The third-generation Flying Spur on the MSB platform is widely considered the most refined Bentley sedan ever built. The 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8, derived from the Audi/Porsche 4.0T family, delivers 542 hp through a ZF 8-speed gearbox and all-wheel drive. It replaced the Continental platform with a more modern architecture shared with the Porsche Panamera, bringing notable improvements in ride quality, handling, and technology. V8 production for Europe ended in mid-2024, replaced by hybrid powertrains from the 2025 model year onward.· more· less
Robust V8 shared with Audi/PorscheModern MSB platform, refined ride
Turbo oil screen needs monitoringAir suspension repairs are expensive
Buy if: You want a modern luxury sedan with a proven twin-turbo V8 and can budget for Bentley-level servicing and occasional expensive repairs.
Avoid if: You need low running costs, plan to skip services, or cannot absorb repair bills that regularly reach four figures.
Oil supply screens can clog, starving turbochargers of lubrication and potentially destroying them · more· less
The Audi-derived 4.0T V8 has a known weakness: mesh screens in the turbo oil supply lines can become blocked with sludge over time. Audi issued TSB 2044640 for this problem. When blocked, oil flow to one or both turbochargers is restricted, which can cause turbo bearing failure. On earlier 4.0T applications (Audi S6/S7/RS7, 2012-2018 Bentley models), failures were documented as early as 60,000-80,000 km. The Mk3 Flying Spur uses an updated version of this engine, and reports of catastrophic turbo failure are less common, but the underlying design persists. Cleaning the screen costs around €800 at a specialist, but if turbo damage has already occurred, replacement is €3,000-6,000 per turbo including labor. Aftermarket relocation kits exist that make the screen serviceable during regular oil changes. Using high-quality synthetic oil and changing it every 10,000 km or annually helps prevent buildup.
Air suspension strut leak
up to €5,0002 of 7
Air springs develop leaks over time, causing uneven ride height and overworking the compressor · more· less
The Flying Spur Mk3 uses a sophisticated multi-chamber air suspension system. Air springs can develop slow leaks as rubber bladders age, typically appearing after 60,000-100,000 km or 5-7 years. Symptoms include one corner sitting lower after the car has been parked overnight, or the compressor running excessively on startup. A single OEM air strut costs €1,500-2,500 depending on front or rear position, plus €500-1,000 labor. If the compressor has been damaged from running overtime due to a leaking strut, replacing it adds €800-1,200. Aftermarket air springs are available from €500-600 per unit, significantly reducing parts cost. Prompt repair of any identified leak prevents cascading compressor damage.
Window regulator/motor failure
up to €1,8003 of 7
Electric window motors develop a hissing sound before failing completely · more· less
Bentley uses a complex frameless window mechanism with individual ECU-controlled motors. A distinctive hissing sound when operating the window is an early warning sign of imminent failure. The motor and regulator assembly is sold as a complete unit at €600-1,000 per window, with labor adding €200-500 per window depending on the door. Since each motor has its own ECU, diagnostics and coding are required after replacement. This is a known Bentley-wide issue, not specific to the Mk3, but the complex lifting system for the frameless doors makes it more expensive than a conventional window repair. The issue can affect any window but front windows are reported more frequently.
Infotainment system freezing and glitches
up to €2,5004 of 7
Touchscreen can freeze, go blank, or become unresponsive, requiring software updates or hardware replacement · more· less
The Mk3 Flying Spur uses a rotating three-sided dashboard display that can experience software glitches, screen freezing, and unresponsive controls. Bentley has released multiple software updates to address these issues. In most cases, a software update at the dealer resolves the problem at no cost or minimal diagnostic fee. However, if the issue persists, the head unit may need replacement, which can cost €1,500-2,500 including the display module and programming. The rotating mechanism itself can also develop issues, though this is less common. Many owners report that keeping the software up to date through regular dealer visits prevents most infotainment problems.
Thermostat and cooling system leaks
up to €2,0005 of 7
Thermostat housing seals and coolant hoses can develop slow leaks, typically after 60,000+ km · more· less
The 4.0T V8 can develop coolant leaks from the thermostat housing seal or auxiliary coolant pump connections. The thermostat housing seal itself is inexpensive (under €20), but accessing it requires removing significant front-end components, pushing labor to €400-800. Auxiliary coolant pumps for the turbochargers can also fail, though Bentley addressed some early pump issues via recall on 2020 Continental GT models. Symptoms include slowly dropping coolant levels, a sweet smell from the engine bay, or intermittent temperature gauge fluctuations. Regular visual inspection of coolant hoses and connections during service helps catch leaks early before they cause overheating.
Active engine mount deterioration
up to €3,0006 of 7
Hydraulic engine mounts lose fluid over time, causing vibration at idle and clunking on gear changes · more· less
The 4.0 V8 uses hydraulic active engine mounts designed to dampen vibrations. These mounts can develop internal fluid leaks, losing their vibration-damping ability. Symptoms include noticeable vibration at idle that was not present when the car was newer, and sometimes a clunking noise when shifting from Park to Drive. Replacement requires engine support fixtures and is rated as highly difficult (specialist-only work). Parts cost around €500-800 per mount, with labor adding €800-1,500 for the pair. Audi issued TSB 2036392 for this issue on the 4.0T engine family. Failed mounts should be replaced promptly as excessive engine movement can stress exhaust flex pipes, coolant hoses, and transmission linkages.
Third brake light LED failure
up to €1,2007 of 7
High-mounted rear brake light LED strip fails, requiring rear windscreen removal for replacement · more· less
The high-level third brake light above the rear windscreen can fail on Continental-platform Bentley models, including the Mk3 Flying Spur. The OEM LED strip assembly costs approximately €500-700, but the real expense is labor: replacing it requires removing and refitting the rear windscreen, which adds significant time and cost. Some owners have found aftermarket LED workarounds for under €20, but these can trigger fault codes if the resistance does not match the original unit. While not a safety-critical failure in most jurisdictions (as the main brake lights still function), it will fail an annual inspection in countries that check all brake lights.
Reliable for its class, but repairs are expensive when they occur
The Mk3 Flying Spur with the 4.0 V8 is among the more reliable configurations in Bentley's lineup. The Audi/Porsche-derived V8 is a proven unit with hundreds of thousands produced across multiple brands, and the ZF 8-speed transmission is widely regarded as dependable. Most issues are age and mileage-related rather than fundamental design flaws. The main financial risk comes from the high cost of parts and specialized labor rather than the frequency of failures. Air suspension struts, turbo oil screen maintenance, and window regulators are the items most likely to need attention. A well-maintained example with complete service history and no deferred maintenance can be a surprisingly reliable luxury car.
Service history
Complete Bentley dealer or authorized specialist records are essential. Verify oil changes every 10,000 km or annually.
Cold start and idle
Start the engine completely cold. Listen for unusual sounds, check for smooth idle without vibration.
Test drive
Drive for at least 30 minutes including highway speeds. The ZF gearbox should shift smoothly at all temperatures.
Tire condition
Check tread depth and age (date codes). The staggered 265/40R21 front and 305/35R21 rear setup is expensive to replace.
Specific for this vehicle
Check ride height after overnight standing
If possible, inspect the car after it has been parked overnight. Any corner sitting lower indicates an air suspension leak.
Operate all four windows, listen for hissing
Roll each window up and down completely. A hissing sound from any window motor indicates imminent regulator failure.
Test the infotainment system thoroughly
Cycle through all screens, navigation, and the rotating display mechanism. Check for freezing, lag, or unresponsive inputs.
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Check coolant level and inspect for leaks
Open the bonnet and check the coolant reservoir level. Look for any signs of dried coolant residue on hoses or the thermostat housing area.
Verify turbo oil screen service history
Ask whether the turbo oil supply screens have been cleaned or a relocation kit fitted. This is especially important on higher-mileage examples.
Check for vibration at idle in Drive
With the engine warm and the car in Drive with the brake held, feel for excessive vibration through the steering wheel or seat. This can indicate failing engine mounts.
Inspect the third brake light
Have someone press the brake pedal while you check that the high-mounted LED brake light above the rear window illuminates fully.
Recalls and Technical Service Bulletins
Fuel tank weld defect (2020 model year, single vehicle)Verify completed
Rear camera moisture ingress (2020 model year, RE20/21)Verify completed
Front seat belt ALR missing (2021-2022, RE22/08)Critical - verify completed
Rear entertainment screen retention bracket (2021-2023, 1,659 vehicles)Verify completed
Airbag owner's manual incorrect information (2021-2022)Verify completed
Contact Bentley with the VIN to verify all recalls have been completed. The seat belt recall (RE22/08) is particularly important as it affects child restraint security.
Warranty Status
Factory warranty (3 years / unlimited km)Expired on 2019-2022 models, may apply to 2023-2024
Bentley Extended WarrantyAvailable through Bentley dealers for additional years
Corrosion perforation warranty (12 years)May still apply depending on build date
Bentley offers a 3-year unlimited-kilometer factory warranty in Europe. Most used Mk3 Flying Spur V8 models on the market (2019-2022) are now outside this original coverage. Bentley Extended Warranty is available for purchase through authorized dealers. The 12-year corrosion perforation warranty remains active on all Mk3 models.
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.
