Hi All

I purchased a 2005 Bentley continental about three weeks ago and have a couple of questions for the forums after using the search function and not finding an answer

1. Are the bootlids motorised/assisted opening on this year/model. Mine unlocks but does not open in anyway. Has to be manually lifted and opened.

2. Ive so far had two "Level fault workshop!" messages. Restarting the vehicle clears the message. Ive read up on this and appears to be related to air suspension...Take back to dealer maybe?

3. Near side front intermittent noise (on most of the time) of what I think is the air compressor possibly filling left strut? Does this sound familiar?

 

Welcome,

I understand the power boot was optional on the early models and then became standard. If you open your boot there should be a button on the inside lip to close it again. If there is no button I would think you do not have it.

The other 2 questions are not something I have experience in but by the sounds of it they are probably related and indicate an issue with the suspension. Im sure someone else will be along soon to answer those questions.

In the meantime do you have any photos of your new ride?

 

Hi Mike thanks for the reply, that clears the boot lid question up thanks.

Added some images :-)

 

Hi JSA.

Mike has answered the boot question so I will try and help with the noise.

If you have a faulty air shocker then it could cause the compressor to run far too much.
However, the suspension compressor is at the rear of the car under the boot.

The most notorious noise from the area that you mention is the brake vacuum pump. It is located in the front left wheel well close to where the door hinges are.
The best way to check if it is the vacuum pump is to open the passenger door, pump the brake pedal a few times, then start the engine. You will hear a high pitched motor sound coming from that area. It should stop after a short while. If it continues to run then you may well have an air leak on one of the hoses. The ones on top of the gearbox are notorious for going and it's an engine/gearbox out job to fix the problem. I had the same issue, as have other forum members.
The car would need a smoke test to locate the leak for definite.
This isn't connected to the suspension by the way, that could be a separate issue.

So, if I were you, I would go back to the dealer.

P.S. Where in the UK are you located?

Nice looking car by the way.

Regards. Les.

 

Hi Les,

Thank you for your reply. Where you have mentioned

is EXACTLEY where the noise is coming from!

Thanks to this info Ive now narrowed the sound down so I can reproduce it every time. Each time I press even very lightly on the brake pedal the brake vacuum pump activates quite noticeably and runs for 30 seconds. With the passenger door open its like an industrial compressor. I assume its not normal for this vacuum pump to function like this ?

EDIT: to answer my own last part of the question "brake vacuum pump should on only when the vacuum system has lost negative pressure"

Also the hissing noise coming from engine bay may be an issue?


Im in worcestershire

 

Hi again.

Yes, the pump sounds like it is worn. It will eventually burn out and stop working. Mine was loud like that before burning out and the new one is fairly quiet.

You may have a leak on a vacuum hose in the engine bay at the back of the engine, you can see those if you lift off the rear black plastic cover, the one with the Bentley badge on it. Failing that and worst scenario, it could be the gearbox hoses. Either way, it needs looking at.

My reason for asking where you live was that I use a very good Bentley Indie.
He is in Crewe, so not too far from you.
Their name is 'GT Services'; http://www.gtservicescheshire.co.uk/ and I'm not the only person on here who uses them.

Good luck with it anyway and let us know how you get on.

Regards. Les.

 

Thanks for the info, I think I will take it to an Indie bentley specialist and get them to look at it as you suggest, if its something dramatic I will reject the vehicle as my first three weeks of ownership has been fraught with dashboard warnings and strange noises so far

 

Good move. Keep us posted.

Les.

 

Update

With numerous problems since purchase I Requested a refund under consume rrights act. Richard Teakle at WSpecialist cars Cheltenham refused on the grounds he came to MOT and service vehicle approx 14 days after purchase and any faults would have had to have been reported then else my statutory rights are forfeited! Obviously this was rubbish but he then ceased communication. He has been put on notice of legal action.

You can read the claim details here: http://cl.ly/2v3C1n2q3s2S

 

Just as well you had it checked properly.
Lets hope the dealer plays ball.

Les.

 

Sounds like your having a bad time with it, hope you get sorted and also hope it doesnt put you off buying another b?

 

...Hello from San Francisco...most car dealers are thieves...they sold you a sick horse...and they knew what they were doing...all early GT's are problems going to happen because of faulty design...I hope you were successful seeking legal redress...life is a learning experience...I have had a 2010 Speed fortunately it just does what you want it to do...the Bentley Dealership screwed me once on service...very short sighted...never again...JimB