Post
Research the Car Logo

2016 Bentley Flying Spur

2016 Bentley Flying Spur

Overview

The 2016 Bentley Flying Spur represents a pinnacle of luxury and performance, offering a refined driving experience. As a high-performance luxury sedan, its reliability is generally strong, reflecting meticulous engineering and premium materials. However, like any complex vehicle, certain areas may experience issues over time. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns, excluding routine maintenance and expected wear. Owners can expect a robust vehicle, but awareness of potential, albeit infrequent, issues in specific systems can aid in proactive maintenance and informed ownership.


Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbo W12

No Major Issues

  • Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
  • Solution: No widespread issues reported.
  • Cost: N/A

4.0L Twin-Turbo V8

No Major Issues

  • Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
  • Solution: No widespread issues reported.
  • Cost: N/A

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

No Major Issues

  • Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
  • Solution: No widespread issues reported.
  • Cost: N/A

Suspension

Adaptive Air Suspension

Air Spring Leaks

  • Symptoms: Vehicle may sag on one corner, uneven ride height, warning lights on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacement of leaking air spring or associated seals.
  • Cost: $800 - $1500 per corner

Compressor Failure

  • Symptoms: Inability to adjust ride height, constant running of compressor, warning lights.
  • Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor unit.
  • Cost: $700 - $1200

Electrical

Infotainment System

Software Glitches

  • Symptoms: Screen freezing, unresponsive touch controls, navigation errors, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software updates or system reset. In some cases, module replacement may be required.
  • Cost: $200 - $1500 (depending on severity and need for module replacement)

Battery Drain

Parasitic Drain

  • Symptoms: Battery dies unexpectedly, difficulty starting the vehicle, frequent battery replacement.
  • Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the drain (e.g., faulty module, aftermarket accessory) and repair or replacement of the faulty component.
  • Cost: $300 - $1000

Exterior

Body Panels & Paint

No Major Issues

  • Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
  • Solution: No widespread issues reported.
  • Cost: N/A

Lighting Systems

No Major Issues

  • Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
  • Solution: No widespread issues reported.
  • Cost: N/A

Interior

Leather Upholstery

No Major Issues

  • Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
  • Solution: No widespread issues reported.
  • Cost: N/A

Climate Control System

No Major Issues

  • Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
  • Solution: No widespread issues reported.
  • Cost: N/A

Summary Verdict

The 2016 Bentley Flying Spur demonstrates a high level of reliability, particularly concerning its potent W12 and V8 engines and the smooth 8-speed automatic transmission. The primary areas where owners might encounter issues are the adaptive air suspension, with potential for leaks or compressor problems, and the sophisticated electrical system, which can occasionally suffer from infotainment glitches or parasitic battery drain. These issues, while not endemic, are more common in complex luxury vehicles. Overall, the Flying Spur offers a dependable ownership experience for those who adhere to recommended maintenance schedules and are prepared for the potential costs associated with specialized luxury vehicle repairs.

This post is licensed under CC BY 4.0 by the author.