2012 Bentley Mulsanne

The 2012 Bentley Mulsanne is a hand-built luxury sedan that represents the pinnacle of British automotive craftsmanship. The Mulsanne, for this model year, features a single engine option, a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 505 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque, paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Mulsanne for its opulent interior, smooth ride, and powerful engine. Conversely, some criticisms include the car’s considerable size and weight, which can make it feel cumbersome in tight spaces, and the high cost of maintenance and repairs.

Engine

6.75L Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations on the engine, including valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, and turbocharger oil lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ depending on the location and severity of the leak.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Turbocharger failure can occur due to oil starvation or general wear and tear. Symptoms include reduced engine power, whistling noises from the engine bay, and a check engine light.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty turbocharger(s) and addressing any underlying causes of the failure.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks may develop from various locations like hoses, radiator, or water pump. The engine may overheat, there is a sweet smell, or low coolant light comes on.
  • Solution: Replace the damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic Transmission

• Harsh Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners report occasional harsh or jerky shifting, particularly during low-speed maneuvers.
  • Solution: Transmission software update or, in more severe cases, replacement of valve body or transmission rebuild.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 (software update) - $6,000+ (rebuild/replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Transmission Slippage
  • Description/Symptoms: Noticeable delay or hesitation during gear changes, accompanied by a loss of power.
  • Solution: Diagnosis and repair of the transmission, potentially including replacement of worn clutch packs or damaged components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $7,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The Mulsanne utilizes an air suspension system that provides a smooth ride. Issues can arise with the air struts, compressor, or air lines, leading to a sagging vehicle, a rough ride, or failure to maintain the correct ride height.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty air struts, the compressor, or repairing leaks in the air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, including freezing, slow response times, or failure to connect to Bluetooth devices.
  • Solution: Software updates, or replacement of the infotainment unit.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $4,000+ (replacement)
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can occur due to various factors, such as a faulty module that is not shutting down properly, or a parasitic draw from an aftermarket accessory.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the battery drain.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors such as parking sensors, TPMS sensors, or O2 sensors can fail, causing warning lights on the dashboard or affecting vehicle performance.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No Issues Found

Interior

• Seat Control Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: Power seats can have issues, such as not moving in certain directions or losing memory settings.
  • Solution: Replacement of the seat motor or module
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Dashboard Leather Shrinkage
  • Description/Symptoms: The leather on the dashboard can shrink and pull away from the underlying surface, especially in hot climates.
  • Solution: Re-upholstering the dashboard.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Bentley Mulsanne, while a luxurious and powerful vehicle, is not without its potential issues. Common problems include oil leaks, turbocharger failures, and air suspension malfunctions. Electrical issues, such as infotainment system glitches and battery drain, can also occur. Interior issues can include seat control malfunctions and leather shrinkage. The cost to repair these issues can range from a few hundred dollars for minor sensor replacements to several thousands of dollars for engine or transmission work. These should be taken into consideration when purchasing this vehicle.