2008 Bentley Azure

The 2008 Bentley Azure is a luxurious convertible known for its opulent interior, powerful engine, and smooth ride. This model year featured a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine producing 450 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Azure for its comfort, craftsmanship, and exclusivity. Criticisms often revolve around its high running costs, potential for complex and expensive repairs, and its size which can make it challenging to maneuver in tighter spaces.

Engine

6.75L Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Turbocharger Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, check engine light. Potential causes include oil starvation, wear and tear on the turbocharger bearings, or failed wastegate actuators.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger unit(s). Thorough inspection of the oil lines to the turbochargers to ensure proper lubrication.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+ (depending on whether one or both turbochargers need replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Stem Seal Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Blue smoke from the exhaust upon startup, especially after the car has been sitting for a while. Increased oil consumption.
  • Solution: Replacement of the valve stem seals. This can be a labor-intensive job, as it may require removing the cylinder heads.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Vacuum Line Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idle, decreased engine performance, check engine light. The complex vacuum system can develop leaks due to aging rubber hoses.
  • Solution: Smoke test to identify the leak, followed by replacement of the damaged vacuum lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+ (depending on the number and location of leaks)
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Torque Converter Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping between gears, harsh shifting.
  • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. It is often recommended to also flush the transmission and replace the filter at the same time.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Valve Body Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed engagement, getting stuck in gear.
  • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Compressor Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The car sits low, rides rough, or one side is lower than the other. The air suspension compressor may be making excessive noise or not running at all. Warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor. It is also important to inspect the air lines and struts for leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Air Strut Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: The car sits low, especially overnight. Hissing sounds from the struts.
  • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air struts.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut (depending on location)
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery frequently dies, especially if the car sits for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the parasitic draw to identify the source. Common culprits include the infotainment system, alarm system, and various control modules not shutting down properly.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The navigation system, radio, or other infotainment features may stop working, freeze, or display error messages.
  • Solution: Software update, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Convertible Top Hydraulic System Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: The convertible top operates slowly, erratically, or not at all. Hydraulic fluid leaks may be visible in the trunk or around the top mechanism.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the leaking hydraulic lines, cylinders, or pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+ (depending on the severity and location of the leak)
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Wood Veneer Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: Cracks appearing in the wood veneer trim on the dashboard, door panels, or center console.
  • Solution: Refinishing or replacement of the cracked wood veneer.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ (depending on the extent of the damage and the specific trim pieces involved)
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2008 Bentley Azure, while a beautiful and luxurious car, can be prone to a range of issues. Many of these stem from the age of the vehicle, the complexity of its systems, and the high cost of parts and labor. Engine and suspension issues, in particular, can be very expensive to address. Potential buyers should be aware of these potential problems and have a pre-purchase inspection performed by a qualified mechanic familiar with Bentley vehicles. Due to the relatively low volume of these vehicles, parts availability can sometimes be an issue as well.