The second-generation Flying Spur brought Bentley's four-door saloon onto a revised platform shared with the Continental GT Mk2. The 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12 is paired with a ZF 8-speed automatic and permanent all-wheel drive, producing between 616 and 635 hp depending on variant. Build quality improved over the first generation, and the ZF 8-speed is a significant upgrade over the earlier six-speed unit. However, the W12 remains tightly packaged, meaning even routine tasks like coil or spark plug changes require major disassembly, which keeps labor costs high.· more· less
Proven W12, robust when maintainedSmooth ZF 8-speed automatic
Extreme labor costs (engine access)Air suspension and electrics age poorly
Buy if: You want a powerful luxury saloon with genuine presence and can budget for specialist maintenance costs that remain firmly in the five-figure range per year.
Avoid if: You expect running costs to match the (now accessible) purchase price, or you lack access to a Bentley-experienced specialist in your area.
Air struts develop leaks after 60,000-100,000 km, causing one corner to sag overnight · more· less
The Flying Spur uses Continuous Damping Control air suspension on all four corners. The rubber bladders inside the struts develop microscopic cracks as they age, typically becoming noticeable between 60,000 and 100,000 km. The first sign is usually one corner sitting lower after the car has been parked overnight. If the leak is ignored, the compressor overworks and eventually burns out. OEM struts from Bentley cost approximately €2,000-2,500 each, though aftermarket alternatives from suppliers like Arnott offer equivalent units at roughly half the price with lifetime warranties. Struts must be replaced in pairs (front or rear). When both front struts and the compressor need replacement simultaneously, the bill at a Bentley dealer can exceed €9,000. Independent specialists charge 30-40% less. Setting the suspension to its lowest mode when parked can reduce stress on the air springs and extend their life.
Vacuum hose deterioration
€3,000 - 7,0002 of 9
Rubber vacuum lines degrade from engine heat, causing rough idle, warning lights, and boost issues · more· less
The 6.0 W12 twin-turbo generates considerable heat in an extremely tight engine bay. All rubber vacuum hoses gradually dry out, become brittle, and crack. A single leaking vacuum line can trigger multiple warning lights, cause rough idle, and affect boost control. In extreme cases the car may not idle at all. The problem is that most of the vacuum hose harness runs through areas that require significant disassembly or, in some cases, engine removal to access. The Mk2 generation improved accessibility slightly over the Mk1, but the job remains labor-intensive. Independent specialists typically quote €3,000-5,000 for the vacuum hose replacement using upgraded silicone or metal lines. At a Bentley dealer the bill can reach €6,000-7,000. Some specialist workshops have developed partial workarounds that reduce disassembly, bringing costs closer to €3,000.
Turbocharger wastegate actuator failure
€4,000 - 12,0003 of 9
Wastegate diaphragm swells from oil vapor exposure, causing boost loss, rattle, and limp mode · more· less
The twin turbochargers are deeply buried in the engine bay. The wastegate actuator contains a rubber diaphragm that can swell from oil vapor accumulation, eventually failing. Symptoms include a rattling noise from the engine bay, reduced power, EPC warning light, and limp mode. Bentley does not sell the wastegate actuator separately; the entire turbocharger assembly must be replaced. Accessing the turbos requires significant engine disassembly or engine removal, with labor alone running 30-50 hours at a dealer. Full turbo replacement at a dealer can reach €10,000-12,000 per side. Specialist remanufactured turbochargers with upgraded wastegate bushings are available for significantly less. This issue is relatively uncommon, but the consequences are expensive. Regular oil changes with the correct specification oil are the best prevention. Blue exhaust smoke on startup or under acceleration is a warning sign of turbo bearing wear.
Oil leaks from valve cover gaskets and turbo lines
€1,500 - 5,0004 of 9
The W12's complex gasket layout develops weeps, especially around valve covers and turbo oil feed lines · more· less
The W12 engine consists of two VR6 units married at the crankshaft, resulting in an irregular and complex gasket layout. Valve cover gaskets are a known wear item that tends to leak after 60,000-100,000 km. Oil can also seep from the turbocharger feed and return lines, the oil filter housing gasket, and various smaller seals. Because the engine bay is extremely tight, even minor oil leak repairs involve significant disassembly. Valve cover gasket replacement requires 10-17 hours of labor due to intake manifold removal. At dealer labor rates of €150-200/hour, the bill escalates quickly. The oil lines to the turbos should be inspected regularly, as blocked or leaking lines can cause oil starvation to the turbochargers. Independent specialists typically perform this work for €1,500-3,000, while a dealer may charge €3,500-5,000.
Ignition coil pack failure
€500 - 1,5005 of 9
Individual coil packs fail causing misfires; the W12 has 12 coils and limited access · more· less
The W12 has 12 individual ignition coil packs, and failure of one or more is a well-known VW Group issue. Symptoms include rough idle, misfires, and check engine light. The coils themselves are inexpensive (approximately €25-40 each using VW Group part numbers, which are identical to Bentley parts at a fraction of the cost). A complete set of 12 costs €300-500. However, accessing the coils requires removal of intake manifold sections, involving 4-8 hours of labor. Spark plugs (approximately €160 for a set of 12) should be replaced simultaneously to avoid repeated disassembly. Bentley recommends spark plug replacement every 4 years or 60,000 km. This is one of the more affordable W12 repairs.
Electrical system and KESSY module water damage
€500 - 5,0006 of 9
Complex electronics with many control modules; the KESSY module is vulnerable to water ingress from blocked plenum drains · more· less
The Flying Spur contains approximately 30 electronic control modules. As the car ages, wiring insulation becomes brittle from heat cycling, connectors corrode, and sensors drift. Common symptoms include spurious dashboard warnings (particularly tire pressure, parking sensors, and engine management), intermittent glitches, and phantom warning lights. The KESSY (Keyless Entry Start System) module, located under the carpet in the driver's footwell, is particularly vulnerable: blocked plenum drains under the windscreen cowl allow rainwater to flood this module, causing cascading electrical failures. A water-damaged KESSY module can trigger bizarre symptoms including complete no-start conditions. Module replacement costs €1,000-3,000, while a comprehensive wiring repair after water damage can reach €5,000. Prevention is simple: have the plenum drains cleaned at every service.
Power window motor/ECU failure
€500 - 1,5007 of 9
Window motors fail with a characteristic hissing sound; each motor has its own ECU that cannot be replaced separately · more· less
Electric window failures are a recurring Bentley issue across all models. The symptom is a hissing sound when operating the window, indicating the motor is failing. Each window has an integrated motor/ECU assembly that Bentley does not sell separately. The entire window lift assembly must be replaced. OEM replacement costs €600-1,000 per window from Bentley, plus 2-3 hours of labor. Specialist rebuild services can refurbish the original motor-ECU unit for €300-500, offering significant savings. Budget for at least one or two window repairs over long-term ownership.
Third brake light (CHMSL) failure
€200 - 6008 of 9
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 commonly reported issues across all Continental and Flying Spur models. The LED strip integrated into the rear window surround burns out, triggering a dashboard warning. Official replacement from Bentley requires removing the rear windscreen, with the genuine LED unit costing approximately €400-500. Aftermarket repair kits using replacement resistors are available for as little as €20-30, while specialist LED strip replacements cost €100-200. While not safety-critical beyond the brake light function itself, the persistent dashboard warning is annoying, and the official repair carries risk of damaging the rear windscreen seal.
Cooling system component degradation
€1,000 - 3,5009 of 9
Plastic coolant fittings, expansion tank, and radiator corrode with age, typically around 80,000-100,000 km · more· less
The W12 runs hot, and the cooling system uses numerous plastic connectors and fittings that become brittle with age and heat cycling. The expansion tank can develop hairline cracks, coolant pipe connectors split, and the water pump wears. The auxiliary electric cooling pump, located in front of the front left wheel, can also fail, causing poor heater performance at idle. Radiator corrosion, particularly at the base where debris accumulates, is common on older examples. Individual components are not outrageously expensive (water pump around €400-600, expansion tank €200-300), but labor to access these components in the cramped engine bay adds significantly. A comprehensive cooling system refresh at an independent specialist typically costs €2,000-3,500.
Durable engine, but extreme labor costs when anything needs attention
The W12 engine is proven and can reach high mileages with proper care. The ZF 8-speed automatic is reliable, with fewer than 2% of Bentleys experiencing transmission failure within 250,000 km. However, the extreme density of the engine bay means even routine tasks require significant disassembly. Air suspension aging, vacuum hose deterioration, oil seepage from the complex gasket layout, and general electrical aging are the most common ownership costs beyond scheduled maintenance. A well-maintained car serviced by a knowledgeable specialist is far less risky than a poorly maintained example, regardless of mileage.
Service history
Complete Bentley dealer or authorized specialist records are essential. Verify all services were completed on schedule (annually or every 16,000 km). Gaps in history are a major red flag on any W12 Bentley.
Tires
Check tread depth, age (date codes on sidewalls), and uneven wear patterns. Standard fitment is 275/35R20 or 275/35R21. Budget €200-300 per tire for premium brands.
Cold start
Must start the engine completely cold. Listen for any knocking, rattling, or rough idle in the first 30 seconds.
Test drive
Minimum 30-40 minutes including motorway speeds. The car needs full operating temperature to reveal boost, suspension, and gearbox issues.
Specific for this vehicle
Check air suspension level on all four corners
Park on level ground and leave for several hours or overnight. Return and check if any corner sits lower. Test all suspension height modes during the drive.
Check the driver footwell for damp or water damage
Feel under the carpet for moisture or staining. A musty smell indicates blocked plenum drains and potential KESSY module damage. This is one of the most important checks.
Listen for vacuum leaks at idle
With the engine at operating temperature, listen for hissing sounds from the engine bay. A vacuum leak may also cause rough idle or intermittent warning lights.
+ 5 more checksShow less
Test all power windows
Operate every window fully up and down. Listen for hissing sounds indicating motor failure.
Look for blue exhaust smoke on startup and hard acceleration
Blue smoke indicates turbo bearing wear or oil seal failure. Walk behind the car during the test drive.
Check for oil and coolant leaks underneath
With the car on a lift, inspect the underside for oil seepage around valve covers, turbo lines, and oil filter housing. Check for coolant puddles and sweet odors.
Verify battery cable recall completed
Recall 15V688000 affects 2014 models manufactured Feb 2013 - Apr 2014. Contact Bentley with VIN to confirm. Fire risk if not completed.
Test all electronics thoroughly
Heated/ventilated seats, Naim audio system, parking sensors, cameras, climate control (front and rear zones), and all driving modes. Repair costs for bespoke Bentley electronics are high.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Battery cable connection loose at firewall, fire risk (2014 models manufactured Feb 2013 - Apr 2014, recall 15V688000)Critical - verify completed
Electrical short circuit risk from wiring (2012-2015 Continental and Flying Spur models, Oct 2015)Verify completed
PAS cooler pipe incorrect size, steering fluid leak and fire risk (2017-2018 models)Verify if applicable
Contact Bentley with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The battery cable recall is particularly important due to fire risk on 2014 models. The 2015 electrical short circuit recall also applies to Flying Spur models from this period.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / unlimited km)Expired on all Mk2 Flying Spur models
Bentley 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 Spurs are now outside their original 3-year factory warranty. Extended warranty options are available through Bentley retailers, but exclusions are common (notably air suspension wear, oil leaks, and some electrical components). Given the potential repair costs, carefully review exclusion lists before purchasing extended coverage.
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.
