2017 Bentley Flying Spur
2017 Bentley Flying Spur
Overview
The 2017 Bentley Flying Spur represents the pinnacle of luxury and performance, offering a refined driving experience with potent powertrains. As a high-end luxury sedan, its reliability is generally strong, reflecting meticulous engineering and premium materials. However, like any complex vehicle, certain areas can experience issues, particularly those related to its advanced technology and high-performance components. This analysis focuses on documented technical reliability concerns, excluding routine maintenance and standard wear and tear, to provide a clear picture of potential areas requiring attention for owners of this exclusive automobile.
Engine
6.0L Twin-Turbo W12
Ignition Coil Failure
- Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, check engine light illumination, reduced engine power.
- Solution: Replacement of faulty ignition coil(s).
- Cost: $300 - $600
Turbocharger Issues
- Symptoms: Loss of power, whistling noises from the engine bay, increased oil consumption.
- Solution: Inspection and potential repair or replacement of turbocharger assembly.
- Cost: $2,500 - $5,000+
4.0L Twin-Turbo V8
Coolant Leaks
- Symptoms: Overheating, visible coolant puddles under the vehicle, sweet smell from the engine bay.
- Solution: Diagnosis and repair of leaking hoses, gaskets, or water pump.
- Cost: $400 - $1,000
Transmission
8-Speed Automatic (ZF 8HP)
No widespread issues reported.
- Symptoms: No widespread issues reported.
- Solution: No widespread issues reported.
- Cost: No widespread issues reported.
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 associated lines.
- Cost: $800 - $1,500 per corner
Suspension Compressor Failure
- Symptoms: Vehicle not raising to normal height, constant compressor operation, warning lights on the dashboard.
- Solution: Replacement of the air suspension compressor unit.
- Cost: $1,000 - $2,000
Electrical
Infotainment System
Software Glitches
- Symptoms: Screen freezing, unresponsive touch controls, navigation system errors, Bluetooth connectivity issues.
- Solution: Software updates or resets; potential replacement of head unit if hardware failure.
- Cost: $200 - $1,500+
Battery Drain
Parasitic Battery Drain
- Symptoms: Battery dying unexpectedly, difficulty starting the vehicle, electrical components malfunctioning.
- Solution: Diagnosis to identify the source of the drain (e.g., faulty module, aftermarket accessory) and repair.
- Cost: $300 - $800
Exterior
No Major Issues
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No Major Issues
- Solution: No Major Issues
- Cost: No Major Issues
Interior
No Major Issues
No Major Issues
- Symptoms: No Major Issues
- Solution: No Major Issues
- Cost: No Major Issues
Summary Verdict
The 2017 Bentley Flying Spur demonstrates a high level of overall reliability, characteristic of its luxury segment. The W12 and V8 engines are robust, though specific issues like ignition coil failures or coolant leaks can occur and require attention. The ZF 8-speed automatic transmission is a proven unit with no widespread reported problems. The adaptive air suspension, while sophisticated, is the most common area for potential issues, with air spring leaks and compressor failures being the primary concerns. Electrical systems, particularly the infotainment, can experience software glitches. Exterior and interior components generally hold up well, reflecting the premium build quality. Proactive maintenance and addressing minor issues promptly are key to maintaining the Flying Spur’s exceptional performance and luxury.