2006 Bentley Continental

The 2006 Bentley Continental GT is a luxury grand tourer known for its opulent interior, powerful engine, and distinctive styling. The primary engine option for this model year is the 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 engine producing 552 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. People admire the car for its luxurious features, smooth ride, and impressive performance. Common dislikes include high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbocharged W12

• Coil Pack Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, loss of power, and check engine light illumination. The coil packs are prone to failure due to heat and age.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty coil pack(s). It’s often recommended to replace all coil packs at the same time for preventative maintenance.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $600+ (depending on the number of coil packs replaced and labor costs)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Vacuum Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Poor engine performance, rough idle, and check engine light. Vacuum leaks can occur in various hoses and connections throughout the engine bay.
  • Solution: Locate and repair or replace the leaking vacuum lines or components. Smoke testing can help identify the source.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $500+ (depending on the location and severity of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant levels, overheating, and visible coolant leaks. Common leak locations include the coolant hoses, water pump, and radiator.
  • Solution: Repair or replace the leaking component. Thoroughly inspect the entire cooling system for other potential leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the component and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during gear changes, slipping, and abnormal noises. The torque converter can experience wear and failure.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ (depending on whether it’s a rebuild or replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or erratic shifting, delayed engagement, and transmission slipping.
  • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ (depending on the repair and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Suspension not raising or lowering correctly, vehicle sitting unevenly, and error messages on the dashboard. The air suspension compressor is prone to failure due to wear and tear.
  • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+ (depending on the brand of the compressor and labor costs)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sitting low on one or more corners, hissing sounds from the suspension, and poor ride quality. The air struts can develop leaks over time.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per strut (depending on the brand and labor costs)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, and needing frequent jump starts. Parasitic draws in the electrical system can cause the battery to drain even when the car is off.
  • Solution: Identify and repair the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve troubleshooting various electrical components and circuits.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the complexity of the electrical issue)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, and failure of the infotainment screen.
  • Solution: Sometimes a system reset can resolve the issue, but often the unit will need to be replaced
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Issues (if applicable)
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure to open or close, slow operation, and leaks. The convertible top mechanism can be complex and prone to issues.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the cause of the failure. This may involve repairing or replacing hydraulic components, sensors, or the top motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the nature of the problem)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sticky Interior Trim
  • Description/Symptoms: Some interior trim pieces, especially those finished with a soft-touch coating, can become sticky and unpleasant to the touch.
  • Solution: Remove the sticky coating and refinish the trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the number of pieces and the refinishing method)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2006 Bentley Continental GT, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, can suffer from various issues that could be costly to repair. The most prevalent issues are related to the engine (coil packs, vacuum leaks), transmission (torque converter, valve body), suspension (air suspension compressor, air struts), and electrical system (battery drain, infotainment). The severity of the issues can range from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and the cost to repair can vary significantly depending on the specific problem and the labor involved. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor in potential maintenance costs when considering purchasing a 2006 Bentley Continental GT.