Models · Bentley
Bentley Continental Flying Spur (2005–2013) buying guide
The four-door Continental Flying Spur, launched in 2005 and facelifted in 2009, when the faster Speed joined the range. Every version has the 6.0 twin-turbo W12, a six-speed ZF automatic and rear-biased four-wheel drive.
The versions
- Continental Flying Spur: 6.0 twin-turbo W12, 553bhp
- Flying Spur Speed: W12, 600bhp
- 2009 facelift of the standard car
- Six-speed ZF automatic with paddles, four-wheel drive that favours the rear wheels
- Self-levelling air springs with four-mode continuous damping control
What to check on a Continental Flying Spur
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Misfires, coolant and the radiators
What to look for: From cold and warm, listen for a lumpy idle and feel for misfiring. Check the coolant in the expansion tank looks clean, look at the radiators through the grilles for corrosion, confirm the cooling fan runs when hot, and look for oil around the turbo oil pipe. Make sure the engine warning light comes on with the ignition and then goes out.
Why it matters: Misfires are often down to faulty coil packs. Contaminated coolant can point to a leaking head gasket, which is the one to avoid. A warning light that never comes on at all may have had its bulb removed to hide a fault.
Ride height and suspension knocks
What to look for: Look at the car on level ground and check it sits evenly. Switch between the four damper modes on the drive and feel for a change in the ride, and listen for knocking over bumps.
Why it matters: A car that sits awkwardly suggests leaking suspension legs, which also strain the top mount bushes so they need replacing too. Knocking usually comes from the anti-roll bar bushes, a routine repair.
The electronic parking brake
What to look for: Apply and release the parking brake several times, and watch for a warning light on the dashboard. Make sure the car drives away freely.
Why it matters: A parking brake warning light can mean the car thinks the brake is still on, which can put it into limp-home mode. A brake that won't release usually points to the brake motors.
Also in the full guide
- Water in the footwells
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the Continental Flying Spur
The CrankSight guide walks you round the car on your phone at the viewing, with every check for the exact version you're looking at: what to look for, where to find it, and what anything you find is likely to cost. As you go it builds an assessment of that car, and if you view more than one, it lines them up side by side.
£29 for the model, used on as many cars as you like, delivered within 72 hours or your money back.
Other generations
General points for the model, last checked October 2026. Every car is different, so treat this as a guide to what to look at, not a verdict on any car. CrankSight is independent and has no connection with Bentley.