Bentley has expanded its air suspension warranty to cover repairs for up to 10 years or 100,000 miles, prioritizing customer trust. This enhancement addresses common hydraulic leaks and compressor failures, offering free replacements for faulty components. Owners of models like the Continental GT and Flying Spur benefit from reduced ownership costs and long-term reliability assurance.
How Long is the Bentley Air Suspension Warranty?
The extended warranty spans 10 years or 100,000 miles, whichever comes first. This applies retroactively to vehicles produced since 2015, ensuring even older models qualify for coverage. Dealerships will verify eligibility via VIN checks, with no additional paperwork required for repairs within this period.
Which Models Are Covered Under the New Warranty?
Coverage includes the Continental GT, Flying Spur, Bentayga, and Mulsanne models equipped with air suspension. Vehicles modified with non-OEM parts or used commercially may face exemptions. Bentley’s warranty portal provides real-time eligibility status updates for owners.
Specific model years receive tailored coverage based on suspension generation. For example:
| Model | Production Years | Suspension Generation |
|---|---|---|
| Continental GT | 2015-2024 | Gen 4/Gen 5 |
| Bentayga | 2016-2024 | Gen 5 |
Owners should note that hybrid variants require additional certification for compressor components. Bentley dealers now offer complimentary suspension health checks to verify system integrity before warranty claims.
Why Did Bentley Extend the Air Suspension Warranty?
Persistent failure rates in hydraulic valve blocks and air springs prompted the extension. By addressing these issues proactively, Bentley aims to strengthen brand loyalty and reduce dealership dispute costs. The move follows similar warranty expansions by Porsche and Rolls-Royce in the luxury segment.
What Repairs Are Included in the Warranty Expansion?
Coverage includes full replacement of air struts, compressors, height sensors, and valve blocks. Labor costs for diagnostics and recalibration are also covered. Exclusions apply to damage from accidents, off-road use, or aftermarket modifications not approved by Bentley.
How Does This Warranty Compare to Previous Policies?
Earlier warranties capped suspension coverage at 3 years/36,000 miles. The new policy triples the duration while adding components like the pneumatic control module. Transferability to subsequent owners enhances resale values, a feature absent in prior agreements.
| Feature | Previous Policy | 2024 Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Period | 3 years | 10 years |
| Component Coverage | Basic struts | Full system + sensors |
The revised terms also introduce mobile service options for suspension repairs, reducing dealership visit requirements. Bentley now covers software-related suspension faults that were previously excluded, including calibration errors caused by over-the-air updates.
When Should Owners Request Warranty Service?
Immediate claims are recommended when experiencing uneven ride height, warning lights, or abnormal compressor noise. Delaying repairs risks collateral damage to adjacent components like wheel speed sensors, which may void coverage if negligence is proven.
Expert Views
“Bentley’s warranty extension reflects improved manufacturing tolerances in Gen 5 air suspension systems. The use of plasma-sealed O-rings in revised valve blocks reduces leakage rates by 83% compared to 2014 models. However, owners should still perform monthly system self-tests via the infotainment diagnostics menu.” – Dr. Reinhard Müller, Automotive Suspension Systems Analyst
Conclusion
Bentley’s warranty expansion sets a new benchmark in luxury automotive ownership programs. By directly addressing historical weak points in their suspension architecture, they’ve created a compelling value proposition that rewards brand loyalty while pressuring competitors to match these terms.
FAQs
- Does the warranty cover second-hand Bentley vehicles?
- Yes, coverage transfers automatically to subsequent owners without requiring dealer registration. Service history documentation strengthens claim approvals.
- Are aftermarket air suspension repairs reimbursable?
- Only repairs using Bentley-approved parts and certified technicians qualify for reimbursement. Submit pre-authorization requests via the brand’s warranty portal.
- How does climate affect warranty claims?
- Extreme cold (below -30°C) causing compressor failure requires additional frost protection verification. Southern hemisphere owners receive tailored maintenance schedules.