2006 Bentley Arnage

The 2006 Bentley Arnage represents the pinnacle of luxury grand touring. It was offered with a formidable 6.8-liter V8 engine, producing approximately 450 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. Some owners cherish the Arnage for its opulent interior, powerful engine, and stately presence. Common complaints revolve around high maintenance costs, electrical gremlins, and the aging pneumatic suspension.

Engine

6.8L V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, and potential oil leaks. Can lead to complete engine failure if left unaddressed.
  • Solution: Replacing the failed turbocharger unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
• Valve Stem Seal Deterioration
  • Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from the exhaust upon startup, indicating oil leaking into the combustion chamber.
  • Solution: Replacing the valve stem seals. This typically requires removing the cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
• Cooling System Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Overheating, low coolant level, visible coolant leaks (often around hoses or the water pump).
  • Solution: Replacing leaking hoses, water pump, thermostat, or radiator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,500+

Transmission

4-Speed Automatic

• Harsh Shifting/Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delay or jerkiness during gear changes, or the engine revving without corresponding acceleration.
  • Solution: Fluid change may help minor issues. More severe cases require a transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (fluid change) - $6,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, especially during acceleration, and potential stalling.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sitting low, uneven ride height, or the suspension not adjusting properly.
  • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Similar to compressor failure, but potentially localized to one corner of the vehicle. Hissing sound may be audible.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking air strut.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ per strut

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The car failing to start after sitting for a few days. This can be difficult to diagnose due to the complex electronics.
  • Solution: Finding and fixing the source of the parasitic draw (often related to infotainment or security systems).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (diagnostic time can be extensive)
• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, unresponsive touchscreen, audio cutting out, or navigation errors.
  • Solution: Could be as simple as software updates. More severe cases require replacing the head unit or individual components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $3,000+
• Sensor Failures (ABS, TPMS, etc.)
  • Description/Symptoms: Warning lights illuminated on the dashboard, indicating issues with various systems.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per sensor, depending on location and complexity

Exterior

• Headlight Condensation
  • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight lenses, reducing visibility and potentially damaging the bulbs and wiring.
  • Solution: Replacing the headlight assembly or attempting to reseal it (less reliable).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+ per headlight assembly
• Window Regulator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windows failing to operate properly, moving slowly, or getting stuck.
  • Solution: Replacing the window regulator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,200+ per window

Interior

• Wood Trim Delamination/Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The clear coat on the wood trim peeling or cracking.
  • Solution: Refinishing or replacing the wood trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ (depending on the extent and pieces affected)
• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Seats not adjusting properly, or only moving in certain directions.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per motor

Recalls:

• Recall number: 07V224000 Description: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, A POWER STEERING HOSE MAY HAVE A LOOSE CRIMP FITTING.

In summary, the 2006 Bentley Arnage is a luxurious vehicle with potentially high ownership costs. The most common issues revolve around the engine (turbo failures, oil leaks), transmission (harsh shifting), suspension (air suspension problems), and electrical gremlins. The severity of these issues can range from relatively minor to requiring extensive and expensive repairs. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s service history and consider a pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Bentley mechanic.