2007 Bentley Arnage

The 2007 Bentley Arnage is a luxury grand tourer known for its opulent interior, powerful engine, and stately presence. It was offered with a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine that produced around 450 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. A later “T” version of the Arnage offered around 500 hp and 738 lb-ft of torque. All Arnage models came with a six-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Arnage for its luxurious ride, handcrafted interior, and effortless performance. However, some common complaints include high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and potential reliability issues due to its age and sophisticated systems.

Engine

6.75L Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, whining or whistling noise from the engine, and potential check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacement of the failed turbocharger(s).
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine or garage floor, burning oil smell. Often originates from valve covers, timing cover, or rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replacing gaskets and seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the location and complexity.
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level, overheating, visible leaks, and sweet smell of coolant.
  • Solution: Repairing or replacing leaking hoses, radiator, water pump, or other cooling system components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
• Vacuum Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, poor performance, and potential check engine light.
  • Solution: Finding and repairing vacuum leaks, which may involve replacing hoses, connectors, or intake manifold gaskets.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, erratic shifting, or failure to shift.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the cause of the slippage. This could involve replacing the transmission fluid, repairing or replacing valve body components, or a full transmission rebuild or replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (fluid change) - $8,000+ (rebuild or replacement).
• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Abrupt or jerky gear changes.
  • Solution: Often caused by low transmission fluid, worn valve body components, or a malfunctioning transmission control module. Replacing or repairing the affected components can resolve the issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $3,000+
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, especially during acceleration.
  • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+

Suspension

• Air Suspension Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, air compressor running excessively, ride height control issues.
  • Solution: Replacing leaking air struts or air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+ per corner for strut replacement.
• Air Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Air suspension not functioning, vehicle sitting low, error messages on the dash.
  • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $3,000+
• Suspension Bushing Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking noises when going over bumps, vague steering, and uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replacing worn bushings and potentially other suspension components such as ball joints and control arms.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Dead battery, difficulty starting the car, needing frequent jump starts.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic drain, which could be a faulty module, aftermarket accessory, or wiring issue.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the complexity of the issue.
• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Frozen screen, unresponsive buttons, navigation errors, audio problems.
  • Solution: Resetting the system, updating software, or replacing the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $5,000+ for replacement.
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Warning lights on the dashboard, such as ABS, traction control, or TPMS.
  • Solution: Diagnosing the specific sensor failure and replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $800+ per sensor.

Exterior

• Headlight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim headlights, flickering lights, or complete headlight failure.
  • Solution: Replacing headlight bulbs, ballasts, or the entire headlight assembly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+ per headlight assembly
• Door Lock Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Door not locking or unlocking properly, difficulty opening the door.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ per door.

Interior

• Navigation System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation screen may freeze, show incorrect information, or fail to power on.
  • Solution: Attempt to update the navigation software. If this fails, the navigation unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 for software update, $1,000 - $4,000+ for navigation unit replacement.
• Power Window Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Window not going up or down, or going up and down slowly.
  • Solution: Replacing window motor, regulator, or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+ per window.
• Seat Motor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat not adjusting properly, motor making noise but seat not moving, seat stuck in one position.
  • Solution: Replacing the seat motor or repairing the seat mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per seat.

Recalls:

• Recall Number: 10V031000
  • Component: Engine and Engine Cooling: Engine
  • Summary: Bentley is recalling certain model year 2007-2009 Arnage and Brooklands vehicles manufactured from June 2006 through January 2009. These vehicles were built with incorrectly manufactured front engine cover assembly, a component of the engine oil cooling system. This can cause engine oil to leak onto hot engine parts, creating a risk of fire.
  • Remedy: Dealers will install an engine oil leak detection system to the engine, free of charge. The recall began on March 19, 2010. Owners may contact Bentley at 1-248-754-7500.
• Recall Number: 07V494000
  • Component: Suspension: Front: Control Arm: Lower Arm
  • Summary: ON CERTAIN VEHICLES, THE LOWER FRONT SUSPENSION WISHBONE FOR THE FRONT SUSPENSION COULD BECOME CORRODED DUE TO THE ELECTROLYTIC REACTION BETWEEN THE WISHBONE AND THE STEEL NUT WHICH SECURES THE FRONT BALL JOINT. THIS COULD EVENTUALLY RESULT IN THE SEPARATION OF THE WISHBONE FROM THE BALL JOINT.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE LOWER FRONT SUSPENSION WISHBONE, FRONT BALL JOINT, THE NUT, AND CHECK THE FRONT UPPER SUSPENSION WISHBONE FOR CORROSION FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN OCTOBER 1, 2007. OWNERS MAY CONTACT BENTLEY AT 1-248-754-7500.

Summary: The 2007 Bentley Arnage, while a symbol of luxury and performance, presents potential owners with a range of issues. Engine and transmission problems can be costly to repair, as can the air suspension system. Electrical gremlins are also a common concern. The high cost of parts and specialized labor contribute to significant ownership expenses. Prospective buyers should carefully inspect the vehicle’s history, conduct a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified mechanic, and factor in the potential for significant repair bills.