Bentley Continental GT, GTC & Flying Spur: Common Problems

Posted by masterclass on with 14 Comments

The Bentley Continental GT is definitely an elegant, British beauty. With craftsmanship and design cues that stay true to its legacy, the Bentley GT also pushes the limits of luxury and performance. First released in 2003, replacing the Rolls-Royce-based Continental R and Continental T, it has quickly become a fast-selling model throughout the U.S. and China.

Air Suspension Problems

With all its beauty, though, there are some common issues to note. The Bentley Continental’s Continuous Dampening Control (CDC) is an adjustable air suspension that helps deliver vehicle stability and agility. But at 5,456 pounds, The Bentley Continental GT’s curb weight can put a lot of pressure on the shocks. Many owners have experienced problems with their air suspension even when their vehicle is still at very low mileage.

The list price PER SHOCK at a local dealership can be as high as $3,200.00 NOT INCLUDING labor costs. Therefore, it is not atypical to see a full air suspension job for a Bentley Continental GT to run as high as $16,000! *It is important to note: these types of suspension products must be done in pairs (front/rear). So you can’t just replace one!

At MasterClass Automotive, a leading independent European automotive repair facility in Miami, Florida, they see these problems often. “Air suspension is one of the most common and potentially most expensive repairs we see with Bentley vehicles,” says Ronald Norat, owner and Master Technician at MasterClass Automotive. “Luckily, however, we recently partnered with Arnott Industries, the worldwide leading authority in air suspension products, to offer our customers with a more affordable alternative.”

Arnott offers completely rebuilt, OE front air shocks for the 2003-to-present Bentley Continental, GT and the 4-door 2006-to-present Bentley Flying Spur. Their made in the USA shock features a new rubber air spring bladder manufactured by Continental Contitech along with a new CNC machined aluminum upper housing. Not only will Bentley drivers find these shocks to be up to 50 percent more affordable than the original, but they also come with a Limited Lifetime Warranty and 90-day money-back satisfaction guarantee.

Maintenance Tips

  • When parking your vehicle overnight (especially if for more than a few days) set the adjustable air suspension to the lowest ride setting. This can help alleviate pressure on the air suspension and potentially increase their lifespan.
  •  Test the adjustable air suspension regularly. Maintaining movement in the suspension ensures flexibility in the rubber materials and help prevent the pneumatic parts, valves and sensors from failing due to lack of use.
  • Listen for air leaks coming from the shock area and check for warning lights on the console. Addressing these issues early may help prevent additional damage to surrounding parts in the vehicle.