Bentley Flying Spur 4.0 V8 Mk2

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.