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2009 Bentley Continental

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By Research the Car 4 min read

The 2009 Bentley Continental is a luxury grand tourer known for its powerful performance, opulent interior, and distinctive styling. The most common engine for this model year is the 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, producing 552 horsepower and 479 lb-ft of torque. This engine is paired with a six-speed automatic transmission. While owners often praise the Continental’s exquisite craftsmanship, powerful engine, and comfortable ride, common complaints include high maintenance costs, complex electronics, and potential reliability issues. Other available engines are a 6.0L Twin-Turbocharged W12 making 600HP and 553 lb-ft of torque (Continental GT Speed) and a 6.0L Twin-Turbocharged W12 making 621 HP and 590 lb-ft of torque (Continental Supersports).

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbocharged W12

  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can develop from various points in the cooling system, including hoses, the water pump, and the coolant reservoir. Symptoms include a low coolant warning light, visible coolant leaks, and potential engine overheating.
    • Solution: Locate and repair the source of the coolant leak. This may involve replacing hoses, the water pump, or the coolant reservoir.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various seals and gaskets in the engine, including the valve cover gaskets, the rear main seal, and the oil pan gasket. Symptoms include visible oil leaks, a burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
    • Solution: Locate and repair the source of the oil leak by replacing the affected seals or gaskets.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $3000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coil Pack Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires due to failed ignition coils, causing rough running, reduced power, and a check engine light.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty ignition coil(s). It is often recommended to replace all ignition coils at the same time.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $400+ per coil, including labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Automatic

  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, or failure to shift.
    • Solution: Replace or rebuild the valve body.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering at low speeds, stalling, or transmission slipping.
    • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension compressor can fail, leading to the car sitting low or unevenly. This can be caused by leaks in the air struts or lines, causing the compressor to overwork and fail.
    • Solution: Replace the air suspension compressor, and address any leaks in the air struts or lines.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Sinking of the vehicle after sitting for a while. Hissing sound coming from the suspension.
    • Solution: Replace the leaking air strut(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ per strut.
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain quickly, especially if the car is not driven regularly. This can be due to a parasitic draw from one or more of the vehicle’s electrical systems.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the source of the parasitic draw.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Infotainment System Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, freezes, or complete failure.
    • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the infotainment unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Sensor Failures
    • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors can fail, triggering warning lights on the dashboard. Common culprits include oxygen sensors, mass airflow sensors, and wheel speed sensors.
    • Solution: Diagnose and replace the faulty sensor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per sensor, including labor.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housings, reducing visibility and potentially damaging the bulbs and electrical components.
    • Solution: Reseal the headlight housings or replace the entire headlight assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ per headlight.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Convertible Top Issues (Convertible Models Only)
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the convertible top to operate smoothly or completely. This can be due to hydraulic pump failure, sensor issues, or damaged linkages.
    • Solution: Diagnose and repair the convertible top mechanism. This may involve replacing the hydraulic pump, sensors, or linkages.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $5,000+ depending on the nature of the problem.
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Motor Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Failure of the power seat motors to adjust the seats properly.
    • Solution: Replace the faulty seat motor(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ per seat.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Navigation System Problems
    • Description/Symptoms: Outdated maps, system freezes, or complete failure of the navigation system.
    • Solution: Software updates or replacement of the navigation unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2009 Bentley Continental, while luxurious and powerful, can be prone to various issues, particularly related to its complex engine, air suspension, and electronics. The severity of these issues can range from minor annoyances to major mechanical failures, with repair costs often being substantial. Potential buyers should be aware of these common problems and factor in the cost of potential repairs when considering purchasing this vehicle. Regular maintenance by qualified technicians is crucial to minimize the risk of these issues.

Bentley, Continental
Bentley Continental 2009
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