2016 Bentley Mulsanne

The 2016 Bentley Mulsanne is a hand-built luxury sedan known for its opulent interior, powerful engine, and smooth ride. It was offered with a single engine option: a 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 producing 505 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque in standard form, or 530 horsepower and 811 lb-ft in the Mulsanne Speed variant. Power is delivered through an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners appreciate the Mulsanne’s exclusivity, luxurious appointments, and effortless performance. Criticisms often revolve around its considerable size, weight, and high running costs, including fuel consumption and maintenance.

Engine

6.75-liter Twin-Turbo V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various points in the engine, including valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, and turbocharger lines. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Identify the source of the leak and replace the affected gaskets or seals. Tighten any loose turbocharger lines if necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+, depending on the source of the leak. Turbocharger repairs tend to be the most expensive.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The twin-turbochargers can experience failures, leading to reduced power, whistling noises, and potential engine damage. Faulty diverter valves can cause poor boost control.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific turbocharger component that is failing. Replace faulty turbochargers or diverter valves.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $8,000+ per turbocharger, including labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: Fuel injectors can become clogged or fail, leading to rough idling, misfires, and reduced fuel economy.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty injector(s) and replace them.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+, depending on the number of injectors that need replacement and labor costs.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Some owners have reported instances of rough or delayed shifting, particularly between certain gears.
  • Solution: A transmission fluid flush may improve shifting. If the issue persists, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild/replacement might be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush $300-$500, Valve body replacement $2,000-$4,000, Transmission rebuild/replacement $5,000 - $10,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Torque Converter Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Torque converter failure can lead to shuddering at low speeds, stalling, and poor acceleration.
  • Solution: Replace the torque converter.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Problems
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system, designed for a smooth ride, can experience leaks in the air struts or failure of the air compressor. This leads to the car sitting unevenly, a harsh ride, or the inability to raise the suspension.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking air struts or the faulty air compressor. Diagnose and repair any leaks in the air lines.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air strut replacement $2,000 - $4,000+ per strut, Air compressor replacement $1,500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Glitches
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches such as freezing, slow response times, and Bluetooth connectivity issues.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In some cases, the infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update $0 - $200+, Infotainment unit replacement $3,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can lead to the car being unable to start, especially if left sitting for extended periods.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair any parasitic draws on the battery. Replace the battery if it is old or faulty.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Parasitic draw diagnosis and repair $200 - $1,000+, Battery replacement $500 - $1,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Various sensors, such as those related to the parking assist system, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), or engine management, can fail.
  • Solution: Diagnose the faulty sensor and replace it.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ per sensor, depending on the type of sensor and the labor required for replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Adaptive Headlight Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The adaptive headlights, which adjust their beam based on steering angle and speed, can experience malfunctions. This can result in error messages, improper headlight aiming, or complete failure of the adaptive functionality.
  • Solution: Diagnose and repair the headlight control module or the headlight assembly itself.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Control module repair/replacement $500 - $2,000+, Headlight assembly replacement $3,000 - $6,000+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Wood Veneer Delamination/Cracking
  • Description/Symptoms: The extensive wood veneer trim can be susceptible to delamination or cracking, especially in areas exposed to sunlight or temperature extremes.
  • Solution: Refinishing or replacing the affected wood veneer panels.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Refinishing $500 - $2,000+, Replacement $2,000 - $10,000+ per panel, depending on the size and complexity.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Electrical Component Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Issues can arise with the operation of powered options in the interior. Issues can involve power window regulators, power door locks, seat controls or similar.
  • Solution: Diagnosis of the affected area, and replacement of failing components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Can range wildly depending on which electrical component is affected
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2016 Bentley Mulsanne, while a pinnacle of luxury and performance, can present owners with a range of potential issues. The most significant concerns revolve around the engine and air suspension system, which can lead to expensive repairs. Electrical gremlins and interior trim issues are also common. The overall cost of ownership can be high due to the complexity of the vehicle and the specialized parts and labor required for repairs. Potential buyers should factor in these potential expenses when considering a used Mulsanne.