IsItAGoodCar
Reliability Guide

Common Problems with the
2009 Bentley Arnage

We've identified 1 known issue that can affect the 2009 Bentley Arnage. None are considered critical, but they're worth knowing about before you buy.

1
Known Issues
0
Serious
1
Moderate
0
Minor

All Known Issues

Electro-Hydraulic Suspension Bush and Damper Wear

ModerateSuspension & Chassis

With a kerb weight approaching 2.6 tonnes, the double-wishbone suspension and adaptive dampers suffer heavy wear on UK roads. Rubber bushes in the front upper and lower wishbones perish, causing knocks over road irregularities and erratic front tyre wear. In addition, the electronic active dampers and hydraulic accumulator spheres lose damping performance with age, leading to a harsh, jiggly ride rather than the cloud-like compliance intended by Bentley.

Est. Repair Cost: £1,200–£3,000
Warning Signs:

Dull knocking or clunking sounds over low-speed road imperfections, Harsh or choppy ride quality instead of smooth damping, Uneven front tyre shoulder scrubbing, Vehicle wandering or tramlining on UK motorway ruts

What to Inspect:
  • Inspect upper and lower front wishbone bushes and drop links for rubber perishing or tears
  • Check electronic active damper units for hydraulic fluid misting or weeping
  • Take a test drive over speed cushions and listen for clunks from the front subframe
  • Examine front tyre tread depth across the full contact patch for uneven inner edge wear
Verified by IsItAGoodCar Research TeamUpdated

Buying Tips for 2009 Bentley Arnage

  • Insist on a documented service history from franchised Bentley dealers or recognized UK specialists such as Flying Spares, IntroCar, or P&A Wood.
  • Listen intently for valvetrain ticking on 6.75-litre pre-2007 engines, which indicates worn camshaft lobes and hydraulic tappets.
  • Check the coolant expansion tank for combustion pressurisation or mayonnaise-like emulsion on the dipstick to detect head gasket leaks.
  • Operate all electrical cabin equipment, including the electric seats, window regulators, climate control dampers, and sat-nav display.
  • Inspect the rear wheel arches, lower door edges, and front inner wings behind the arch liners for hidden galvanic or road salt corrosion.
Check a 2009 Bentley Arnage by Registration