2018 Bentley Mulsanne

Here’s a breakdown of common issues and complaints associated with the 2018 Bentley Mulsanne, formatted for your website.

The 2018 Bentley Mulsanne represents the pinnacle of luxury motoring, blending handcrafted elegance with substantial power. It’s lauded for its opulent interior, smooth ride, and stately presence. However, its complexity and reliance on sophisticated systems can lead to specific issues. The Mulsanne features a handcrafted 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V8 engine, producing 505 horsepower and 752 lb-ft of torque in the standard model, while the Speed variant boasts 530 horsepower and 811 lb-ft of torque. All models are paired with an 8-speed automatic transmission. Some common criticisms include its considerable size, which can make it challenging to maneuver in tight spaces, and its thirst for fuel.

Engine

6.75-Liter Twin-Turbocharged V8

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various points including valve cover gaskets, rear main seal, and oil cooler lines. Symptoms include visible oil puddles under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the leak and replacing the affected gasket or seal. Sometimes, retorquing bolts can temporarily alleviate minor leaks.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+ depending on the location and complexity of the repair. Rear main seal is the most expensive.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Turbocharger Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Malfunctions or failures within the turbocharger system. Symptoms include reduced engine power, unusual noises (whining or whistling) from the engine bay, and potentially an engine warning light.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific turbocharger component causing the issue (e.g., wastegate, compressor wheel, bearings). Replacement or rebuilding of the turbocharger may be necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $8,000+ per turbocharger, including labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-Speed Automatic

• Rough Shifting/Hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Harsh or delayed gear changes, particularly between specific gears. Can also include a “clunking” noise during shifts.
  • Solution: Start with a transmission fluid flush and filter replacement using the correct Bentley-specified fluid. If the problem persists, a valve body repair or replacement may be needed. In severe cases, a complete transmission rebuild or replacement is the only option.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Fluid flush $500 - $1000. Valve body repair $1,500 - $3,000. Full transmission rebuild/replacement $8,000 - $15,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Air Suspension Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The Mulsanne utilizes an air suspension system for ride comfort. Common issues include the car not maintaining its proper ride height, sagging on one side, or failing to raise/lower. An “Air Suspension Fault” warning light is likely to illuminate.
  • Solution: Diagnose the source of the leak or failure, which could involve the air struts themselves, the air compressor, valve block, or air lines. Replace the faulty component.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Air strut replacement $2,000 - $4,000+ per strut. Compressor replacement $1,500 - $3,000. Valve block replacement $1,000 - $2,000.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can suffer from glitches, freezes, and slow response times. Connectivity issues with Bluetooth or Apple CarPlay/Android Auto are also common.
  • Solution: Software updates are often the first step. If the problem persists, the infotainment unit itself might need replacement.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: Software update (included in service). Infotainment unit replacement $3,000 - $7,000+.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Sensor Failures
  • Description/Symptoms: Bentley’s rely on many sensors to operate. Issues arise due to sensor failures such as the crankshaft position sensor and MAF sensor, which can cause the vehicle to misfire or stall and can also cause the vehicle to go into limp mode.
  • Solution: Replacing the affected sensor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500- $1500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Automatic Closing Doors
  • Description/Symptoms: The auto-closing doors can have issues with closing. There may be a delay or the door may not close fully.
  • Solution: Replacing the door actuator or switch.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2000-$4000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Seat Motor Malfunctions
  • Description/Symptoms: The power seats might exhibit issues such as failing to adjust, getting stuck, or making unusual noises.
  • Solution: Diagnose the specific motor or switch causing the problem. Replacement of the faulty component is usually necessary.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $800 - $2,500+ per seat, depending on the complexity of the repair.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2018 Bentley Mulsanne, while a symbol of luxury, can present owners with a range of potential issues. The most concerning are related to the engine (oil leaks, turbocharger problems), the complex air suspension system, and electrical glitches in the infotainment system. These repairs can be expensive, often running into the thousands of dollars, reflecting the high cost of parts and specialized labor required for Bentley vehicles. While recalls are not common, preventative maintenance and careful inspection are crucial to mitigating potential problems.