When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
Hoping to get some help. I inherited a very nice car, I do have means and won't mind the maintenance so looking forward to owning this beauty!
I'd like feedback on the ride quality as I've never driven one before have nothing to compare it to.
The car has 100,000 kms. It seems to be pretty harsh going over road imperfections in the comfort setting. It "floats" over small hills etc on the highway nicely. But you really notice every little bump. Reminds me of the 85 Corvette I had ages ago.
At 100,000 perhaps need to spend some money on some suspension parts?
The car does raise / lower, and it rides at a uniform height so I think the air struts are still okay???
Great car and welcome. As Rico said, tires/settings will have a big influence on the ride.
Being a Speed model, it may have a stiffer suspension and the ride may have more road feel dialed in than the normal models and you may check if these are original or aftermarket shocks. Some aftermarket air shocks do not adjust and have a 'compromise' setting as they do not contain the electronics to be adjustable. You are also right to have the suspension parts checked out, as these heavy cars are tough on bushings, etc.
Can't say from experience how big the difference is than the normal models, but the tradeoff is more 'spirited' ride and improved handling vs a floatier, softer riding 'normal' car. I'd say though, the Speed is the rarer and more desirable item and to me the sweet spot between the normal one and the Supersport, which doesn't have back seats, limited interior choices and is the most sporty version. That said, I've only test driven a speed from that era and not had to live with it.
In any case, congratulations on your inheritance and your benefactor's great taste in cars.
Tyres Should have a B1 symbol after the ( 105Y )
So should read [ insert your size ] ( 105Y ) B1
The side walls have been specially developed by Bentley to strike to best balance between ride comfort , softness and handling precision , side wall stiffness .
Consult the hand book and stick to whats written in there .
Pressures have already been mentioned again consult the book or door B pillar sticker .
Run flats as mentioned ^^^ are a no no the side wall stiffness gives a unbelievable harsh ride .
I have never known such a tyre sensitive car , it’s got a narrow range of acceptable parameters......mess with one and its game over in the ride Vs comfort conundrum. = Harsh ride .
I have Pirelli 275/40/19 the P zeros as per the book B 1 spec .On Mulliner alloys .
The suspension setting does actually work and even one position movement I can tell a difference.
Normally run on the middle settings but on Italian bumpy roads I switch to soft .....it works .
Bigger alloys , or lower profile again makes a huge noticeable difference I suspect with this car due to the excess weight up front I bet there’s a tendency to basically over inflate them .
If any thing it would be nice to go the over way from 40 aspect ratio to 45 or better 50,55 .
Dropping to 35 or 30 is the kiss of death to ride refinement with this 2 ton monster .
It may have worked with a 1000 kg Lotus or 1300 kg Ferrari but dies a death with 2300 kg from a refinement POV .
So after looking at the tyres next check the rubber bushes on the suspension.Particularity the front ( most weight ) control arms and drop links .The bigger the wheel the lower the profile the shorter the life .
They don’t last super long in standard spec btw on theses cars ......verging on a semi consumable part imho .
Last edited by John Fiammetta; 10-26-2019 at 03:03 AM.
I can tell you on thing..Run flats takes some getting use to. You do feel more of the road but you should also feel more secure knowing your chances of getting a complete flat are slim. I hated them at first but I’m ok with them now. Still have the itch to put regular tires on there but come back to reality when I tell myself I don’t have a spare.
Hey Scott
sorry for your loss.
I also just inherited a GTC. Mine is a 2011 80-11 but don’t take delivery until mid December. I’ve driven it prior to my uncles passing and loved it but not enough to comment on your questions. I’ll be learning along side you.
Thanks all glad I found this forum! Good people here!
I'm just north of Toronto ON (Canada).
I found a shop that has good reviews for high end cars, I'm taking it there next week anyway to get them to inspect the car, see what's what.
Lots of info on the tires. I shot a pic of the side walls they are Michelin Pilot super sports. Don't know how old they are lots of tread on them though. I had same in my Mercedes CLA and didn't like them either....
I'll repost the good news next week when the mechanic advises what great shape it's in 😁😁.
Load rating for summer 20 ,s
Is that the correct load rating ?
Thought it had to be 105 Y ? For Bentley GT summer tyres.
Just curious as in some jurisdictions insurance company’s may use that as a “ modification “ and unless notified and on the policy refute a claim .
What does the hand book or B pillar sticker ( tyre info ) say about load ratings and inflation pressures .
That would be a good place to get the correct info .
You could post a pic of the door pillar sticker ?
Last edited by John Fiammetta; 10-27-2019 at 03:14 AM.
Following what's on the vehicle info screen 39 front 36 rear. ( I think what's on screen for recommending pressure changes with the outside temperature?)
Scott ... Inflating the tyres when cold as in the car hasn't been driven, as one knows the tyres when warm change, Tyres when hot can be as much as 4 to 6 PSI higher than when cold, a low pressure tyre heat up faster & can cause poor handling due to the flex in the side of the tyre, if one doesn't have a pump to inflate tyres then the normal thing to do is not to drive no more than a mile so the tyres don't heat up ...
Sage advice sir!
Important to follow Mr. Rico's tip about inflating to the correct pressure cold...or in Phoenix, in the early morning in the garage...LOL...
Mechanic says ride not optimal cause of the control arms.
Other than that it's in tip top shape but needs brakes soon.
Here is the parts order he's recommending.
1.00 CONTROL ARM 527.46 527.46 TAX 527.46
1.00 CONTROL ARM 527.46 527.46 TAX 527.46
1.00 CONTROL ARM 527.46 527.46 TAX 527.46
1.00 CONTROL ARM 527.46 527.46 TAX 527.46
2.00 BOLT 10.93 21.86 TAX 21.86
2.00 WASHER 4.19 8.38 TAX 8.38
1.00 CONTROL ARM 965.81 965.81 TAX 965.81
1.00 CONTROL ARM 965.81 965.81 TAX 965.81
2.00 SWAY BAR LINK 1,054.55 2,109.10 TAX 2,109.10
2.00 ANTIROLL BAR LINK 217.85 435.70 TAX 435.70
1.00 Shop Supplies 10.00 10.00
Mechanic says ride not optimal cause of the control arms.
Other than that it's in tip top shape but needs brakes soon.
Here is the parts order he's recommending.
1.00 CONTROL ARM 527.46 527.46 TAX 527.46
1.00 CONTROL ARM 527.46 527.46 TAX 527.46
1.00 CONTROL ARM 527.46 527.46 TAX 527.46
1.00 CONTROL ARM 527.46 527.46 TAX 527.46
2.00 BOLT 10.93 21.86 TAX 21.86
2.00 WASHER 4.19 8.38 TAX 8.38
1.00 CONTROL ARM 965.81 965.81 TAX 965.81
1.00 CONTROL ARM 965.81 965.81 TAX 965.81
2.00 SWAY BAR LINK 1,054.55 2,109.10 TAX 2,109.10
2.00 ANTIROLL BAR LINK 217.85 435.70 TAX 435.70
1.00 Shop Supplies 10.00 10.00
Part prices seem very high. Cross reference the part numbers. If it was a small difference I understand the shop needs to profit but this estimate seems very high. Is labor included?
10-25-2019, 02:50 PM
