2017 Bentley Continental
2017 Bentley Continental
Overview
The 2017 Bentley Continental GT is a grand tourer renowned for its luxurious appointments, powerful performance, and exquisite craftsmanship. As a high-end vehicle, its reliability is generally strong, reflecting the meticulous engineering and quality materials used. However, like any complex machine, certain areas can experience issues over time, particularly those related to its sophisticated powertrain and advanced electronic systems. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns, excluding routine maintenance and expected wear and tear, to provide a clear picture of potential areas requiring attention for owners of this exceptional vehicle.
Engine
6.0L W12 Twin-Turbo
Turbocharger Issues
- Symptoms: Reduced engine power, unusual noises (whistling or grinding), increased exhaust smoke.
- Solution: Inspection and potential replacement of turbocharger seals, wastegate, or the entire unit.
- Cost: $2,500 - $6,000
Cooling System Leaks
- Symptoms: Overheating, coolant loss, visible leaks under the vehicle, sweet smell of coolant.
- Solution: Replacement of hoses, water pump, thermostat, or radiator.
- Cost: $800 - $2,000
4.0L V8 Twin-Turbo
Ignition Coil Failure
- Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination, reduced engine performance.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty ignition coils and potentially spark plugs.
- Cost: $400 - $800
Oil Cooler Leaks
- Symptoms: Oil in coolant, coolant in oil, overheating, oil smell.
- Solution: Replacement of the oil cooler assembly.
- Cost: $1,000 - $2,500
Transmission
ZF 8-Speed Automatic
Transmission Control Module (TCM) Malfunction
- Symptoms: Erratic shifting, delayed engagement, transmission warning lights, limp mode.
- Solution: Diagnosis and reprogramming or replacement of the TCM.
- Cost: $1,200 - $3,000
Torque Converter Issues
- Symptoms: Shuddering during acceleration, slipping gears, unusual noises.
- Solution: Replacement of the torque converter.
- Cost: $1,500 - $3,500
Suspension
Adaptive Air Suspension
Air Spring Leaks
- Symptoms: Vehicle sagging on one or more corners, uneven ride height, compressor running excessively.
- Solution: Replacement of leaking air springs or air lines.
- Cost: $700 - $1,500 per corner
Air Compressor Failure
- Symptoms: Inability to raise or lower the vehicle, constant compressor noise, suspension warning lights.
- Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor.
- Cost: $1,000 - $2,000
Electrical
Infotainment System
Screen Freezing or Unresponsiveness
- Symptoms: Touchscreen not responding, system freezing, audio or navigation issues.
- Solution: Software updates, system reset, or replacement of the head unit.
- Cost: $1,500 - $4,000
Battery Drain
Parasitic Battery Drain
- Symptoms: Dead battery after short periods of inactivity, frequent battery replacement needed.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the drain (e.g., faulty module, light) and repair.
- Cost: $300 - $1,000
Exterior
Body Panels and Trim
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Interior
Leather Upholstery and Trim
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: N/A
Climate Control System
Actuator Malfunctions
- Symptoms: Air not directing correctly, inconsistent temperature, unusual noises from dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty HVAC actuators.
- Cost: $400 - $900
Summary Verdict
The 2017 Bentley Continental GT demonstrates a high level of overall reliability, consistent with its luxury segment positioning. The W12 and V8 engines are robust, though potential issues with turbochargers, cooling systems, and ignition components can arise. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is generally dependable, but TCM and torque converter issues are documented. The adaptive air suspension, while providing excellent comfort, is a potential source of costly repairs due to leaks or compressor failures. Electrical gremlins, particularly with the infotainment system and parasitic battery drain, are the most frequently cited non-routine concerns. Exterior and interior components, barring specific climate control actuators, are typically free of widespread issues. Owners should budget for potential repairs on the more complex systems, especially as the vehicle ages.