Many potential Arnage owners ask: Where will I get a Bentley serviced? -or- Will the car need to be taken to a dealership every time it needs service? I attempt to answer this question in this video. One of the viewers on another video commented, “it’s just a car.”
While the cars are built to the highest standards of luxury, it is still just a car. If you are comfortable working on a car, and have the basic skills and knowledge required to accomplish such tasks, then you can feel confident working on a Bentley Arnage. There are some aspects of the car that do require a trip to the dealership or a specialist. Those types of projects usually involve the car’s engine management systems or ECU.
But in this video, we take a look at a recent repair that I decided to tackle by myself. A small leak had formed from the primary coolant tank located under the hood. Is my repair successful? Or do I end up taking the car to a mechanic after I severely screwing it up?
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Excellent summary.. as you say difficulty getting access is a common theme with many European near exotic. Even replacing tranny fluid in my lr3 a pain. I really wish these manufacturers would pay more attention to ease of repair. Im sure it would help reduce long term depreciation.
Yes, Josh. I have to agree with your (rude) detractor – it IS just a car. The biggest intimidation is the (allure of the) badge. Once you overcome that, it's a matter of time and patience (and the correct tools). If you are going to own one of these cars you realize it IS an investment, and the correct tools become an investment as well. The first tool to get is the correct service manual (printed or on CD), and review (and review and review) the service procedure. The next obstacle to overcome is acquisition of the part(s). Even those parts that are NLA and are like hens-teeth to find used, you can locate them with a bit of research. One of the things I have learned about my Rolls-Royce (and other European cars) is that the majority of mechanical parts are made my part supplier companies, and are used by a broad spectrum of auto builders. The difference is that the part that is supplied directly to the car manufacturer is stamped with the car manufacturer's logo and supplied on their box. But it was most probably designed, manufactured, and supplied by companies like Bosch.
I'll give you an example. About 6-months ago, I ran into a recurrent probably with a CEL on my RR. The code came back as a turbo code. After a bit of digging around under the engine cover, I located the turbo sensors and noted that one had just deteriorated…it has a plastic body that just didn't hold-up well to decades of being baked under the hood. Popped it off and ran the part number through Flying Spares, Introcar, and elsewhere only to find it was no longer available through Bentley. But despite that, the part was upwards of $300 IF it was available…YIKES! I was able to locate used examples, but there again, I couldn't imagine they wouldn't have suffered the same ill effects of decades of engine baking so a used part would only be a temporary solution, and I'd be constantly unnerved awaiting the other shoe to drop and be back to square one. But, after reviewing exactly what that part was described as through Bentley ("SOLENOID VALVE BOOST CONTROL") and noting the only identifying mark on the part which was the manufacturer mark of "SEM" and "AMAL SWEDEN". A bit of Googling and I determined that part was made by the SEM company in Amal, Sweden and cross-referenced the Bentley part UE75150 as the same part for a 1993 Saab 900 Turbo – part #7517477. Same part…only difference is that the Saab part is brown and tan with the part number stamped into the oval, whereas the Bentley part was all black, and the oval had no part number stamped into it. I located that part in-stock at a classic Saab parts in Pennsylvania and 3-days and $120 later the problem was resolved. I've noted the same exactly issue for my late-model Mercedes-Benz S550. Many of the parts supplied to MB are made by Bosch, Hengst, etc. and are the exact same as the MB part without the car manufacturer hallmark.
I will agree with you in that the engine compartments are densely packed with components. But, again, time and patience is all you need along with the right tool(s) to perform the procedure.
Nice work Josh.And all you said about not being scared of the Badge a and your personal satisfaction is true.I don't have Bentley and I'm not planning to get one anytime soon, however it applies to any car in this world.I think that you could save yourself even more money by putting the original coolant back as long as you put it first in the clean container and the rubber hose was another example.I would by a foot of ordinary rubber hose and swap(if possible )the heat shield from the original one.
Anyway, like your videos.Cheers Pavel New Zealand
But wait… I liked the video AND I have low self esteem… WHAT DO I DO, WHAT DO I DO?!?!?! ::closes YouTube and throws computer out the window::
you are awesome! thanks!
I'm a 2.5 skill level to fix cars and a don't have any tools. Your doing well.
Bentleys are goddamn lame and passe….trade up to class and roll in a Rolls!
I hope you repaired it with genuine Chevrolet parts.
if you are at 4-5 out of 10, then i must be hovering somewhere around 50. 4-5's out of 10 dont spend upwards of $500 on an oil change at a dealership. (i saw in one of your other videos that you mentioned doing that)
I find your channel really good. I wish I had your nerve and ability. I want to replace the 4 struts in the boot but can't figure how to remove the back carpet to get to the struts. I finally figured how to hold the trunk lid up after getting beaned a few times. Any ideas? Thank you much