2017 Bentley Continental

The 2017 Bentley Continental is a luxury grand tourer celebrated for its opulent interior, powerful engines, and smooth ride. Available in coupe and convertible configurations, it represents a blend of performance and luxury. One of the engine options for the 2017 model year is a 6.0-liter twin-turbocharged W12 engine, producing 626 horsepower and 605 lb-ft of torque. Other available engines included a 4.0-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine and the less common 4.0-liter V8S engine, each offering distinct levels of performance. All engine options were paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Owners often praise the Continental for its handcrafted interior, effortless performance, and prestige. Common dislikes include high maintenance costs and complex electronics.

Engine

6.0L Twin-Turbocharged W12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can occur from various points on the engine, including valve cover gaskets and the rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil leaks on the ground, burning oil smell, and low oil level warnings.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected gaskets or seals is the most common solution. A thorough inspection is recommended to pinpoint the exact source of the leak.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coolant Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Coolant leaks can develop from hoses, the water pump, or the radiator. Symptoms include a sweet smell, visible leaks, and overheating.
  • Solution: Replace the leaking hose, water pump, or radiator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $2,000+ depending on the location and complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Turbochargers may exhibit premature wear or failure. Symptoms include reduced engine power, whistling noises, and diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) related to turbocharger performance.
  • Solution: Replacement of the faulty turbocharger(s) is the typical solution.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $6,000+ per turbocharger.
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0L Twin-Turbocharged V8S

No Issues Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)

• Rough Shifting
  • Description/Symptoms: Reports of harsh or erratic shifting between gears, especially during acceleration or deceleration.
  • Solution: In some cases, a software update to the transmission control module (TCM) may resolve the issue. If the problem persists, valve body replacement or transmission rebuild/replacement may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $8,000+ (transmission replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The air suspension system can experience issues such as sagging, uneven ride height, or failure to adjust. This can be due to leaks in the air struts, compressor failure, or problems with the control module.
  • Solution: Repair or replacement of the faulty components, such as air struts, air compressor, or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $6,000+ depending on the component needing replacement.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience various problems, including freezing, crashing, slow response times, or complete failure.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, replacement of the infotainment unit may be required.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $5,000+ (unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive battery drain can lead to difficulty starting the vehicle or a completely dead battery. This can be caused by a parasitic draw from various electrical components.
  • Solution: Identifying and repairing the source of the parasitic draw. This may involve testing and replacing faulty modules or components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the source of the drain.
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Headlight Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Failure of LED headlights or adaptive headlight malfunction.
  • Solution: Replacement of headlight assembly or control module.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $7,000+ per headlight.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Navigation System Errors
  • Description/Symptoms: Inaccurate or failing navigation systems and screens.
  • Solution: Software updates may be available. If not, the Navigation system will need to be replaced
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 (software update) - $5,000+ (unit replacement).
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2017 Bentley Continental, while offering a luxurious experience, can present owners with some potentially expensive issues. Engine and transmission issues, particularly oil leaks and rough shifting, can be costly to repair. Air suspension malfunctions and electrical problems with the infotainment system are also common complaints. Overall, the severity of potential issues ranges from moderate to severe, with repair costs often falling in the hundreds to thousands of dollars range, reflecting the vehicle’s high-end nature. Potential buyers should factor in these potential maintenance costs when considering a 2017 Bentley Continental.