Verdict
C
← Bentley Arnage · 1998-2002 · RR/Bentley platform
Bentley Arnage BMW V8 (1998-2002)
BMW 4.4 twin-turbo V8 era. Smoother, lighter, and now the cheapest way into a modern Bentley.
BHP
354 bhp
0–60
6.3 s
Top speed
150 mph
MPG
13.0 mpg
Used
$25,000-$45,000
Launched 1998 with a BMW M62 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 (developed by Cosworth Engineering, then a Vickers subsidiary) making 354 hp and 420 lb-ft. Five-speed automatic. The BMW engine was smoother and revvier than the older Bentley V8, but Bentley traditionalists complained it lacked the L-series' 'wave of torque' character — and after the VW takeover, the new board agreed and reintroduced the 6.75 V8 as the Red Label flagship from October 1999. The BMW-engined cars were renamed Arnage Green Label and continued in parallel through 2001, with the Green Label discontinued for the 2002 model year. Today the BMW-engined Arnages are the cheapest way into a modern hand-built Bentley — clean examples trade $25-40k. The BMW V8 has fewer service horror stories than the 6.75, and parts are more readily available given engine commonality with BMW models of the era.
Strengths
- Cheapest entry into a modern hand-built Bentley
- BMW M62 V8 has better parts availability than the 6.75
- Smoother, more rev-happy than the L-series
- Hand-built craftsmanship at Crewe
- Less stigma around long-term reliability
Weaknesses
- Bentley traditionalists prefer the 6.75 V8
- Less torque character than the Red Label (570 vs 835 Nm)
- Wide-arch styling polarising next to later cars
- Maintenance is still Bentley-specialist territory
- Resale lags the 6.75-engined cars
Notable tech
- BMW M62 4.4-litre twin-turbo V8 (Cosworth-developed)
- Five-speed automatic
- First all-new Bentley sedan since 1980
- Crewe-built body and trim
- Standard Alpine pop-up navigation system
Common issues
- BMW M62 timing chain guide failures
- Air suspension air-spring leaks
- VANOS solenoid wear (BMW V8)
- Climate control flap motor failures
- Specialist service required (£100/hr+ at Bentley shops)
Used-market budget
$32,000
Driver-grade examples $25-32k. Clean low-mile $35-45k. Service history with Bentley specialists is critical — air suspension and timing chain service intervals must have been observed.