IsItAGoodCar

Common Problems with the
2005–2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

We've identified 3 known issues that can affect the 2005–2012 Bentley Continental Flying Spur. 1 of these are serious faults that could be expensive to repair.

3
Known Issues
1
Serious
1
Moderate
1
Minor

The 2005–2012 period has 2 more issues than the Bentley Continental Flying Spur average across all year periods.

All Known Issues

Air Suspension Compressor Burnout

SeriousSuspension & Chassis

The heavy weight of the Flying Spur puts enormous strain on the air suspension compressor. When air struts develop slow leaks, the compressor runs continuously to maintain ride height, eventually overheating and burning out.

Most affected: All variants

Estimated cost: £1,500–£3,000Affects: 2005–2024Often appears around: 60k–90k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Compressor runs constantly after parking
  • •Car sags overnight
  • •"Stop Car Too Low" warning
  • •Grinding or buzzing from compressor area

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Check ride height after the car has stood overnight
  • ✓Listen for compressor activity when the car is stationary
  • ✓Inspect all air struts for leaks before the compressor is blamed

Secondary Air Injection Pump Failure

ModerateEngine

The pumps for the emissions system can ingest moisture and fail, triggering a Check Engine Light.

Most affected: 6.0 W12

Estimated cost: £800–£1,500Affects: 2005–2012Often appears around: 50k–70k miles

Typical symptoms

  • •Whining noise on cold start
  • •CEL illuminated
  • •Failed MOT on emissions

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Listen for a high-pitched vacuum cleaner sound on a cold start

Rear Window Regulator Failure

MinorBodywork & Rust

The cables in the rear window lifting mechanism can snap, causing the glass to drop into the door.

Most affected: Mk1 models

Estimated cost: £400–£700 per sideAffects: 2005–2013Often appears around: Age-related

Typical symptoms

  • •Window won't move
  • •Grinding noise from the door
  • •Glass falls down

What to inspect before you buy

  • ✓Operate all windows multiple times from both the driver's seat and the rear seats

Buying Tips for the 2005 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

  • ✓Check all rear seat adjustments and climate controls.
  • ✓In Mk1 models, check the rear window regulators; they are a common failure point.
  • ✓Inspect the rear air suspension struts as thoroughly as the fronts.
  • ✓Verify the soft-close function on all four doors.
2013 Bentley Continental Flying Spur

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Other Bentley Continental Flying Spur Year Periods

2005–201220132014–2024

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