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2014 Bentley Continental

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By Research the Car 5 min read

The 2014 Bentley Continental is a luxury grand tourer known for its opulent interior, powerful engine options, and refined driving experience. The available engines include a 4.0L Twin Turbo V8 producing around 500 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque, and a 6.0L Twin Turbo W12 producing around 567 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque (with even higher outputs in some variants like the Speed model). Both engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Continental for its luxurious interior, smooth ride, and effortless power, but some criticize its considerable weight, running costs, and potential for expensive repairs.

Engine

4.0L Twin Turbo V8

  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Reduced engine power, warning lights on the dashboard, unusual noises from the engine, and potential oil leaks. Can be caused by oil starvation, overheating, or component failure.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s). Requires removal and replacement with new unit, including necessary gaskets and seals. Ensure proper oil supply to the new turbochargers.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $8,000+ (per turbocharger)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Visible oil leaks on the engine, low oil level warnings, and a burning oil smell. Common leak points include valve cover gaskets, timing chain covers, and turbocharger oil lines.
    • Solution: Identify the source of the leak and replace the affected gaskets, seals, or lines. Thoroughly clean the engine to remove any residual oil.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the location and complexity)
    • Recalls: None Found

6.0L Twin Turbo W12

  • Ignition Coil Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, reduced engine power, and a check engine light. Due to the high number of cylinders, identifying the faulty coil can be challenging without diagnostic equipment.
    • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the faulty ignition coil. Replacement of the faulty ignition coil and spark plug.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $800+ (per coil, including labor and parts)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level warnings, overheating, and visible coolant leaks. The W12 engine has a complex cooling system with numerous hoses and connections, making it prone to leaks.
    • Solution: Pressure test the cooling system to locate the leak. Replace the faulty hoses, pipes, or components. Refill the cooling system with the correct coolant.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ (depending on the location and complexity)
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (Both Engine Options)

  • Valve Body Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Harsh shifting, slipping between gears, delayed engagement, and erratic transmission behavior.
    • Solution: Replacement or rebuild of the valve body. May also require flushing the transmission fluid and replacing the filter.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Torque Converter Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering or vibrations at low speeds, difficulty accelerating, and abnormal noises from the transmission.
    • Solution: Replacement of the torque converter. Requires transmission removal and installation of a new or remanufactured unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: The vehicle sits low, especially at one corner, “Suspension Fault” message on the dashboard, and the compressor is excessively noisy or doesn’t run.
    • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Similar to compressor failure; the vehicle sits low, ride height is uneven, and the ride quality is poor. A hissing sound may be audible near the faulty strut.
    • Solution: Replacement of the leaking air strut(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $3,000+ (per strut)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: The battery frequently drains, especially if the vehicle sits for extended periods. Can be caused by a parasitic draw from various electronic modules.
    • Solution: Diagnose the source of the parasitic draw. Common culprits include the infotainment system, alarm system, and other control modules. Disconnect or replace the faulty component.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: Freezing, crashing, slow response times, and failure to connect to Bluetooth or other devices.
    • Solution: Software updates, resetting the system, or replacing the head unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Software update) - $3,000+ (Head Unit Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Convertible Top Malfunctions (Convertible Models)
    • Description/Symptoms: Top fails to open or close completely, unusual noises during operation, and leaks.
    • Solution: Diagnose the cause of the malfunction. May involve replacing hydraulic cylinders, sensors, or the top mechanism.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $5,000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Navigation System Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Navigation system fails to boot, freezes, gives incorrect directions, or fails to load maps.
    • Solution: Check GPS antenna connection and operation. Reload map data. Replace head unit.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 (Antenna) - $3,000+ (Head Unit Replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Seat Motor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat fails to adjust in one or more directions. Motor makes unusual noises or fails to operate.
    • Solution: Replace faulty seat motor or seat control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2014 Bentley Continental, while luxurious and powerful, can present owners with potentially expensive maintenance and repair issues. Engine issues such as turbocharger failure and oil leaks, transmission problems like valve body issues, and air suspension malfunctions are some of the most significant concerns. Electrical gremlins and interior component failures can also add to the ownership costs. While many of these issues are not widespread, the potential for costly repairs should be a consideration for prospective buyers. Overall, the severity and cost of these issues range from moderate to severe, with some repairs potentially costing thousands of dollars.

Bentley, Continental
Bentley Continental 2014
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