Models · Bentley
Bentley Flying Spur (2013–2019) buying guide
The second-generation Flying Spur, unveiled in March 2013 and sold until the new model arrived in autumn 2019, with a 6.0 twin-turbo W12 or, from 2014, a 4.0 twin-turbo V8. All have a ZF eight-speed automatic and four-wheel drive.
The versions
- W12 (2013): 5998cc twin-turbo W12, 625PS
- W12 S (2016): W12, 635PS
- V8 (2014): 3993cc twin-turbo V8, 507PS; V8 S (2016) with 528PS
- ZF eight-speed automatic with paddles on all versions
- Four-wheel drive with a rear-biased 40:60 torque split
What to check on a 2013–2019 Flying Spur
3 model-specific things to look at when you view one. They're a starting point, not the full inspection.
Air suspension leaks
What to look for: Before the engine is started, check the ride height at the front, rear and each side; the car should sit level. Listen inside each wheel arch for a hiss of escaping air.
Why it matters: The air suspension is the car's main known weakness. The air chambers can wear and leak, which overworks the pump until it can burn out, so a leak caught early saves the pump. The adaptive dampers themselves tend not to give trouble.
Knocking from the front over bumps
What to look for: Drive slowly over speed humps and broken surfaces with the windows down, and listen for a knock from the front corners. Look at the front brakes for heavy wear.
Why it matters: The front anti-roll bar drop links often wear and knock. They're a simple replacement. Heavily worn front brakes, on the other hand, can point to a car that's been neglected.
W12 spark plugs and gearbox shifts
What to look for: On a W12, check the history for spark plugs at roughly four-yearly intervals. On the drive, feel for slow or hesitant gearchanges.
Why it matters: The W12 has no cambelt, but its engine bay is cramped and the plugs need a lot of dismantling to reach, so they're sometimes put off. The ZF automatic is reliable, and the few problems seen are usually switches or control unit connections.
Also in the full guide
- Electrics and the two batteries
- The cold start, test drive and paperwork checks for the exact version you're viewing
The full guide to the 2013–2019 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.