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2015 Bentley Continental

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By Research the Car 5 min read

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints for the 2015 Bentley Continental, organized by category and engine/transmission option, following your specified format.

The 2015 Bentley Continental is a luxury grand tourer known for its opulent interior, powerful engine options, and refined driving experience. Owners often praise the car’s comfortable ride, handcrafted interior, and head-turning styling. However, like any complex vehicle, it can be prone to certain issues. Engine options include the 4.0L twin-turbocharged V8 producing 500 hp and 487 lb-ft of torque in the Continental GT V8 and 521 hp and 502 lb-ft of torque in the Continental GT V8 S. Also available is the iconic 6.0L twin-turbocharged W12 engine, producing 567 hp and 516 lb-ft of torque in the base Continental GT and 626 hp and 607 lb-ft of torque in the GT Speed. All engines are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Common complaints typically revolve around the high cost of maintenance and repairs, potential electrical gremlins, and depreciation.

Engine

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

  • Turbocharger Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Whining noise from the engine, loss of power, check engine light. Can be caused by oil starvation, bearing failure, or general wear and tear.
    • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $5,000 - $10,000+ (depending on location and if one or both turbos need replacement)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Oil Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Oil spots under the car, burning oil smell, low oil level warning. Potential sources include valve cover gaskets, timing chain cover, and rear main seal.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking gaskets or seals.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ (depending on the source of the leak)
    • Recalls: None Found

6.0L Twin-Turbo W12

  • Coolant Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Low coolant level, overheating, coolant smell. Complex cooling system with many hoses and connections prone to leaks over time.
    • Solution: Identifying and replacing the leaking hoses, pipes, or components.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $4,000+ (due to complexity and potential need for significant disassembly)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Ignition Coil Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough running engine, check engine light. The W12 has 12 individual ignition coils, making it more susceptible to this issue.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty ignition coil(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,500+ (depending on how many coils need replacing and labor costs)
    • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

  • 8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

    • Valve Body Issues
      • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed shifting, slipping between gears, jerking or clunking noises during gear changes. Can be due to worn solenoids or valve bore wear.
      • Solution: Replacing or rebuilding the valve body.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $6,000+
      • Recalls: None Found
    • Torque Converter Failure
      • Description/Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, especially at low speeds. Unusual noises coming from the transmission area.
      • Solution: Replacing the torque converter.
      • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000-$7,000+
      • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

  • Air Suspension Compressor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sits unevenly, suspension warning light, inability to adjust ride height.
    • Solution: Replacing the air suspension compressor.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $6,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Air Strut Leaks
    • Description/Symptoms: Vehicle sags overnight, hissing sound from suspension components, ride quality degrades.
    • Solution: Replacing the leaking air strut(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $5,000+ per strut (parts and labor)
    • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

  • Battery Drain
    • Description/Symptoms: Car fails to start after sitting for a short period, repeated jump-starts required. Caused by parasitic draws from various electrical components.
    • Solution: Diagnosing and repairing the source of the parasitic draw.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ (depending on the complexity of the issue)
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Infotainment System Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: System freezing, unresponsive touch screen, navigation malfunctions, Bluetooth connectivity problems.
    • Solution: Software updates, component replacement (head unit, screen).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Door Lock Actuator Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Doors not locking or unlocking properly, unusual noises from the door.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty door lock actuator.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500-$1,500+ per door.
    • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

  • Headlight Condensation
    • Description/Symptoms: Moisture buildup inside the headlight housing.
    • Solution: Resealing or replacing the headlight assembly.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $4,000+ per headlight.
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Parking Sensor Failure
    • Description/Symptoms: Parking sensors not functioning, false alerts, error messages on the dashboard.
    • Solution: Replacing the faulty parking sensor(s).
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $1,000+ (depending on the number of sensors that need replacing)
    • Recalls: None Found

Interior

  • Seat Heater/Cooler Malfunctions
    • Description/Symptoms: Seat heaters or coolers not working, inconsistent temperature.
    • Solution: Replacing the heating/cooling element or control module.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $2,000+ per seat
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Dashboard Leather Shrinkage/Delamination
    • Description/Symptoms: Leather pulling away from the dashboard, especially in areas exposed to sunlight.
    • Solution: Re-wrapping or replacing the affected sections of the dashboard.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000-$5,000+
    • Recalls: None Found
  • Convertible Top Issues
    • Description/Symptoms: The top won’t go up or down, error messages on the dash, or leakage.
    • Solution: Check all of the hydraulic lines and pumps for leaks, replace the hydraulic lines and pump if needed, and realign the top if it is unaligned.
    • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000-$10,000+
    • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2015 Bentley Continental, while offering exceptional luxury and performance, can present owners with notable maintenance challenges. Issues range from engine problems like turbocharger and coolant leaks to transmission valve body failures and suspension system malfunctions. Electrical gremlins are also common. The cost to repair these issues can be significant, often ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, reflecting the complexity and high-end nature of the vehicle. Potential buyers should factor in these potential expenses when considering a 2015 Bentley Continental.

Bentley, Continental
Bentley Continental 2015
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