6.75 engined Bentleys issues?
Discussion
Currently investigating the Bentley range of older cars. Mainly the various Arnage models and the slightly newer Mulsanne so realistically between early 2000s until 2015ish
My main question is around the cylinder head gasket issue. Is that model specific or specific period ie is it all Turbo T or all cars from 2005 to 2008 or whatever.
I'm a little confused so hoping someone can help me understand the issue better.
Plus are there Any other significant issues to check for on the Arnage and Mulsanne models.
Many thanks
My main question is around the cylinder head gasket issue. Is that model specific or specific period ie is it all Turbo T or all cars from 2005 to 2008 or whatever.
I'm a little confused so hoping someone can help me understand the issue better.
Plus are there Any other significant issues to check for on the Arnage and Mulsanne models.
Many thanks
If you join the RREC (rrec.org.uk) you ll find an article in a recent back issue of the Club magazine Spirit & Speed (sometime last winter from memory) which explains the head gasket issue at length.
The other thing to be aware of is cam/tappet wear, which was finally overcome with the move to roller tappets in 2007 ish. By that time the more modern ZF transmission had replaced the GM 4 speed.
Personally I d be just as worried about corrosion, because these cars are shockingly badly painted underneath.
I m in the process of shot blasting the under sills of my 50,000mile 2005 Arnage because the rust is terrible. The rear sub frame, and components on it, are so bad that I ve taken it back to bare metal and have rebuilt the whole thing.
That then enabled visibility of the fuel pump assembly, where most frightening of all was a small steel block which serves to merge the output from the two fuel pumps, and I m certain that if left untreated it would have disintegrated within a couple more years.
It both amuses and infuriates me when I hear people extolling the virtues of Bentley engineering, because some of it is absolute rubbish. VW seem content to use the legacy reputation of Bentley when it suits them, but don't like putting effort, or money, into supporting the more recent 'classics', so some spares can be very difficult to source.
The other thing to be aware of is cam/tappet wear, which was finally overcome with the move to roller tappets in 2007 ish. By that time the more modern ZF transmission had replaced the GM 4 speed.
Personally I d be just as worried about corrosion, because these cars are shockingly badly painted underneath.
I m in the process of shot blasting the under sills of my 50,000mile 2005 Arnage because the rust is terrible. The rear sub frame, and components on it, are so bad that I ve taken it back to bare metal and have rebuilt the whole thing.
That then enabled visibility of the fuel pump assembly, where most frightening of all was a small steel block which serves to merge the output from the two fuel pumps, and I m certain that if left untreated it would have disintegrated within a couple more years.
It both amuses and infuriates me when I hear people extolling the virtues of Bentley engineering, because some of it is absolute rubbish. VW seem content to use the legacy reputation of Bentley when it suits them, but don't like putting effort, or money, into supporting the more recent 'classics', so some spares can be very difficult to source.
Edited by Zulu 10 on Friday 18th July 17:07
Thank you for the reply.
Very interesting what you say about corrosion. Do you think you've been unlucky or that it's probably more common place so I need to get any purchase up on ramps first?
I hear you ref the manufacturers attitude. I've got a 2017 aston and the paint was really quite poorly finished, nothing a bit of time with a DA polisher didnt sort but I'm sure the factory could have done better first time around.
I'll look into the engine side more as per your suggestion as all im.trying to do is establish if there are specific models to avoid !
Very interesting what you say about corrosion. Do you think you've been unlucky or that it's probably more common place so I need to get any purchase up on ramps first?
I hear you ref the manufacturers attitude. I've got a 2017 aston and the paint was really quite poorly finished, nothing a bit of time with a DA polisher didnt sort but I'm sure the factory could have done better first time around.
I'll look into the engine side more as per your suggestion as all im.trying to do is establish if there are specific models to avoid !
I’ve spoken to a well known independent Bentley specialist who remembers visiting the factory when Arnages were still being made, and seeing subframes showing signs of rust before they’d even been fitted to cars, so no, I don’t think I’ve been unlucky.
Also, I’ve got a 2005 Conti GT and the quality of paint on the bits that can’t be seen is shocking, which reinforces my opinion that VW took the decision to cut costs wherever they could.
The number of rusted bolts which I’ve had to cut off suggests to me that no-one was prepared to countenance wasting time on giving each bolt a quick brush with grease before it was fitted, which I find inexcusable on a “hand made” car.
Thankfully I bought my Arnage at auction where the hammer fell at £17,000 for a facelift ‘05 car which at the time had covered less than 50,000 miles.
The cost of undertaking a full rear end rebuilt has not been too onerous because I’ve spent a few hours searching to find the origin of the components so that only where absolutely necessary am I buying parts which arrive in a box marked “Bentley”.
Also, the workshop manuals, illustrated parts catalogues and wiring schematics for the Arnage are all readily available, so if you’re prepared to get your hands dirty, then they can be run for almost sensible money.
Also, I’ve got a 2005 Conti GT and the quality of paint on the bits that can’t be seen is shocking, which reinforces my opinion that VW took the decision to cut costs wherever they could.
The number of rusted bolts which I’ve had to cut off suggests to me that no-one was prepared to countenance wasting time on giving each bolt a quick brush with grease before it was fitted, which I find inexcusable on a “hand made” car.
Thankfully I bought my Arnage at auction where the hammer fell at £17,000 for a facelift ‘05 car which at the time had covered less than 50,000 miles.
The cost of undertaking a full rear end rebuilt has not been too onerous because I’ve spent a few hours searching to find the origin of the components so that only where absolutely necessary am I buying parts which arrive in a box marked “Bentley”.
Also, the workshop manuals, illustrated parts catalogues and wiring schematics for the Arnage are all readily available, so if you’re prepared to get your hands dirty, then they can be run for almost sensible money.
Zulu 10 said:
....also, the workshop manuals, illustrated parts catalogues and wiring schematics for the Arnage are all readily available, so if you re prepared to get your hands dirty, then they can be run for almost sensible money.
Thanks - that's good to know. Been driving Contis for 10 years but frustrated at the lack of manuals (I've got the CDs etc).Lockhouse said:
Thanks - that's good to know. Been driving Contis for 10 years but frustrated at the lack of manuals (I've got the CDs etc).
We may be at crossed purposes, but if you referring to the VW Continental GT, as opposed to the 'proper' Bentley Continental, then all the technical information (i.e. workshop manuals, parts catalogues, circuit diagrams) is available for cars up to 2011 on CD for £30 here: https://www.flyingspares.com/parts-workshop-manual...That said, you may be driving much newer cars, in which case, I think you're correct: there's nothing out there.
(In case anyone wonders: Flying Spares are a well known reputable supplier of RR and B parts, so I can't believe that VW haven't approved them selling copies of IETIS)
Hi
I have owned my 2007 Arnage T for 14 years and it has now done 160,000 miles (possibly a record!).
I am happy to run through maintenance history but think it is best to buy the 07 onwards models with the final gearbox (button on top of gearstick) to avoid head gasket issues. I would suggest that running them for 10 000 miles a year to allow for a budget of 3 to 5 k a year for maintenance. Mine lives outside and has recently had some rust work done on the wheel arches.
I love mine!
Hubert
I have owned my 2007 Arnage T for 14 years and it has now done 160,000 miles (possibly a record!).
I am happy to run through maintenance history but think it is best to buy the 07 onwards models with the final gearbox (button on top of gearstick) to avoid head gasket issues. I would suggest that running them for 10 000 miles a year to allow for a budget of 3 to 5 k a year for maintenance. Mine lives outside and has recently had some rust work done on the wheel arches.
I love mine!
Hubert
Thanks Hubert, so post 2007 fir head gasket issue avoidance but I'm sure I've heard some later engined cars had cam shaft issues??
Could be wrong but is there a golden age of cars that are regarded as rhe most robust perhaps 2007 until...?
Mine too will live outside as rhe garage space is already taken and i would expect between 4 and 6k miles a year.
As you can gather I'm new to the marque so still finding my feet with a purchase expected within the next 3 months.
I love the Mulsanne with 2013 to 15 cars from £40 to £55k but then I see the Arnage series at half that and my head says go for the Arnage but my eyes keep get drawn towards rhe Mulsanne.......oh dear ...these things are never as easy as you imagine
Could be wrong but is there a golden age of cars that are regarded as rhe most robust perhaps 2007 until...?
Mine too will live outside as rhe garage space is already taken and i would expect between 4 and 6k miles a year.
As you can gather I'm new to the marque so still finding my feet with a purchase expected within the next 3 months.
I love the Mulsanne with 2013 to 15 cars from £40 to £55k but then I see the Arnage series at half that and my head says go for the Arnage but my eyes keep get drawn towards rhe Mulsanne.......oh dear ...these things are never as easy as you imagine
I have not heard of cam shaft issues. The engines are very robust but I have replaced some of the pipes to the turbos over the years as they age.
I like the Mulsanne too and my Dad has one. The main buying decision is I think around size- the Mulsanne is around a foot longer and the boot is smaller. I use mine in airport car parks, super markets, London parking etc -the Mulsanne might be a struggle? It does feel larger to drive around. Also I feel like I can drive the Arnage harder...
I have noticed on one of two Mulsanne I have looked at that they have had news steering columns and the earlier door handles flake chrome - quality issues?!
Anyway both great cars!
I like the Mulsanne too and my Dad has one. The main buying decision is I think around size- the Mulsanne is around a foot longer and the boot is smaller. I use mine in airport car parks, super markets, London parking etc -the Mulsanne might be a struggle? It does feel larger to drive around. Also I feel like I can drive the Arnage harder...
I have noticed on one of two Mulsanne I have looked at that they have had news steering columns and the earlier door handles flake chrome - quality issues?!
Anyway both great cars!
Good to know and very helpful.
It's probably just a casebof driving both models and seeing what floats my boat the most.
Neither car is small but I do hear you ref the mulsanne it's a very big beast ! (But oh so gorgeous)
A quick Google on the cam issue and lots of stuff out there but appears to be quite early cars so anything later should be good.
A decent explanation of the problem here
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8F3FQwfqrM4&t=30...
It's probably just a casebof driving both models and seeing what floats my boat the most.
Neither car is small but I do hear you ref the mulsanne it's a very big beast ! (But oh so gorgeous)
A quick Google on the cam issue and lots of stuff out there but appears to be quite early cars so anything later should be good.
A decent explanation of the problem here
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=8F3FQwfqrM4&t=30...
I'm niw absolutely convinced of the need for a Bentley.
I love rhe Mulsanne but not sure I need to spend upto £50k for a daily run about come trinket.
Any Arnage woukd have to be the 6spd variant as everything I've read suggests that's the safest model for avoiding issues.
These seem to come in at £30k so a good chunk of change less.
Hoping to pop into Fearons (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) this week to discuss post purchase inspections and see if they can recommend any specific dealer specialists to consider purchasing from.
So now its all about spec.......
Trying to avoid black paint (harder than it seems)
Light interior (cream and all variants)
Mulliner specs would be nice
Picnic tables needed
Extended wood options prefered
C pillar mirrors prefered
Flying B mascot on bonnet prefered
If Mulsanne then Naim stereo needed
And of course a good history file !!
Let the hunt begin.......
I love rhe Mulsanne but not sure I need to spend upto £50k for a daily run about come trinket.
Any Arnage woukd have to be the 6spd variant as everything I've read suggests that's the safest model for avoiding issues.
These seem to come in at £30k so a good chunk of change less.
Hoping to pop into Fearons (Newcastle-upon-Tyne) this week to discuss post purchase inspections and see if they can recommend any specific dealer specialists to consider purchasing from.
So now its all about spec.......
Trying to avoid black paint (harder than it seems)
Light interior (cream and all variants)
Mulliner specs would be nice
Picnic tables needed
Extended wood options prefered
C pillar mirrors prefered
Flying B mascot on bonnet prefered
If Mulsanne then Naim stereo needed
And of course a good history file !!
Let the hunt begin.......
Well boys and girls it looks like I've found a car!
Put a deposit down an a 2009 Arnage Final Series.
Blue with cream interior. I haven't driven it but have inspected it and it was very very well presented. Paint almost perfect and all original. Good spec too with all the factory trinkets still with the car.
It needs a little bit of work as rear suspension is far too hard (dealer tells me this) hence not much point test driving. He has it booked in with a specialist and has already ordered the spheres etc so collection in about 2 weeks.
It has been used ( a good thing in my eyes) but less so in rhe last couple of years hence up for sale, about 50k miles. 3 owners equally spread over 16 years so each keeping for several years and a whole host of bills, invoices and history data. 14 service stamps in 16 years mainly with a main dealer.
I couldn't find any interior damage or bodywork damage anywhere.
A few pics below and I'm very excited for my new daily driver to get here
Put a deposit down an a 2009 Arnage Final Series.
Blue with cream interior. I haven't driven it but have inspected it and it was very very well presented. Paint almost perfect and all original. Good spec too with all the factory trinkets still with the car.
It needs a little bit of work as rear suspension is far too hard (dealer tells me this) hence not much point test driving. He has it booked in with a specialist and has already ordered the spheres etc so collection in about 2 weeks.
It has been used ( a good thing in my eyes) but less so in rhe last couple of years hence up for sale, about 50k miles. 3 owners equally spread over 16 years so each keeping for several years and a whole host of bills, invoices and history data. 14 service stamps in 16 years mainly with a main dealer.
I couldn't find any interior damage or bodywork damage anywhere.
A few pics below and I'm very excited for my new daily driver to get here
Edited by Longy00000 on Saturday 30th August 23:50
Longy00000 said:
Well boys and girls it looks like I've found a car!
Put a deposit down an a 2009 Arnage Final Series.
Blue with cream interior. I haven't driven it but have inspected it and it was very very well presented. Paint almost perfect and all original. Good spec too with all the factory trinkets still with the car.
Congratulations, looks magnificent and the dealer you seem to be buying from has the reputation of selling good cars. Wishing you many happy miles!Put a deposit down an a 2009 Arnage Final Series.
Blue with cream interior. I haven't driven it but have inspected it and it was very very well presented. Paint almost perfect and all original. Good spec too with all the factory trinkets still with the car.
Voxy said:
Longy00000 said:
Well boys and girls it looks like I've found a car!
Put a deposit down an a 2009 Arnage Final Series.
Blue with cream interior. I haven't driven it but have inspected it and it was very very well presented. Paint almost perfect and all original. Good spec too with all the factory trinkets still with the car.
Congratulations, looks magnificent and the dealer you seem to be buying from has the reputation of selling good cars. Wishing you many happy miles!Put a deposit down an a 2009 Arnage Final Series.
Blue with cream interior. I haven't driven it but have inspected it and it was very very well presented. Paint almost perfect and all original. Good spec too with all the factory trinkets still with the car.
Thank you guys . Unfortunately I'm from lower Northumberland near Newcastle way so unlikely our paths will cross 
Derek has a nice little workshop their Edinburgh with some interesting stuff lying around for cars, bikes and planes!
Needs some attention to rear suspension (new spheres) so off to a specialist next week so I'm likely to collect a week or so after that provided nothing else found.
What are you guys opinions on the lambs wool over rugs? The build sheet and invoice did have them but alas no longer with the car....is it worth replacing them or are they a bit 'much' in reality for daily use.
The carpets are immaculate so I may need something.
Still got all 4 brollies, the cocktail cabinet stuff including napkins, its just the rugs that are missing but obviously protected rhe carpets wonderfully.
Any thoughts?
Derek has a nice little workshop their Edinburgh with some interesting stuff lying around for cars, bikes and planes!
Needs some attention to rear suspension (new spheres) so off to a specialist next week so I'm likely to collect a week or so after that provided nothing else found.
What are you guys opinions on the lambs wool over rugs? The build sheet and invoice did have them but alas no longer with the car....is it worth replacing them or are they a bit 'much' in reality for daily use.
The carpets are immaculate so I may need something.
Still got all 4 brollies, the cocktail cabinet stuff including napkins, its just the rugs that are missing but obviously protected rhe carpets wonderfully.
Any thoughts?
Yeah I'm a bit torn. The rugs look great when clean and pretty but they will soak up a whole load of dirt and grit and how do you clean them ???
I might get some normal style mats fir the front and some labs wool rugs for the rear, maybe that's a sensible approach but still being practical or maybe its a miss match and you should go all in or don't bother.
Had just wondered what others experiences of them were
I might get some normal style mats fir the front and some labs wool rugs for the rear, maybe that's a sensible approach but still being practical or maybe its a miss match and you should go all in or don't bother.
Had just wondered what others experiences of them were
I have a 1997 Continental R and have the lambswool over rugs for passengers but find it too thick for me as the driver (interferes with my shoes !) so have a normal thickness matching colour mat instead. My 6.75 engine has now done nearly 160,000 miles despite the mpg around 11 around town, 16 on a run. Find a local (ish) specialist to maintain it would be my advice. Spares mostly available from Flying Spares or IntroCars and some are from more regular models e.g. I think the front seats in my car are refinished BMW 8 series etc. Parking due to the car's length is a challenge in multi storey car parks so I generally avoid them
I haven't collected the car yet so I might just hold tight on the mats front for a few weeks and see how I get on.
160k miles....wow that's some achievement on 1 of these engines. Well done.
I've got a good specialist fairly local to me (alan fearon) who appears to have established a good reputation and I went to see him a few days ago and without him seeing the car he is going to waxoyl the underside and behind the door cards for me whikst giving it a once over. I think some early preventative maintenance will be a good investment.
160k miles....wow that's some achievement on 1 of these engines. Well done.
I've got a good specialist fairly local to me (alan fearon) who appears to have established a good reputation and I went to see him a few days ago and without him seeing the car he is going to waxoyl the underside and behind the door cards for me whikst giving it a once over. I think some early preventative maintenance will be a good investment.
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