2008 Bentley Arnage

The 2008 Bentley Arnage is a full-size luxury car known for its opulent interior, powerful engine, and stately presence. The primary engine option for the 2008 Arnage is a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 450 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque. There was a higher performance version of the same engine in the Arnage T that produced 500 horsepower and 738 lb-ft of torque. The only transmission available was a 6-speed automatic. Owners often praise the Arnage for its comfortable ride, luxurious features, and impressive performance. Common complaints revolve around the car’s high running costs, complex electronics, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

6.75-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V8 (450/500 hp)

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Reduced power, whistling or screeching noises from the engine bay, check engine light. This is often due to oil starvation or bearing failure within the turbocharger.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger. Check oil lines and ensure proper lubrication to prevent future occurrences.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+ (depending on labor and parts costs)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Vacuum Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, misfires, poor fuel economy, and potential check engine light. Vacuum leaks can affect the engine’s ability to properly regulate air-fuel mixture.
  • Solution: Identify and repair or replace damaged vacuum hoses and fittings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the location and severity of the leaks)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the ground or engine components, burning oil smell, low oil level. Common leak locations include valve cover gaskets, timing cover, and rear main seal.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the location of the leak and complexity of the repair)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

• Transmission Slipping/Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Delayed engagement, jerky shifts, loss of power, or failure to shift.
  • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the slippage, which may involve replacing the transmission fluid, repairing or replacing valve body components, or rebuilding or replacing the transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 (fluid change) - $8,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibration at low speeds, stalling, or difficulty engaging gears.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Leaks/Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride height, sagging suspension, compressor running constantly, “Suspension Fault” warning light.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air springs, compressor, or ride height sensors. Address any leaks in the air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $6,000+ (depending on the component and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Worn Suspension Bushings
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or rattling noises from the suspension, vague steering, uneven tire wear.
  • Solution: Replace the worn suspension bushings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on the affected components)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Car fails to start, requires frequent jump starts. Could be caused by a parasitic drain from a faulty module or component.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic drain. This might involve testing each electrical component and circuit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various warning lights (ABS, TPMS, etc.), incorrect readings, or system malfunctions.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the sensor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Navigation/Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: System freezes, malfunctions, or becomes unresponsive.
  • Solution: Attempt a system reset. If that fails, repair or replace the head unit or related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight/Taillight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Dim or non-functioning lights, condensation inside the lens.
  • Solution: Replace bulbs, ballasts, or the entire headlight/taillight assembly. Reseal the housing to prevent condensation.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Seat fails to adjust properly or at all.
  • Solution: Replace the faulty seat motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ (depending on the motor and labor)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Climate Control Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Inconsistent temperatures, blower motor malfunctions, or failure to switch between modes.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair or replace the faulty components, such as the blower motor, blend door actuator, or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Bentley Arnage, while offering a luxurious and powerful driving experience, is prone to several issues that can lead to significant repair costs. Engine and transmission problems, particularly turbocharger failures and transmission slippage, can be very expensive to address. Suspension issues, especially those related to the air suspension system, are also common and costly. Electrical gremlins can be difficult to diagnose and repair, adding to the overall maintenance burden. Potential buyers should be aware of these common issues and factor them into their purchasing decision, including a thorough pre-purchase inspection by a qualified Bentley mechanic.