1999 Arnage am I mad?
Discussion
The short answer will depend on the car, my preference is for the 6.75 over the 4.0 BMW unit as its completely under stressed, and there were a mirage of changes from 2001 onwards for the 02 model year which made huge differences to the way the car's drive. Make sure its had the big hydraulic service, and budget a few thousand a year for general maintenance. I would then be putting 3/4k away each year into a contingency fund because when things go wrong they are not cheap to fix/replace, remember these cars were 150k+ new so parts are priced accordingly.
Low/no mileage is the worst enemy of these cars as they prefer to be driven, standing around doing a few thousand miles each year is asking for problems!
Low/no mileage is the worst enemy of these cars as they prefer to be driven, standing around doing a few thousand miles each year is asking for problems!
Brilliant thank you, so the dawn of time 6.75 is the one ! perfect. The PX bit cheapens things somewhat in the one I was thinking about : https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/2000-W-Reg-Bentley-Arna...
Edited by classicyanktanks on Tuesday 23 January 17:44
You might want to do some research on the 6.75s in the early Arnages, specifically head gaskets and also camshafts on later ones . Fixed from MY2007.
I haven't driven the BMW-engined one but there is school of thought that they're very reliable but they do have different torque charecteristics to the old 6 3/4
I haven't driven the BMW-engined one but there is school of thought that they're very reliable but they do have different torque charecteristics to the old 6 3/4
No. I had a silver seraph, which is basically the same car, for a year and it really wasn't worth the hassle. It felt far too much like a BMW 7 series which is what its based on and not nearly special enough to justify the £1K+ for a head gasket, £4K for a windscreen, £6K for when a valet dented the rear bumper, etc.
But something older if you're only doing 2000 miles a year. It'll feel like a real bentley and will not be anywhere near the same money to keep running.
But something older if you're only doing 2000 miles a year. It'll feel like a real bentley and will not be anywhere near the same money to keep running.
Are you mad? Absolutely not!!!
You will need to decide whether it’s a BMW 4.4L or a Bentley 6.75L engine you are after.
Two very different engines. The Bentley aficionados will mention the torque on the 6.75L.
I have driven both, the 6.75L truly has a large amount torque when on full throttle in a STRAIGHT LINE.
But press on in a country line you will know that there a really heavy nose out in front of you.
It then depends on your driving style.
This is my second Arnage and i had the same thoughts prior to buying her.
I have several other cars, including outright sports cars and German barges. For me the Arnage is a pure cruiser, the car oozes that old school charisma and makes you feel special that no new S class, A8 etc can replicate.
I am no rush to get anywhere in the Arnage.
I chose the 4.4L, and it is plenty fast for me. If you read the figures I am not going to split hairs over 60 second times etc.....
I also do a lot of DIY to the cars; routine oils, filters, plugs etc.
The BMW engine and gearbox maintenance is straight forward with parts widely available. The bigger jobs go to Starmans in Husbands Bosworth, next to Flying Spares. Dwane has a mass of experience and makes these cars much more affordable.
Things to watch out for:
RUST.
Suspension bushes
Struts.
Indicator stalk
On the 6.75L the head gasket will at some point need to be done. If it has not been done you will live with the fear that it could give up at the most inappropriate moment and take the engine with it. This is not a cheap job.
I also keep an eye out on eBay to find cheap parts that I may need in the future.
Mine is a keeper, and I have spent about 4K getting her in to an almost immaculate state. But with cars that are 20 years old they are a constant ‘restoration’. I will be getting the wood refurbished and the erratic speedometer fixed some time. I have found a company that repairs speedos cost effectively, but for me this type of hunting is an enjoyable hobby.
Hope this helps
Raj
You will need to decide whether it’s a BMW 4.4L or a Bentley 6.75L engine you are after.
Two very different engines. The Bentley aficionados will mention the torque on the 6.75L.
I have driven both, the 6.75L truly has a large amount torque when on full throttle in a STRAIGHT LINE.
But press on in a country line you will know that there a really heavy nose out in front of you.
It then depends on your driving style.
This is my second Arnage and i had the same thoughts prior to buying her.
I have several other cars, including outright sports cars and German barges. For me the Arnage is a pure cruiser, the car oozes that old school charisma and makes you feel special that no new S class, A8 etc can replicate.
I am no rush to get anywhere in the Arnage.
I chose the 4.4L, and it is plenty fast for me. If you read the figures I am not going to split hairs over 60 second times etc.....
I also do a lot of DIY to the cars; routine oils, filters, plugs etc.
The BMW engine and gearbox maintenance is straight forward with parts widely available. The bigger jobs go to Starmans in Husbands Bosworth, next to Flying Spares. Dwane has a mass of experience and makes these cars much more affordable.
Things to watch out for:
RUST.
Suspension bushes
Struts.
Indicator stalk
On the 6.75L the head gasket will at some point need to be done. If it has not been done you will live with the fear that it could give up at the most inappropriate moment and take the engine with it. This is not a cheap job.
I also keep an eye out on eBay to find cheap parts that I may need in the future.
Mine is a keeper, and I have spent about 4K getting her in to an almost immaculate state. But with cars that are 20 years old they are a constant ‘restoration’. I will be getting the wood refurbished and the erratic speedometer fixed some time. I have found a company that repairs speedos cost effectively, but for me this type of hunting is an enjoyable hobby.
Hope this helps
Raj
I have run a 2002 Arnage T for five years. It was bought with 25000 miles and now has 42000 miles on the clock.
I have a three tier approach to maintenance.
Bentley Cardiff (Now closed and gone to Bristol) did an annual service for £500 and would point out anything needing doing.
If it was straightforward I have a mechanic friend who spent his career with Jensens Lotuses ( Should that be Loti!) Maseratis and all sorts of exotica and he can mend most things.
Anything more complicated I take to Phantom Motors in Crondale.
Over 5 years it has cost £8000 in maintenance and repairs so I would budget for £1600 a year.
Paul
I have a three tier approach to maintenance.
Bentley Cardiff (Now closed and gone to Bristol) did an annual service for £500 and would point out anything needing doing.
If it was straightforward I have a mechanic friend who spent his career with Jensens Lotuses ( Should that be Loti!) Maseratis and all sorts of exotica and he can mend most things.
Anything more complicated I take to Phantom Motors in Crondale.
Over 5 years it has cost £8000 in maintenance and repairs so I would budget for £1600 a year.
Paul
Edited by WelshBentleyBoy on Tuesday 30th January 15:10
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