23rd Dec 2010, 19:31

Does anyone know of a reasonable/low cost Bentley mechanic in the San Diego area?

14th Feb 2011, 22:48

All.

Are there any good independent mechanics for a 1997 Turbo R in the San Antonio Texas area? Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks.

24th Apr 2011, 13:21

The $900 you paid for the window lift, did that include installation? Was it done by a Bentley dealer?

28th Apr 2011, 22:58

Recently purchased a 1990 Turbo R and am in the Austin, TX area. Took it to local mechanic for oil and filter change, he traced a minor leak to the power steering hose clamp and tightened it; leak fixed! Don't have any specific mechanics to recommend, but would start with Jaguar and British motorcar specialists... maybe check out Motocars ltd, they specialize in Jags, Land Rovers and Minis. Quoted me $90 for a checkout of the Bentley. Good luck. Looking forward to replacing the coolant temp sending unit and new belts that came with car using my local mechanic. There is also a new Bentley dealer in Austin. John Eagle European.

8th May 2011, 08:49

To the Austin, TX poster, I am looking for a Turbo R of the same vintage and would appreciate any local advice you're willing to share. cabrachian@yahoo.com

Thanks, Cab.

21st May 2011, 22:32

Cab, what would you like to know? Not too sure of any local advice I could give. Purchased a Turbo R in Louisiana via ebay, fix list includes temp gauge not registering despite new sending unit installed, passenger drivers window went down but not up, relay replaced and fixed prob, now still not going up from drivers door switch, maybe another relay? John Eagle European in Austin now dealing in Bentleys, parts dept has done good work in getting parts. Absolutely fun to drive, interior is incredible. Would possibly sell if the price was right!!

1st Jun 2011, 11:19

Hi, Just read about your past problem with 'hot' starting the Bentley. Just wondering if you found the cause of the problem as I have the same issue with my Turbo R.

13th Jun 2011, 21:56

I have owned my 1988 Bentley Eight for 4-5 yrs, now at 55,000 miles. Spent approx. $5,000 on new brakes, and another $5,000 on lower and upper A/C compressors. I was told the fluid lines to the calipers were leaking, an $8,000 job. A trusted friend says "no way" not more than a grand in parts. Any opinions?

I absolutely LOVE this car, and would like to keep and enjoy and drive it for the next 20 yrs. Parts on "E Bay Motors" suggest my friend is correct. Are replacing hydraulic lines to the calipers REALLY that involved? Any tech manuals out there for purchase to walk me or my mechanic thru? davidcourtneycorn at g mail dot com.

27th Jun 2011, 19:58

The prices you were quoted & have paid seem way over the top... swindle more like. The pipes shouldn't cost anything like that to fix.

The parts can be got from the England reasonably from several independent specialists - Flying Spares, Introcar & Intercontinental to name a few - their prices vary, so best to check them all before ordering anything. You will need all the seals etc as well - just ask what you need first.

Service handbooks often turn up on ebay.co.uk, and the above breakers/dealers sell them reasonably.

To fix a leak to the rear brakes shouldn't cost more than £300-500/$400-700 max all in through an independent, even if it's a major job.

The braking/hydraulic system is complicated & needs expert attention to get it right - but may be possible using a very good local mechanic following the maintenance book very, very carefully. Don't try your luck and do it yourself unless you are a mechanic, or it'll end in tears!

4th Aug 2011, 04:28

Help, please! Turbo did not kick in, engine ran rough. Engine very hot and smoking under hood and bitter smell. Fluids look good. NW IN/Chicago area.

31st Aug 2011, 18:04

Hi

I am looking for a Turbo R. A filled out service book is very important as I understand it from here. A factor is the time, not only the mileage. My basic question. What is the service program for a Turbo R? Have heard about a ten year service etc.

All advice is welcome.

Any checklist to go through before a purchase?

Best regards,

Peter.

3rd Nov 2011, 15:42

I have a 1991 Bentley Turbo R that has not be driven for three years (parked). Now I tried to start the car, the engine is just making a coughing sound and it would not start. What will be the problem, since it was running great before? Dan

10th Nov 2011, 15:05

If the car has been parked for 3 years, as you report, you may need to drain the tank and replace with fresh fuel. Good luck.

25th Nov 2011, 07:56

Hey, where is the starter relay located? I have a 1990 Bentley Turbo R, but it should be in the same place.

20th Jan 2012, 20:31

The problem is in the turbo, you need to change the bearings and the rings (you find them on eBay - Garret T04, possibly T4118 - as a kit, it cost me 65 euro).

First take out the hoses, and after the turbo via the clamps of the center body, and after that, mark the position of the turbos and take out the bolt, then substitute the parts and mount in the same order.

I did this one month ago, and now it's incredible.

Good luck.

Regards from Spain.

21st Jan 2012, 08:19

Here in Spain we look to a Citroen service for the hydraulics, and an indie for the other things, taking with us the 4400 manual and the parts catalog (you can take this from RR enthusiast club of Australia, but is a fantastic car for working on without a rush).

8th Feb 2012, 20:17

Had you found the solution to the hard starting problem you had with your Bentley? I've got the same issue.

13th Apr 2012, 23:13

I currently own Three Turbo Rs; a 1990, 1991 and a 1993. The two earlier cars are essentially trailer queens, having driven only 24,000 and 27,000 miles respectively. I keep them at my vacation home, and thus are seldom driven. I have them started by a caretaker each week, and they are then put back in the garage and covered. Because they sit the most, they have the most problems. The previous owners were both Palm Beach retirees, who also used the cars only during Florida winters, and most probably only performed maintenance on them once or twice a year, regardless of mileage.

On the other hand, my 1993 has 89K miles and I rarely have a problem with it. I drive it several times a week in Manhattan, and apart from having idiots back into the bumper, I have had virtually no problems.

You asked about service records. When I acquired this car, it had over $30K of receipts, and stacks of service records and stamps, and had lived its life in California, and was always dealer serviced. So yes, it is imperative that the previous owners keep detailed service records. A high mileage car that has been well maintained, will be superior to a low mileage car that has not.

Also, make sure to find a car that is all factory. Many Bentley/RR independent mechanics will often try to fit stock, generic parts into the cars. Many cars from the 90s will have replaced audio systems, cell phone wiring and other after-market nonsense that can create issues.