Bentley Mulsanne Problems What to Know Before Buying
The Bentley Mulsanne is a flagship luxury saloon known for its handcrafted excellence, 6.75-litre twin-turbocharged V8, and commanding presence. Built between 2010 and 2020, it combines old-school craftsmanship with modern engineering. However, like any high-end vehicle, it has a few known issues. This guide outlines the most common Bentley Mulsanne problems to watch for when buying or maintaining one.
1. Air Suspension Problems
The Mulsanne’s adaptive air suspension offers a luxurious ride, but it’s a known weak spot. Common issues:
- Vehicle sagging overnight
- Suspension warning lights
- Uneven ride or harshness
Repair cost estimate: £2,000–£4,500 (per axle, including parts and labor)
2. Electrical System Glitches
Frequent electrical issues include:
- Power window failures
- Door locking faults
- Battery drain
- Warning light errors
Repair cost estimate: £300–£2,000 depending on the module or system affected
3. Infotainment and Connectivity Faults
Older Mulsanne infotainment systems can suffer from:
- Frozen screens
- Navigation or Bluetooth failures
- Rear entertainment system errors
Repair cost estimate: £500–£2,500 (repairs or replacement of infotainment components)
4. Brake Wear and Costs
Given its size and weight, brake wear is considerable. Common complaints:
- Judder or squeal under braking
- Premature pad/disc wear
Brake pad and disc replacement:
- Standard setup: £1,000–£2,000 per axle
- Carbon ceramics (if fitted): £4,000+ per axle
5. Oil and Coolant Leaks
Common locations for leaks include:
- Valve cover gaskets
- Turbo oil lines
- Water pumps and hoses
Repair cost estimate: £500–£2,500 depending on location and severity
6. Transmission and Drivetrain Issues
The ZF 8-speed automatic is generally reliable, but issues may arise from lack of service:
- Harsh shifting
- Delayed engagement
Transmission service cost: £600–£1,200 (fluid + filter)
Major repair: £3,000–£6,000
7. Climate Control Failures
Luxury climate systems may fail due to:
- Weak airflow
- Faulty actuators or sensors
- AC not cooling
Typical repair cost: £500–£1,500 depending on the fault
8. Interior Feature Failures
Luxury feature issues include:
- Malfunctioning seat controls
- Rear tray tables not deploying
- Failing soft-close doors
Interior electronics repair: £300–£1,500 depending on feature
Servicing & Maintenance Costs
Owning a Bentley Mulsanne comes with high annual running costs. Here’s what to expect:
Routine Annual Service
- Oil change, filter, basic diagnostics
- Cost: £800–£1,200
Major Service (every 2–4 years)
- Spark plugs, brake fluid, transmission fluid, air filters, cabin filters, full diagnostics
- Cost: £2,000–£4,000+
Tyres
- OEM-spec Pirelli or Michelin tyres
- Cost: £1,200–£2,000 for a full set
Battery Replacement
- AGM or lithium (depending on model year)
- Cost: £500–£800
Extended Warranty
- For post-warranty peace of mind
- Cost: £3,000–£5,000 per year (depending on provider)
Insurance & Road Tax (UK)
- Group 50+ insurance
- Insurance: £1,500–£3,000/year (driver-dependent)
- Tax: ~£695/year (CO₂ based)
Is the Bentley Mulsanne a Good Buy?
Yes — if properly maintained. The Mulsanne delivers one of the most exclusive driving experiences in the luxury segment, but it’s important to:
- Buy one with a complete service history
- Check all electronic, engine, and suspension components
- Avoid examples with incomplete maintenance
- Budget realistically for parts and servicing
Book a Pre-Purchase Inspection
A Bentley Mulsanne should never be bought without a professional inspection. Services like CarExamer.com provide:
- Over 300 detailed mechanical and electrical checks
- Full diagnostics of engine, suspension, transmission, and brakes
- Same-day reports delivered nationwide in the UK
This is essential protection before buying any high-value luxury car.
Final Thoughts
The Bentley Mulsanne is a luxury benchmark — powerful, elegant, and built with incredible attention to detail. Yet, it’s important to be aware of common Bentley Mulsanne problems such as air suspension failure, electrical faults, brake wear, and infotainment issues.
If you’re buying used:
- Insist on a full inspection
- Test all luxury features and electronics
- Check for leaks and service records
- Use only Bentley-trained technicians for maintenance
With the right care, the Mulsanne will reward its owner with an unmatched experience in comfort and prestige.
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