Air suspension compressor and valve block failure
medium- Typically appears
- 30,000–80,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $2,500 – $7,000
2013 Bentley
MulsanneSedan
Sedan
The 2013 Bentley Mulsanne is a hand-built, ultra-luxury full-size sedan produced at Bentley's Crewe, England factory. It sits at the top of the Bentley lineup and competes with the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 6.75L (commonly rounded to 6.8L) V8 engine — an engine lineage stretching back decades but substantially modernized with variable valve timing and new management systems for this generation. Every cabin surface is hand-stitched leather, hand-polished wood veneer, or machined aluminum, and build quality is extraordinary by any measure. The Mulsanne is a rear-wheel-drive limousine in everything but name. Its ride quality, isolation, and presence are genuinely unmatched at this price point, but that exclusivity has a sharp edge: parts are expensive, lead times are long, and very few independent shops have the tooling or software access to work on one properly. For a Lake Geneva owner, this is a warm-weather showcase car more than a year-round daily driver. Buying or owning a used Mulsanne requires real financial commitment beyond the purchase price. Annual maintenance at an independent European specialist will still run several thousand dollars, and any significant mechanical repair can approach five figures quickly. Budget accordingly and never skip a pre-purchase inspection by a Bentley-familiar shop.
Reliability
3/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Mulsanne — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
RWD
Fuel
Premium gasoline
MPG
11 city / 18 hwy / 13 combined
Seats
—
Doors
—
Body
Midsize Cars
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2013 Bentley Mulsanne is a hand-built, ultra-luxury full-size sedan produced at Bentley's Crewe, England factory. It sits at the top of the Bentley lineup and competes with the Rolls-Royce Ghost. Power comes from a twin-turbocharged 6.75L (commonly rounded to 6.8L) V8 engine — an engine lineage stretching back decades but substantially modernized with variable valve timing and new management systems for this generation. Every cabin surface is hand-stitched leather, hand-polished wood veneer, or machined aluminum, and build quality is extraordinary by any measure. The Mulsanne is a rear-wheel-drive limousine in everything but name. Its ride quality, isolation, and presence are genuinely unmatched at this price point, but that exclusivity has a sharp edge: parts are expensive, lead times are long, and very few independent shops have the tooling or software access to work on one properly. For a Lake Geneva owner, this is a warm-weather showcase car more than a year-round daily driver. Buying or owning a used Mulsanne requires real financial commitment beyond the purchase price. Annual maintenance at an independent European specialist will still run several thousand dollars, and any significant mechanical repair can approach five figures quickly. Budget accordingly and never skip a pre-purchase inspection by a Bentley-familiar shop.
Known for
- Handcrafted, bespoke interior with world-class fit and finish
- Effortless twin-turbo V8 torque — 752 lb-ft in standard tune
- Imposing, stately exterior presence
- Supremely isolated, whisper-quiet ride quality
- Low production numbers make every example relatively rare
Best for
- Long-distance highway cruising in absolute comfort
- Chauffeured or owner-driven formal occasions
- Collectors and enthusiasts who value British coachbuilt craftsmanship
- Drivers who want maximum road presence without a Rolls-Royce badge
Watch for
- Repair and parts costs are extreme — budget $3,000–$10,000+ for many single repairs
- Finding a qualified independent technician in the upper Midwest is genuinely difficult
- Complex electronics (air suspension, infotainment, body control) are costly to diagnose and fix
- Fuel economy is poor even by luxury V8 standards — expect real-world averages near 12 mpg
- Depreciation is steep; a poorly maintained example can become a financial sinkhole
Common issues by mileage
6 knownVVT / camshaft timing solenoid faults (oil sludge or wear)
medium- Typically appears
- 40,000–100,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $800 – $3,500
Turbocharger bypass / wastegate actuator failure
low- Typically appears
- 60,000–120,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $1,500 – $5,000
Oxygen / lambda sensor heater circuit failure
medium- Typically appears
- 50,000–90,000 mi
- Estimated repair
- $600 – $2,000
CAN bus / module communication faults (infotainment, chassis, body)
medium- Typically appears
- 40,000+ mi
- Estimated repair
- $500 – $4,000
Body electronics / airbag module and restraint system codes
low- Typically appears
- 50,000+ mi
- Estimated repair
- $1,000 – $5,000
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first Engine oil and filter change (full synthetic, Bentley-approved spec)
The twin turbos and VVT solenoids are extremely sensitive to oil degradation. Extended intervals cause sludge buildup that triggers camshaft timing codes and can score turbo bearings.
- 2 Every 40,000–50,000 miles Transmission fluid service (ZF 8HP)
Bentley marks the transmission fluid 'lifetime,' but in practice fluid degradation causes shift harshness and solenoid wear. Independent specialists strongly recommend proactive changes.
- 3 Every 4 years Coolant system flush and inspection
The cooling system works hard under the hood of a 5,700 lb car. Old coolant degrades aluminum components and water pump seals; inspect hoses for heat cracking at the same time.
- 4 Every 20,000 miles or 2 years Air suspension inspection and fluid check
The air struts and compressor are expensive to replace. Early detection of slow leaks or compressor cycling prevents full system failure.
- 5 Every 2 years Brake fluid flush
Moisture absorption in brake fluid lowers boiling point; critical for a 5,700 lb car. Also inspect the massive brake rotors and calipers for corrosion from Wisconsin road salt.
- 6 Every 30,000 miles Spark plug replacement
The V8 has 16 plugs (two per cylinder). Iridium plugs are standard; worn plugs stress the ignition coils and affect the turbo's boost response.
- 7 Every fall, before winter Battery condition test (main and auxiliary)
The Mulsanne has a massive electrical load from comfort systems, heated seats, and the air suspension. Wisconsin winters demand a fully healthy battery — a weak one will fail at -10°F and strand you.
- 8 Every 2–3 weeks during winter road-salt season Underbody and wheel arch wash / rust inspection
The Mulsanne's steel unibody and air suspension components are not immune to Wisconsin brine. The air suspension lines and electrical connectors under the car are particularly vulnerable to salt corrosion.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$4,000 – $12,000
Fuel
Expect $4,000–$7,000/year at 12,000 miles annually assuming premium fuel at Midwest prices and real-world ~12 mpg. This car is not frugal.
Insurance
Specialty/agreed-value coverage is strongly recommended. Annual premiums typically run $2,500–$6,000 depending on usage, storage, and carrier. Standard auto insurance may undervalue a well-optioned Mulsanne significantly.
The Mulsanne's purchase price is only the beginning. Routine annual maintenance at an independent European specialist runs $4,000–$12,000 depending on what service interval falls that year. A major repair — air suspension overhaul, turbo work, electronics diagnosis — can add another $3,000–$15,000 in a single visit. Budget a minimum of $8,000–$15,000 per year in combined upkeep and fuel costs, and keep a repair reserve. The car rewards owners who maintain it fastidiously; it punishes those who defer service.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Test and if needed replace the main battery every fall — cold cranking of the high-compression twin-turbo V8 in sub-zero Wisconsin temps demands a fully rated battery.
- Use full synthetic oil rated for cold starts (already required by spec); confirm your oil weight is appropriate for sub-zero temperatures.
- Strongly consider NOT driving this car on salted roads. If you do, wash the underbody thoroughly within 48 hours — air suspension airlines, wiring harnesses, and brake hardware are expensive salt casualties.
- Switch to winter tires. The Mulsanne's RWD platform and 5,700 lb curb weight make it extremely difficult to control on ice with summer performance tires.
- Fill the washer fluid reservoir with -30°F or colder rated fluid only. Stock reservoir capacity is large but will freeze solid with summer fluid in a Wisconsin cold snap.
- Inspect all door and trunk weatherstripping and treat with silicone-based conditioner to prevent freezing shut.
Summer
- Check tire pressures monthly — heat causes pressure to rise approximately 1 PSI per 10°F increase; the Mulsanne's heavy weight amplifies uneven wear from over-inflation.
- Run the A/C system briefly and check that cabin cooling is strong before summer heat arrives. The refrigerant system is large and recharge is costly; leaks caught early are far cheaper than compressor replacement.
- Inspect engine bay after highway runs for oil seepage around valve covers and turbo oil feed lines — heat cycles stress gaskets and seals.
- Check coolant level and condition; the large cooling system works especially hard in slow summer traffic with the A/C compressor adding load.
- Wash and detail the exterior regularly — summer UV and bug acids attack the deep hand-polished paint finish.
Comparable vehicles
2013 Rolls-Royce
Ghost
The direct, natural competitor. Also a hand-built British V12 ultra-luxury sedan at a similar price point. More effortless power delivery but even higher maintenance costs and even more exclusive service network.
2013 Mercedes-Benz
S600
V12-powered flagship S-Class offers comparable isolation and technology at a lower purchase price with a far wider service network. Less exclusive, but dramatically lower ownership friction.
No catalog match2013 Aston Martin
Rapide S
Another low-volume British grand tourer with a bespoke engine. More sporting character than the Mulsanne, similar parts/service challenges, overlapping buyer profile.
No catalog match
2013 Maserati
Quattroporte
Italian ultra-luxury sedan in the same broad price and prestige segment. More driver-focused and far lighter, but shares the 'exotic ownership challenges' profile — parts cost, specialist service, and depreciation.