Evening guys,

Just joined the forum, and it looks like a great place for lots of valuable information.

I have just purchased my first Continental GT (2007 model) and am loving every minute of it! It's higher than average mileage at 89k but with full main dealer history, and one owner from new I am happy with the deal I got.

However, as with most second hand cars it needs a couple of bits doing. Four new tyres are being fitted tomorrow and I will be booking it in with Bentley for a major service next week.

I have a couple of questions that I was hoping someone may know the answers to.

1. My remote key unlocks and locks all the doors except the drivers side. To lock and unlock the drivers it has to be done by the key, there are no 'battery low' messages present; has anyone had a similar problem?

2. (My main concern!) I have covered approximately 200 miles today and upon returning home I have noticed a pool of water under the car, no where near the engine but more directly below where the gear selector is. Would this be the air con drain or is it something more worrying?

Any help / advise appreciate, and I will upload some pictures once I have detailed it.

Thanks,

Simon

 

Hi Simon, welcome to the forum. I agree, prior to purchase I went through 100s of posts on the forum trying to learn as much as possible.

Not too sure on point no.1 - I'll be honest I've never used my key to unlock!

Point no.2 would be the air con drain.

How does it drive at that mileage? do you know if any of the arms/bushes have been changed?

 

Hi and Welcome! How has she been maintained? I agree with the water/ condensation being a non issue. Sometimes you will actually hear the water dripping onto the exhaust and sizzling after a drive. Go through her with care and bring her to a well maintained level. She will repay you ten fold in your future enjoyment.

 

Hi,

Thanks for the advice regarding the air con, that has put my mind at rest.

It drives very well with no issues, suspension seems all ok - I guess the service next week will flag up anything that needs sorting,

Simon

 

Hi, thanks.

I am so glad you mentioned the sizzling noise as that is exactly what also happened yesterday.

The car seems to have been very well maintained. I had a long chat with the Bentley dealer that sold it to the first owner (who have also serviced it since new) and they have loads of paperwork for it which they are going to give me a copy of when I have it serviced next week.

Basically I purchased it from a used car trader, however he did not seem to know much about Continentals, and hence a very poor worded advert that would probably put most people off... I took a drive over to him, and that was when I discovered it was 1 owner with full main dealer history - There was no mention of it in the advert.

I also found out that last year it had a new engine fitted by Bentley at a cost of approx £20,000 - Reason for this was due to water damage, and the works we're covered by the first owners insurance. So basically the engine only has just under 20k miles on it. If the works had been carried out anywhere except the main dealers I would not have purchased it.

Plan for the car is to get it perfect - I am very fussy with my motors and like them spot on. New tyres are going on later today, major service next week, and also hopefully get the key sorted out. After that I will just enjoy it and make sure it is kept as it should be.

I still can't believe how much car you get for your money!

Simon

 

Hi Simon
I'm in the UK as well and just purchased my first bentley a few weeks ago. After looking at quite a few cars, I ended up with a new V8. I'm really enjoying the experience, but it is a big old car, you need to be careful in tight spaces etc.

Make sure your tyre fitter puts the suspension in jack mode before lifting the car, failure to do so can damage the air shocks. It's covered in the handbook.
I work at my own cars quite a bit and the tech's at the dealer warned me abour this.

 

#1 = The dealer can reprogram what the remote/unlock does when you initiate it. Not just in door(s) choice, but also if the car makes a high-pitched BEEP or not. It may have been set for driver side only unlock for security purposes by the previous owner and the dealer can easily change it.

 

Hi there, Glad your enjoying yours, the new models really do look stunning, congratulations! I know what you mean about the size of it. I also have a Range Rover and to be honest there does not seem much difference in the width of them.

Thanks for advice regarding the 'jack mode' I informed the garage and they knew exactly what to do luckily. It seems to drive even better now with the new boots fitted.

Just the service to go now which is being carried out this coming Tuesday. I have been quoted £1,650 for a major one, and they are picking the car up from my home which is a great help! - Hopefully there will be nothing too major found.

All the best,

Simon

 

Hi, thankyou for the advice. I have asked the dealer to have a look on Tuesday, and hopefully it is as simple as what you mention, I will keep everyone posted as it may help someone else in the future,

Cheers,

Simon

 

hi. Like enjoythemusic said,ask the dealer for all the options for key,there are quite a few that can be done for your convenience even having the seat and mirrors adjust to your settings upon "unlock". That £1650 hopefully includes spark plugs and brake fluid change.

 

Hi, As you mentioned I will speak to the dealer regarding the options - Hopefully it will be as simple as that! The price they quoted does include plugs and brake fluid (Harwoods in Pulborough)

I see you are based in East Sussex - Same as me; where abouts are you located?

Simon

 

i,m located in eastbourne.but do offer a mobile service for all over. been working on Bentleys for over 20 years and the Continental series from its intro.

 

Welcome and hope you enjoy your as much as i do mine.

 

That's good to know, I will keep you in mind if any issues arise on mine, thanks, Simon

 

I'm sure I will! - Just trying to get used to all the functions at the moment, but so far so good!