmoral Green]

He's a lovely big boy ain't he?

I washed & leathered mine this evening, similar colours.

Hope you're enjoying him.

(I can never refer to them as 'she', they're definitely blokes, the iron fist in the velvet glove, how is that feminine?)

[bergxu]

Scotty;

Just whatever the accumulators cost from Flying Spares (and shipping to the US). One of my best friends is a Crewe-trained mechanic, so he fitted them for me gratis. Only took him 15 minutes or so plus a quick bleed.

[misery]

Colour combination is beautiful, that interior what a place to be, well done on your purchase. All you need now a nice plate.

[ADP68]

Neilsfishing- i think i've spotted you and your aston near my gym (Nuffield / Cannons) at wexham.

[neilsfishing]

ADP68 said:

Neilsfishing- i think i've spotted you and your aston near my gym (Nuffield / Cannons) at wexham.

posible but there is another couple close a very light blue and a silver one

[ADP68]

Am often there in my shadow or bentley s3, so give me a honk if you see me!