The second-generation Flying Spur brought the 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 to Bentley's luxury sedan from 2014, offering a lighter and more efficient alternative to the W12. The engine is co-developed with Audi and shared across VW Group performance models, paired with the well-proven ZF 8HP automatic gearbox. As a four-door sedan, the Flying Spur places greater emphasis on rear-seat comfort and refinement, but the mechanical underpinnings are largely shared with the Continental GT coupe. Running costs remain substantial regardless of engine choice, driven primarily by air suspension complexity, dense electronics, and high specialist labor rates.· more· less
Air suspension repairs very costlyHigh labor rates on all repairs
Buy if: You want a hand-built luxury sedan with a proven V8 powertrain and can budget for specialist maintenance and occasional four-figure repair bills.
Avoid if: You expect affordable running costs or plan to service it at a non-specialist garage without Bentley diagnostic equipment.
Air spring dampers leak or fail, causing the car to sit unevenly or produce knocking from the front end · more· less
The Flying Spur uses a Continuous Dampening Control (CDC) air suspension system that is widely reported as the most common and expensive failure point. Struts typically begin leaking after 60,000-100,000 km, often presenting as one corner sitting noticeably lower than the others, particularly after standing overnight. OEM struts cost approximately €1,200-1,500 each, and repairs should be done in pairs (front or rear). A pair of front struts with labor runs approximately €2,500-4,000 at an independent specialist, while a full four-corner replacement at a Bentley dealer can exceed €8,000. Aftermarket rebuilt struts from companies like Arnott can reduce parts cost by up to 50% with a two-year warranty. Parking with the suspension in its lowest setting can reduce stress on the air springs and extend their life. The Bentley diagnostic laptop must be used to reset the system after any strut replacement.
Turbocharger oil supply screen clogging
€500 - 7,0002 of 10
Internal oil screen clogs over time, starving turbochargers of lubrication and potentially causing catastrophic turbo failure · more· less
This is a known issue across VW Group 4.0T engines (Audi S6, S7, S8, and Bentley). A small mesh screen inside the turbo oil feed line gradually becomes blocked with debris, restricting oil flow to the turbos. If the turbos run without sufficient lubrication, the impellers can disintegrate and send metal fragments into the engine, causing catastrophic damage. Bentley issued a TSB (2052085/1) and Audi issued TSB 204640 with an updated part. Incidence is reported at under 4-5% of Bentley V8 models, but the consequences are severe. The preventive fix involves installing an aftermarket external oil screen kit (approximately €500-800 with labor). If turbos have already failed, replacement runs €3,000-7,000 at an independent specialist. Regular oil changes with high-quality synthetic oil at intervals of 8,000-10,000 km significantly reduce the risk.
Upper suspension arm bush wear
€800 - 2,0003 of 10
Inner bushes on the front upper suspension arms degrade, causing clunking sounds and imprecise handling · more· less
The front upper control arm bushes are a well-documented weak point across all Continental/Flying Spur models. The high-density rubber-to-metal bonded bushes degrade over time due to the weight of the car and road conditions, producing audible clunking over bumps and vague steering response. There are four bushes per car (two per side), and if one has failed, the others are likely near end of life, so replacing all four simultaneously is recommended. A complete upper and lower bush kit (10 bushes) costs approximately €400-500 for parts. Labor at an independent specialist adds approximately €400-1,000. Replacement is typically needed between 60,000-100,000 km.
ECU water damage from blocked plenum drains
€1,500 - 5,0004 of 10
Blocked scuttle drains allow rainwater to flood the fuse box and engine control units located in the plenum chamber · more· less
The area under the windshield wipers (plenum chamber) has drain tubes that get clogged with leaves and debris. When these drains block, rainwater fills the chamber and floods the main engine-compartment fuse box and ECUs, which are positioned at the back of the engine bay beneath the plastic cowl cover. This is considered the Achilles' heel of the Continental/Flying Spur platform. Water damage to the ECU is the number one cause of major electrical module failures on these cars. Replacing an ECU is not plug-and-play due to Component Protection, requiring expensive dealer-level programming. Prevention is simple: have the plenum chamber drains inspected and cleared of debris at least once a year. Repair costs range from €1,500 for a single module replacement up to €5,000 if multiple modules are affected.
Engine mount failure
€1,200 - 2,5005 of 10
Hydraulic engine mounts leak fluid, causing excessive vibration at idle and clunking when shifting · more· less
The 4.0 V8 uses sophisticated hydraulic engine mounts that absorb engine vibrations and prevent movement during acceleration and braking. These mounts can leak their internal hydraulic fluid over time, which manifests as increased vibration at idle and noticeable clunking when the gearbox shifts. The failure does not trigger any warning lights, making it difficult to diagnose without physical inspection. Forum owners report the vibration problem resolved after replacing two motor mounts and two transmission mounts. Parts cost approximately €200-400 for a pair, but labor is significant due to accessibility, requiring an engine support tool. Total job at an independent specialist typically runs €1,200-2,500.
Radiator corrosion and coolant leak
€1,500 - 3,5006 of 10
Electrolytic corrosion at the radiator base leads to coolant leaks and potential overheating · more· less
Radiator corrosion is common on Continental/Flying Spur models as the cars age. The alloy core and steel frame create a galvanic (electrolytic) corrosion effect, and the base of the radiator where road debris and leaves accumulate is particularly susceptible. The corrosion eventually causes weeping and leaks that can lead to overheating if not caught early. A genuine Bentley radiator pack costs approximately €900-1,000 and comes with new hoses. At an independent specialist, expect approximately €1,500-2,000 for parts and labor. At a Bentley dealer, the full job can reach €3,000-3,500. Regular inspection of the radiator area and clearing debris from the base helps slow corrosion.
Electrical wiring loom chafing
€500 - 2,5007 of 10
Wiring looms become trapped or snagged, leading to chafing and electrical short circuits · more· less
Multiple recalls have been issued for wiring loom issues on the Continental and Flying Spur platform. In 2015, over 27,000 vehicles were recalled worldwide for a battery cable connection that could be loose at the firewall, creating a fire risk. In 2019, approximately 800 vehicles were recalled for wiring looms that could become trapped or snagged, causing short circuits. Symptoms can range from intermittent warning lights to hazard light failures. In severe cases, chafed wiring can create a fire risk. Diagnosis typically requires Bentley-specific diagnostic equipment. Simple repairs may cost €500-800, while extensive rewiring or harness replacement can reach €2,000-2,500.
Infotainment system failure
€800 - 3,0008 of 10
Infotainment screen freezes, becomes unresponsive, or gets stuck on the loading screen · more· less
Infotainment screen failures are a well-known issue on both first and second generation Continental and Flying Spur models. Bentley issued a Technical Service Bulletin (2030765/8) in March 2019 for this problem. Common symptoms include the screen showing the Bentley logo but controls being unresponsive, persistent loading screen messages, or complete screen freeze. The cause is typically a failing internal hard drive, faulty connections in the MMI control unit, or outdated firmware. A reboot via the reset button or battery disconnect sometimes resolves the issue temporarily. If the control unit needs replacement, expect €800-1,500 at a specialist. Full infotainment unit replacement at a Bentley dealer can reach €2,500-3,000.
Third brake light (CHMSL) failure
€200 - 6009 of 10
Centre high-mounted stop light LED strip burns out, triggering a persistent dashboard warning · more· less
The third brake light failure is one of the most common and consistently reported issues on the Continental/Flying Spur platform. The LED strip integrated into the rear screen surround burns out, triggering a dashboard warning. Official replacement requires removing the rear windscreen, with a genuine LED strip costing approximately €500. Independent specialists can sometimes source aftermarket LED strips for €100-200. Some owners have developed DIY workarounds using adhesive LED strips or resistor kits that suppress the dashboard warning for as little as €15-20. While not safety-critical in itself, the persistent dashboard warning is a nuisance.
Power window motor/ECU failure
€500 - 1,50010 of 10
Window motors fail with an audible hissing sound, requiring complete motor-ECU unit replacement · more· less
The Flying Spur's power windows use integrated motor-ECU units that cannot be repaired separately. When the motor fails, it typically announces itself with a hissing sound before the window stops moving entirely. Because each window motor has its own integrated ECU, the entire unit must be replaced. Bentley does not sell the motors separately. Parts cost approximately €300-500 per window, with labor adding €200-500 depending on the door and workshop. Given the Flying Spur has four doors (versus the Continental GT's two), there are more potential failure points.
Reliable powertrain, but suspension and electrics drive costs
The 4.0 V8 twin-turbo engine is a well-proven unit shared with Audi's high-performance models and is generally robust when maintained with regular oil changes. The ZF 8HP gearbox is similarly reliable. The main ownership costs come from the air suspension system (the most expensive and common failure), ECU water damage from blocked drains, general wiring complexity, and the inherently high labor rates associated with any Bentley. At independent specialists, running costs are significantly lower than at official dealers. Preventive measures include fitting the aftermarket turbo oil screen kit, keeping plenum drains clear, parking with suspension in low mode, and clearing debris from the radiator area.
Service history
Complete Bentley dealer or authorized specialist records essential. Verify oil changes at maximum 12-month or 16,000 km intervals.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewalls), and uneven wear patterns. Inner tire wear suggests worn suspension bushes.
Cold start
Start the engine completely cold and listen for unusual turbo whine or rattling. The V8 should idle smoothly without vibration.
Test drive
Minimum 30 minutes including varied speeds and road surfaces. Pay attention to ride quality and any suspension noises.
Specific for this vehicle
Check suspension ride height on all four corners
Park on level ground with the engine off for 10 minutes. Any corner sitting lower than the others indicates air suspension failure. Also listen for the sound of air escaping within each wheel arch.
Listen for clunking over bumps at low speed
Drive slowly over speed bumps and rough surfaces with the windows down. Upper suspension arm bush wear causes audible clunking and vague steering feel.
Check for engine vibration at idle in Drive
With the car in Drive and brakes held, feel for excessive vibration through the steering wheel or seat. This indicates engine mount failure, which does not trigger any warning lights.
+ 6 more checksShow less
Test the infotainment system thoroughly
Navigate through all menus, test the touchscreen responsiveness, and check if the system freezes or gets stuck on the loading screen. A TSB exists for this issue.
Test all four power windows fully up and down
Listen for hissing sounds and check for slow or uneven movement. Motor-ECU failures are common and the four-door layout means more exposure.
Inspect the third brake light
Have someone press the brake pedal and confirm all three brake lights work. This is one of the most frequently reported issues on this platform.
Verify all recalls completed with Bentley using VIN
Battery cable, electrical short circuit, and wiring loom recalls all apply to this generation. Confirm every recall is completed before purchase.
Check coolant level and radiator condition
Inspect coolant level (should be between min/max marks) and look for signs of corrosion or debris accumulation at the radiator base.
Inspect plenum drains under the windshield cowl
Check for evidence of water staining or corrosion around the fuse box area. Blocked drains are the number one cause of major electrical failures on this platform.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Battery cable connection loose at firewall, fire risk (2012-2014 models, manufactured Feb 2011 - Apr 2014, 27,640 vehicles worldwide)Critical - verify completed
Electrical short circuit risk from wiring (Oct 2015, 3,642 vehicles affected)Critical - verify completed
Wiring loom trapping/snagging causing electrical short circuit risk (Jul 2019, approximately 800 vehicles)Verify completed
Hazard warning light and demister function failure (Jul 2019, approximately 830 vehicles)Verify completed
Contact Bentley with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The battery cable and electrical short circuit recalls are particularly important as they carry fire risk. A number of the recalls overlap between the Continental GT and Flying Spur platforms, so verify against the full Bentley recall database for your specific VIN.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / unlimited km)Expired on all Mk2 V8 models
Extended warrantyAvailable through Bentley dealers, typically €3,000-5,000/year
Rust perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply on 2014+ models
All Mk2 Flying Spur V8 models are now outside their original 3-year factory warranty. Extended warranty options are available through Bentley dealers but exclusions (such as wear items and some suspension components) should be carefully reviewed before purchase. Given the high potential repair costs, an extended warranty is worth serious consideration.
Sources: Research draws on model-specific owner forums and owner communities, recall information from official authorities, German automotive press, and multiple workshop cost references cross-checked against each other.
This report is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Estimates may be inaccurate. Always have a qualified specialist inspect the vehicle before purchase. We accept no liability for decisions made based on this information.
