Experiencing your 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur lowering in the front unexpectedly can be both alarming and inconvenient. It’s a problem that, while not uncommon in air suspension systems, requires careful diagnosis to pinpoint the root cause. One owner of a ’06 Flying Spur detailed their experience with this very issue, providing valuable insights into the troubleshooting process. Let’s delve into the symptoms, attempted fixes, and potential next steps for resolving intermittent front suspension lowering in this luxury vehicle.
Understanding the Intermittent Suspension Issue on a Bentley Flying Spur
The owner reported a frustrating problem: the front end of their Bentley Continental Flying Spur would lower erratically. This wasn’t a consistent leak-down over days or weeks, but rather an unpredictable event. Sometimes the car would remain at the correct ride height for extended periods, even a week, only to suddenly drop the front end after just an hour of being parked. Crucially, this issue would resolve itself immediately upon starting the engine, with the suspension quickly returning to its normal level.
Initially, the lowering was primarily happening when parked. However, the problem evolved to occur shortly after starting the car and driving off, typically within 20-30 seconds. This escalation added a safety concern, requiring the driver to pull over, restart the vehicle, and wait for the suspension to re-inflate before continuing their journey. Interestingly, the owner noted that parking the car with the suspension set to “high” seemed to prevent the issue, suggesting a possible sensitivity within the “normal” ride height setting.
Steps Already Taken to Address the Bentley Suspension Problem
Determined to resolve the issue, the Bentley owner proactively undertook several repairs. Suspecting the front air struts, which are a known wear item in air suspension systems, they had replaced both front struts with Arnott units approximately two years prior. While Arnott struts are reputable aftermarket replacements, the lowering issue unfortunately surfaced about a year after this initial repair.
To further troubleshoot, the owner systematically eliminated potential causes. They ruled out a general air leak by carefully inspecting connections and observing the inconsistent nature of the lowering. A consistent leak would typically result in gradual lowering over time, not the sudden, intermittent drops experienced.
Battery voltage was also considered as a possible culprit. Low voltage can sometimes cause erratic behavior in vehicle electronics, including suspension control systems. Consequently, both batteries in the Bentley were replaced to ensure a stable power supply. Despite this, the suspension lowering persisted.
Ride height sensors were another component targeted for replacement. These sensors are crucial for the level control system to accurately determine and maintain the correct ride height. While new ride height sensors did resolve a separate height calibration issue the owner was experiencing, they unfortunately did not fix the intermittent front lowering problem.
Analyzing Potential Causes and Diagnostic Paths for Suspension Lowering
With air leaks, struts, batteries, and ride height sensors addressed, the next logical step in diagnosing this 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur suspension issue is to consider other components within the air suspension system. Given the intermittent nature and the lack of fault codes directly related to the lowering (aside from a generic “level too low” code which clears upon re-inflation), the problem may lie in a component that is malfunctioning sporadically or not triggering specific diagnostic codes.
One prime suspect is the level control module itself. This electronic control unit manages the air suspension system, including ride height adjustments and pressure regulation. A faulty level control module could be sending incorrect signals or intermittently failing to properly control the front suspension valves, leading to the observed lowering.
Another area to investigate is the valve block. The valve block is responsible for distributing air pressure to each individual air strut. A sticking or intermittently malfunctioning valve within the block could cause pressure loss in the front struts, resulting in the front end lowering. However, it’s worth noting that a valve block issue might typically present with more consistent or predictable symptoms.
Electrical issues, beyond battery voltage, could also be at play. Wiring harness problems, corroded connectors, or even a failing relay in the suspension control circuit could cause intermittent malfunctions. A thorough inspection of the wiring and connectors related to the level control module, valve block, and front air struts is advisable.
Examining the VCDS Scan for Clues
The owner helpfully provided a full VCDS (VAG-COM Diagnostic System) scan of their 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur. While no specific fault codes directly point to the suspension lowering issue, the scan does reveal some other potentially relevant information and confirms the absence of critical suspension faults.
Sunday,26,November,2023,11:05:57:57125 VCDS -- Windows Based VAG/VAS Emulator Running on Windows 11 x64
VCDS Version: 23.3.1.0 (x64) HEX-V2 CB: 0.4631.4 Data version: 20230421 DS346.2
www.Ross-Tech.com
VIN: SCBBR53W56C038118 License Plate: BCFS Mileage: 123280km-76602mi Repair Order:
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Chassis Type: 3W (3W - Bentley Continental (2004 > 2007))
Scan: 01 02 03 05 06 07 08 09 11 13 15 16 17 18 19 23 26 28 34 36 37 38 46 47 53 54 57 65 66 68 69 6C 71 75 76 77
VIN: SCBBR53W56C038118 Mileage: 123280km-76602miles
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Address 01: Engine Labels: 07C-906-018-BEB1.clb
Part No SW: 07C 906 018 DJ HW:
Component: BY-6.0L-TT G ª7951 Revision: 47ÿTT Serial number: 000-00021.11.
Coding: 0000173 Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 70B9DF42B6BEE1DAFFB-513C VINID: 8D34928850E71464C00C804120D2DE085A
1 Fault Found:
006435 - Please Check DTC Memory of ECU Number 2
P1923 - 008 -
Readiness: 0000 0000
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Address 02: Auto Trans Labels: 09E-927-156.lbl
Part No SW: 09E 927 760 F HW: GS1 904 01
Component: AG6 09E 6.0L W12TT 1908 Coding: 0000101
Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 3333104E87289AC2C29-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 03: ABS Brakes Labels: 3W0-614-517-V1.lbl
Part No: 3W0 614 517 D Component: ESP 5.7 4WD H01 0021
Coding: 0006878 Shop #: WSC 03066 000 00000
VCID: 3635295A945A8FEAE57-51F2
No fault code found.
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Address 05: Acc/Start Auth. Labels: 3D0-909-13x-05.lbl
Part No SW: 3D0 909 137 C HW: 5WK 484 97
Component: F4 Kessy 6700 Revision: 67005915 Serial number: VWZ3Z0F7453269
Coding: 0405741 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 270BF41E43F0E6626E1-5160
1 Fault Found:
00165 - Switch for Transmission Position P/N
007 - Short to Ground - Intermittent
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Address 06: Seat Mem. Pass. Labels: 3D0-959-759.lbl
Part No: 3D0 959 759 CA Component: Sitzmemory D1 BF 1720
Coding: 0000003 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 77ABE45ED3D0B6E23E1-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 07: Control Head Labels: 3D0-035-00x-07.lbl
Part No: 3W0 035 008 F Component: ZAB COCKPIT 0253
Coding: 0500325 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 30391F42763EA1DABFB-5160
1 Fault Found:
00384 - Optical Databus
004 - No Signal/Communication
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Address 08: Auto HVAC Labels: None
Part No: 3W5 907 040 C Component: Climatronic BY611 2020
Coding: 0000102 Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 3635295A945A8FEAE57-5160
1 Fault Found:
01274 - Air Flow Flap Positioning Motor (V71)
014 - Defective - Intermittent
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Address 09: Cent. Elect. Labels: 3D0-937-049-V1.clb
Part No: 3D0 937 049 H Component: STG.Bordnetz 5101
Coding: 0000107 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 2F3B1C3E6B00BE22A61-5160
1 Fault Found:
00907 - Intervention load Management
000 - -
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Address 11: Engine II Labels: 07C-906-018-BEB2.clb
Part No SW: 07C 906 018 DJ HW:
Component: BY-6.0L-TT G ª7951 Revision: 65ÿTT Serial number: 000-00021.11.
Coding: 0000173 Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 70B9DF42B6BEE1DAFFB-5160
1 Fault Found:
001352 - Sensor 1 for Exhaust Temp Bank 2 (G236)
P0548 - 002 - Short to Ground - Intermittent
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Address 15: Airbags Labels: 3D0-909-601.lbl
Part No: 3D0 909 601 E Component: 12 Airbag 8.4E+ H10 0947
Coding: 0012594 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 2517FE1639FCF4725CD-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 16: Steering wheel Labels: 3D0-953-549.lbl
Part No: 3D0 953 549 D Component: Lenksäulenmodul 3401
Coding: 0000012 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 2E05013A6C0AB72AAD7-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 17: Instruments Labels: 3Wx-920-xxx-17.lbl
Part No: 3W5 920 840 G Component: KOMBIINSTRUMENT RB8 0610
Coding: 0023203 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 3D273676B16C5CB224D-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 19: CAN Gateway Labels: 6N0-909-901-19.clb
Part No: 6N0 909 901 Component: Gateway KCAN 0101
Coding: 0000006 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 70B9DF42B6BEE1DAFFB-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 28: HVAC, Rear Labels: None
Part No: 3W5 907 049 A Component: Rear HVAC Head Unit 0004
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 3D273676B16C5CB224D-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 34: Level Control Labels: 3Wx-907-553-34.clb
Part No: 3W5 907 553 Component: LUFTFDR.-CDC- 3C3V0 7032
Coding: 0005551 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 7CA1FB72EAF695BA533-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 36: Seat Mem. Drvr Labels: 3D0-959-760.lbl
Part No: 3D0 959 760 CA Component: Sitzmemory D1 F 1720
Coding: 0000004 Shop #: WSC 03066 104 72594
VCID: 6FBBDC3EAB80FE22E61-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 37: Navigation Labels: None
Part No: 3W0 919 887 A Component: NAVIGATION 0187
Coding: 0400000 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 45D75E96D9BC14727CD-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 38: Roof Electronics Labels: None
Part No: 3W0 907 135 F Component: Dachmodul 0802
Coding: 0000045 Shop #: WSC 03105 104 182707
VCID: 392F2266A5446092085-5160
1 Fault Found:
00403 - Sunroof Motor (V1)
000 - - - Intermittent
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Address 46: Central Conv. Labels: 3D0-959-933.clb
Part No: 3D0 959 933 F Component: 4X HSG 0101
Coding: 0000040 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 3333104E87289AC2C29-4B00
Subsystem 1 - Part No: 3W5 959 701 B
Component: Tuersteuergeraet FS 1001
Subsystem 2 - Part No: 3W5 959 702 B
Component: Tuersteuergeraet BF 1001
Subsystem 3 - Part No: 3W5 959 703 A
Component: Tuersteuergeraet HL 1001
Subsystem 4 - Part No: 3W5 959 704 A
Component: Tuersteuergeraet HR 1001
Subsystem 5 - Part No: 3W0 909 610 E
Component: SX HDSG 1707
Subsystem 6 - Part No: 7L0 907 719 A
Component: Neigungssensor 0020
1 Fault Found:
01819 - Exterior Door Handle Switch in Rear Right (F275)
008 - Implausible Signal - Intermittent
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Address 47: Sound System Labels: 7Lx-035-4xx-47.lbl
Part No: 3W5 035 456 A Component: 12K-AUDIOVERST 0006
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 372B245E935076E2FE1-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 53: Parking Brake Labels: 3W0-907-801.clb
Part No SW: 3W0 907 801 B HW: 3W0 907 801 B
Component: EPB BC6HX23 HC6 X230 Coding: 0022401
Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 35372E56895C84F2ECD-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 65: Tire Pressure Labels: 3D0-907-273-V3.clb
Part No: 3W7 907 273 Component: Reifendruckueberw. 0003
Coding: 0470311 Shop #: WSC 00083 000 00000
VCID: 7DA7F676F1EC9CB264D-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 66: Seat, Rear Labels: None
Part No: 3D0 959 860 C Component: Sitzmemory D1 H 1724
Coding: 0000001 Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 2F3B1C3E6B00BE22A61-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 68: Wiper Electr. Labels: 3Wx-955-023.clb
Part No: 3W5 955 023 B Component: Wische$ Shop #: WSC 00000 725 65552
VCID: 392F2266A5446092085-5160
3 Faults Found:
00003 - Control Module
014 - Defective
00466 - Control Module for Steering Column Electronics (J527)
004 - No Signal/Communication
01341 - Control Module in Instrument Panel On Comfort CAN (J285)
004 - No Signal/Communication
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Address 71: Battery Charger Labels: 3D0-915-181.lbl
Part No: 3D0 915 181 D Component: Batteriemanagement 2800
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 2411E31232C60D7A4B3-5160
No fault code found.
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Address 76: Park Assist Labels: 3W0-919-283-V1.clb
Part No: 3W0 919 283 A Component: 03 Einparkhilfe 0306
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 3B23386EAF7852821A9-5160
1 Fault Found:
01627 - Sensor for Parking-Aid; Front Mid-Right (G253)
014 - Defective - Intermittent
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Address 77: Telephone Labels: None
Part No SW: 3W0 035 385 J HW: 3W0 035 385 J
Component: rSAP ECU 0037 Coding: 0000272
Shop #: WSC 00000 000 00000
VCID: 3C213B72AA7655BA133-5160
No fault code found.
End----(Elapsed Time: 06:35, VBatt start/end: 12.2V/11.9V. VIgn 0.0V)------Notably, Address 34 specifically for “Level Control” shows “No fault code found.” This is both good and potentially misleading. It’s good because it suggests the level control module isn’t completely failing. However, it’s misleading because an intermittent fault, or a fault that doesn’t trigger a specific diagnostic code, could still be present within the module.
The scan reveals other fault codes in various modules, such as Engine I and II, Central Electrics, and Wiper Electronics, but these appear unrelated to the suspension issue and are likely separate maintenance items. The lack of suspension-specific fault codes reinforces the idea of an intermittent mechanical or electrical problem that the system isn’t consistently detecting.
Next Steps for Resolving Bentley Front Suspension Lowering
Given the troubleshooting steps already taken and the VCDS scan results, the following steps are recommended to further diagnose and resolve the intermittent front suspension lowering issue in this 2006 Bentley Continental Flying Spur:
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Focus on the Level Control Module: Consider testing or replacing the level control module. Due to the intermittent nature and lack of specific fault codes, a failing module is a strong possibility. Consulting with a Bentley specialist familiar with these systems is highly recommended.
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Inspect the Valve Block: Thoroughly inspect the valve block for any signs of sticking valves, corrosion, or electrical issues. Component testing of the valve block might be necessary to rule out internal malfunction.
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Detailed Wiring and Connector Inspection: Conduct a meticulous inspection of all wiring and connectors associated with the air suspension system, paying close attention to the level control module, valve block, front air struts, and ride height sensors. Look for any signs of damage, corrosion, or loose connections.
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Further VCDS Diagnostics: While the initial scan didn’t reveal suspension faults, consider performing more advanced VCDS diagnostics, such as output tests for the suspension components and monitoring live data values from the ride height sensors and pressure sensors while the issue is occurring (if possible to capture).
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Professional Bentley Suspension Diagnosis: Due to the complexity of the Bentley Continental Flying Spur’s air suspension system, seeking professional diagnosis from a Bentley dealership or a reputable independent specialist experienced with these vehicles is highly advisable. They will have specialized tools, knowledge, and diagnostic procedures to pinpoint the issue accurately.
Intermittent suspension problems can be challenging to diagnose, but by systematically investigating the potential causes and utilizing specialized diagnostic tools, it’s possible to identify and fix the root of the issue, restoring the proper ride height and handling of your Bentley Continental Flying Spur.
Alt text: Diagram of a Bentley Continental Flying Spur front air strut, highlighting key components like the air spring and damping cylinder, relevant to suspension repair discussions.
