Issue with the Bentley

Newbie777 · January 2

Hello,

Sorry not Lexus related, but thought I post to let you guys know how bad it can be with other prestigious marques.

Yesterday my Bentley Continental GT, which was all fine, developed a steering fault after I parked up. The message on the dash was steering malfunction see dealership. Annoyingly, I could not start the car, or even put it into Neutral.

RAC guy came out checked everything including Battery (new 1 week old) fuses, no joy.

As there is no power to the ignition he could not read fault codes, worst bit I was blocking my neighbours car and drive.

Today a sub contractor for RAC brought a big trailer and picked up my car and placed it on my drive, very scary but comical at the same time!

I did some research and I think it is the steering column control module, located under the steering wheel at fault. This also annoyingly sends a signal to immobiliser as if car is being stolen, so everything shuts down!

It affects Porsches, VW Tourag, Audi A8. All the same group.

I found out that the module can be fixed (some chips replaced on the circuit board) and the guy is in London.

However, I would need to get someone to strip the steering wheel and dash to get the module out. So arranged for a mechanic/auto electrician to do this later in the week.

So all bad news, however..

Researched more on the Internet and came across an interesting read on pistonheads.

A guy suggested. Using the VCDS (vag com ond scanner),which I have, keeping the key in ignition and turned at the same time go to electronics part, manually select the auto start area and it will eventually show some faults. Click on clear faults.

I did this with key turned and eventually saw the faults and after a few attempts of clearing code (where nothing happened) eventually it worked, guess what? Thecar starts and everything works!

Will still get control module fixed, but who would have known this special procedure?

Very happy got this far, but this what to expect when you buy luxury German cars,not all what they seem

JamesIS220 · January 2

1 hour ago, Newbie777 said:

Hello,

Sorry not Lexus related, but thought I post to let you guys know how bad it can be with other prestigious marques.

Yesterday my Bentley Continental GT, which was all fine, developed a steering fault after I parked up. The message on the dash was steering malfunction see dealership. Annoyingly, I could not start the car, or even put it into Neutral.

RAC guy came out checked everything including battery (new 1 week old) fuses, no joy.

As there is no power to the ignition he could not read fault codes, worst bit I was blocking my neighbours car and drive.

Today a sub contractor for RAC brought a big trailer and picked up my car and placed it on my drive, very scary but comical at the same time!

I did some research and I think it is the steering column control module, located under the steering wheel at fault. This also annoyingly sends a signal to immobiliser as if car is being stolen, so everything shuts down!

It affects Porsches, VW Tourag, Audi A8. All the same group.

I found out that the module can be fixed (some chips replaced on the circuit board) and the guy is in London.

However, I would need to get someone to strip the steering wheel and dash to get the module out. So arranged for a mechanic/auto electrician to do this later in the week.

So all bad news, however..

Researched more on the Internet and came across an interesting read on pistonheads.

A guy suggested. Using the VCDS (vag com ond scanner),which I have, keeping the key in ignition and turned at the same time go to electronics part, manually select the auto start area and it will eventually show some faults. Click on clear faults.

I did this with key turned and eventually saw the faults and after a few attempts of clearing code (where nothing happened) eventually it worked, guess what? Thecar starts and everything works!

Will still get control module fixed, but who would have known this special procedure?

Very happy got this far, but this what to expect when you buy luxury German cars,not all what they seem

Sorry to hear of your car issues, but at least know what's wrong.

Picture is very James Bond!!

LenT · January 3

LOCers who have been discussing the merits of Diskloks and Ghost immobilisers might care to study this photo! 🙁

Boomer54 · January 3

9 hours ago, Newbie777 said:

Hello,

Sorry not Lexus related, but thought I post to let you guys know how bad it can be with other prestigious marques.

Yesterday my Bentley Continental GT, which was all fine, developed a steering fault after I parked up. The message on the dash was steering malfunction see dealership. Annoyingly, I could not start the car, or even put it into Neutral.

RAC guy came out checked everything including battery (new 1 week old) fuses, no joy.

As there is no power to the ignition he could not read fault codes, worst bit I was blocking my neighbours car and drive.

Today a sub contractor for RAC brought a big trailer and picked up my car and placed it on my drive, very scary but comical at the same time!

I did some research and I think it is the steering column control module, located under the steering wheel at fault. This also annoyingly sends a signal to immobiliser as if car is being stolen, so everything shuts down!

It affects Porsches, VW Tourag, Audi A8. All the same group.

I found out that the module can be fixed (some chips replaced on the circuit board) and the guy is in London.

However, I would need to get someone to strip the steering wheel and dash to get the module out. So arranged for a mechanic/auto electrician to do this later in the week.

So all bad news, however..

Researched more on the Internet and came across an interesting read on pistonheads.

A guy suggested. Using the VCDS (vag com ond scanner),which I have, keeping the key in ignition and turned at the same time go to electronics part, manually select the auto start area and it will eventually show some faults. Click on clear faults.

I did this with key turned and eventually saw the faults and after a few attempts of clearing code (where nothing happened) eventually it worked, guess what? Thecar starts and everything works!

Will still get control module fixed, but who would have known this special procedure?

Very happy got this far, but this what to expect when you buy luxury German cars,not all what they seem

Actually, what I take from all that is despite my feelings for some parts of this digital world how wonderful are some other parts. Once upon a time you would just never have been able to research and resolve your problem like this. Well done old son. Cap off to you.

Malc1 · January 3

Niaz the pain you’re going thru is so hard to justify just to own a sod-ing car like a Bentley

It’s no wonder there’s so many used for sale everywhere and prices seem very soft compared to new ……. I’ll never see the point in owning one, well not a “modern” one with impossible electronic wizadry

Well done getting out of jail with her and I suspect your car might join the 00s on autotrader etc for sale

I'm sure you’ll never encounter the impossible like issues with your Ls600

A comparatively simple car I’m sure with a wealth of Forum members to help where possible and at comparative tiny cost issues to resolve

German engineering, ba humbug

Well done getting that heap of junk going …… now just “ get rid “ eh !

Malc

PaulWhitt20 · January 3

9 hours ago, JamesIS220 said:

Sorry to hear of your car issues, but at least know what's wrong.

Picture is very James Bond!!

Don’t you mean Johnny English?

GMB · January 3

This is the biggest worry with older expensive cars. Some fault that costs a ton of money. You fix it and then a different fault. ( timing belt, cylinder head gaskets etc..)

Bring back the old V8s that had no computer. Fuel and a spark - that will do.

Best of luck with the "fear factor money pit". Hope it gives years of trouble free service.

Malc1 · January 3

There we are ……. one buys a today cost new £300k car and with depreciation value drops to £6k over 20 years ……. with ongoing £200k of simple maintenance costs in that time no doubt……. Now the much older Bentleys probably with non electronic wizadry etc are a “ steal “ at £30-50k by comparison …… so where’s my 1965 S3 gone 😂 ( that’s the earliest one with standard power steering maybe ? )

Malc

SH20 · January 3

In one decade I owned 3 separate four door Bentleys and lost count of the number of engine management/warning lights that came on, at least once a month. The ECU's are numerous in cars today and the last Arnage I had has 48 controlling every thing. E.G didn't tighten my fuel cap once and engine management light came on. Dealer plugged it in and discovered a breach in the fuel system air pressure. He tightened the cap and the light went out. So what chance do we have when we are heavily dependent on ECU's. I'm on my sixth Lexus since 2019 and never had a warning light come on. Enough said I think.

GMB · January 3

1 hour ago, Malc1 said:

so where’s my 1965 S3 gone

Bentley S3 - that was a keeper!

GMB · January 3

1 hour ago, SH20 said:

I'm on my sixth Lexus since 2019 and never had a warning light come on

Same here! Oops I had a puncture and the tyre pressure warning came on, but I can forgive that one.

Mincey · January 3

4 hours ago, GMB said:

Same here! Oops I had a puncture and the tyre pressure warning came on, but I can forgive that one.

Snap. I think all I've had is a low washer fluid light (other than Covid Battery issues with the IS300h)

Newbie777 · January 3

19 hours ago, JamesIS220 said:

Sorry to hear of your car issues, but at least know what's wrong.

Picture is very James Bond!!

Thank you.

Yes I know the fault now, bout only a matter of time after the next one oh well the joy of owning a big German car! LOL

Newbie777 · January 3

10 hours ago, Boomer54 said:

Actually, what I take from all that is despite my feelings for some parts of this digital world how wonderful are some other parts. Once upon a time you would just never have been able to research and resolve your problem like this. Well done old son. Cap off to you.

Thanks Mate,

my middle name is 'never give up'. You need to have a certain amount of patience and deep wallets as not if but when!

Newbie777 · January 3

10 hours ago, Malc1 said:

Niaz the pain you’re going thru is so hard to justify just to own a sod-ing car like a Bentley

It’s no wonder there’s so many used for sale everywhere and prices seem very soft compared to new ……. I’ll never see the point in owning one, well not a “modern” one with impossible electronic wizadry

Well done getting out of jail with her and I suspect your car might join the 00s on autotrader etc for sale

I'm sure you’ll never encounter the impossible like issues with your Ls600

A comparatively simple car I’m sure with a wealth of Forum members to help where possible and at comparative tiny cost issues to resolve

German engineering, ba humbug

Well done getting that heap of junk going …… now just “ get rid “ eh !

Malc

I actually love the Ventley and most cars other than a Rolls are not a patch on the Bentley interior including the Lexus LS.

I love the Bentley it was and will always be my dream car!

Also it's a big car, but performance is blistering..0-60 less than 4.0 seconds, top speed 200mph plus, unrestricted, torque 850 NM etc etc- not for the faint hearted. Rear spoiler only goes up at 95mph!

In terms of loads for sale that's true as they are expensive to maintain, but with me I am different and don't give up.

Bentley wanted £2200+ Vat for one front suspension strut plus fitting.They also told me buy a pair!

I hot the oart code replaced the first two digits with vw phaeton. Bought a secondhand vw phaeton one from eBay £120, paid Mr Bowling, (Bentley experts.) 2 hours labour £140. £260 all done, been brill for last 6 months.

Rear calipers are Audi A8 front. The recent issue on steering lock affects Audi A8. Porsche etc

So the lesson here us do your homework, make the effort and sometimes you get rewarded, or use common sense buy with your head and not your heart and get a Lexus!

Newbie777 · January 3

9 hours ago, GMB said:

This is the biggest worry with older expensive cars. Some fault that costs a ton of money. You fix it and then a different fault. ( timing belt, cylinder head gaskets etc..)

Bring back the old V8s that had no computer. Fuel and a spark - that will do.

Best of luck with the "fear factor money pit". Hope it gives years of trouble free service.

I think it goes with the territory. It hard to find parts, expensive when you do, no garage will touch you. Any work done on the house and see the Bentley they charge you double,you go the petrol station and fill her up, you don't look at the amount going in, etc etc.

All part of the heartache. Which soon disappear when drive and sit in luxury...until the next petrol station.lol.

SH20 · January 3

When Bentley offer a 10 year warranty like Lexus and Toyota do )providing you have it serviced once a year or very 10,000 miles up to a max of 100,000 miles) then I will have another Bentley !! How we laughed !!!!

Spock66 · January 3

Meanwhile many original 1920's WO Bentleys are still going strong, my grandfather worked at the factory.

Newbie777 · January 3

52 minutes ago, SH20 said:

When Bentley offer a 10 year warranty like Lexus and Toyota do )providing you have it serviced once a year or very 10,000 miles up to a max of 100,000 miles) then I will have another Bentley !! How we laughed !!!!

It is not in their Business to be reliable. Buy the car have it serviced by Bentley and buy another one in 4 years. That's the model

Newbie777 · January 3

50 minutes ago, Spock66 said:

Meanwhile many original 1920's WO Bentleys are still going strong, my grandfather worked at the factory.

Personally I think the properly Bentleys are the Arnage or prior, huge presence. Elegant design and luxury

JamesIS220 · January 4

On 1/3/2024 at 8:11 AM, PaulWhitt20 said:

Don’t you mean Johnny English?

That's the one!

chrali · January 20

On 1/3/2024 at 7:27 PM, Newbie777 said:

Personally I think the properly Bentleys are the Arnage or prior, huge presence. Elegant design and luxury

I'm in a quandary on my next barge, so whilst I agree and a Bentley is my dream car, it has waaaaaay more potential big bills. Bentley SZ cars and prior, are total classics and corrosion prone. Arnage Red labels blow head gaskets; apparently when not if, for near £10k bill and Arnage R & T eat their camshafts with NO available replacement parts. Car Wizard was unable to repair an Arnage due to no available transmission actuators on the planet; including from Flying Spares !!!! A mass produced modern luxury car like the Continental GT (a Phaeton in party frock) is much less likely to be rendered unrepairable in one go like that, especially given the second hand spares availability.

SH20 · January 20

IntroCar Ltd now the most recognised supplier of Bentley and Rolls Royce parts in the UK for stuff that has gone obsolete because they also re produce parts using CAD and 3D printing. They single handedly re designed the head gasket for the 6.75 V8 engine to a superior standard than the original and is produced by a company in South Africa for IntroCar. They specialise in S1,2 and 3 Bentley and Rolls Royces, Shadows and T series Bentley, all the SZ varients, Arnage and Silver Serephs. Take a look at their YouTube Videos, they are an education in what's possible and do not over charge. They export a huge amount of parts all over the world. Continental GT's are also catered for. Flying Spares LED the way for a number of years but only from a breakers point of view. IntroCar remanufacture thousands of parts that were thought to have become obsolete by taking the original and making their version better. Their website allows you to filter all models and into the various categories of parts. I used them a number of times for my 1997 Brooklands LPT, a 2001 Bentley Arnage Le Mans and my last Bentley, a 2005 Arnage R. I managed to get the parts I needed at the time when the dealer network said no longer available. Sorry no pic of my SZ Brooklands but without doubt the SZ range was the best over Engineered model the factory ever produced because it was designed first and then priced whereas the cars that followed were priced first and then designed. Graham Hull the best designer ever in my opinion who was heavily involved in the SZ models before he was made Chief Designer for the 1998 Arnage. He later admitted one of the biggest challenges he and the Engineers had was redesigning the chassis in 2000 when those Tossers BMW started to mess the factory around and threatened to stop supplying the 4.4 V8 for the Bentley when VW outbid them for the brand. Hence the Arnage Red Label with the original V8 which was retro fitted into the Arnage shell after the chassis was heavily modified.

I loved my Bentley cars but experienced far too many incidents of vandalism and outright hatred over 10 years by pond life bottom feeders who do this country down and respect nothing and no one.

Malc1 · January 20

Excellent post and good looking car too ……… thinking one needs very deep pockets to own and run any Bentley …….. but thinking that’s forever been so 🤔

Malc

chrali · February 7

They are wonderful cars and yes Introcar does do many parts. If a Red label pops a head gasket your covered, if the R or T eats its camshafts you're stuffed. Same for the transmission actuator I believe. They are the complete opposite ownership proposition when compared to a Lexus IMHO and you're lucky to own one. Kinda jealous 😁