2009 Bentley Arnage RL Service Requirements & Maintenance Schedule

Key Takeaways

• Factory maintenance interval: Annual service or every 10,000 miles, whichever comes first; the first year of scheduled maintenance was complimentary for original owners .
• Warranty coverage: 3 years with unlimited mileage, covering basic, powertrain, corrosion, roadside assistance, and maintenance .
• Engine & Drivetrain: Twin-turbocharged 6.75L V8 producing 450 horsepower and 645 lb-ft of torque; rear-wheel drive with a 6-speed automatic transmission .
• RL (Long Wheelbase) specifics: Extended wheelbase of 3,366 mm (132.5 inches) and a kerb weight of approximately 2,655 kg (5,853 lb) .
• Critical 15-year item: ABS/ASC modulator relays require replacement after 15 years regardless of mileage, per Bentley guidance (due 2024 for this model year).
• Service planning: As a hand-built luxury vehicle now over 15 years old, proactive specialist maintenance is essential to preserve reliability and value.

Introduction

The 2009 Bentley Arnage RL (Long Wheelbase) represents the ultimate expression of Bentley's flagship sedan, offering extended rear passenger space and the legendary 6.75L twin-turbo V8. Production of the RL variant, which ran from approximately 2003 to 2009, totaled approximately 326 units, making it a rare and significant motorcar . As the final model year of the Arnage line before the introduction of the Bentley Mulsanne, the 2009 model benefits from years of refinement to the V8 architecture.

As a hand-built luxury motorcar of exceptional complexity, proper maintenance is essential for preserving performance, reliability, and value. The RL variant shares its comprehensive service schedule with other 2009 Arnage models, and all guidance reflects the rear-wheel-drive configuration.

Factory Recommended Service Schedule

Service Interval

The 2009 Bentley Arnage follows a structured service schedule based on mileage or time, whichever comes first. The primary interval is annual service or every 10,000 miles (approximately 16,000 km) . The first year of Bentley service was complimentary for original owners .

Annual / 10,000-Mile Service

Each scheduled visit includes the following baseline items :

• Engine oil and filter change with synthetic oil meeting Bentley specifications
• Tire rotation
• Replacement of the cabin pollen filter
• Replacement of windshield wipers as needed
• Replacement of key fob battery
• Thorough inspection of all vehicle mechanicals, including brake pads and discs, all fluid levels, visual inspection for leakage, and suspension component check

Following the vehicle inspection, owners are informed of any components not meeting specification, at which time they can approve any necessary repairs .

Service Schedule Progression

Based on established Arnage service patterns, the schedule progresses as follows. A *major service* combining multiple service types is typically performed at 60,000 miles.

After reaching 100,000 miles, the service schedule repeats.

Critical 15-Year Item

A specific, crucial maintenance item is scheduled after 15 years, regardless of mileage: the replacement of the ABS/ASC modulator relays. This is a critical safety measure, as these relays are vital for the vehicle's advanced braking and stability control systems. For a 2009 Arnage, this would have been due in 2024 and should be verified on any example without documented replacement.

Service Interval Warning System

The 2009 Arnage RL includes a service interval warning system in the instrument cluster as standard equipment .

Engine Oil Change Guidance

The 2009 Arnage RL is equipped with the 6.75L twin-turbo V8, a powerhouse with substantial lubrication requirements. The engine produces 450 horsepower at 4,100 rpm and 645 lb-ft of torque at 1,800 rpm .

Oil Capacity and Specifications

The 6.75L V8 requires high-quality synthetic oil meeting Bentley specifications. The engine has a substantial oil capacity of approximately 9.4 liters with a filter change. Always verify the exact viscosity required for your specific engine variant and ensure the oil meets Bentley/VW approvals. Modern Bentleys leave the factory with fully synthetic oil as the factory fill solution.

Recommended Oil Change Interval

• Factory recommendation: Annual or every 10,000 miles
• Conservative owner guidance: Given the vehicle's age and the engine's sensitivity to oil quality, many specialists recommend more frequent changes—approximately 5,000 to 6,000 miles

Oil Quality Notes

Regular oil changes are particularly important for the 6.75L V8. Using incorrect or infrequently changed oil can lead to significant engine issues. The engine is known to be sensitive to oil quality, and proper lubrication is essential for the twin-turbo system's longevity.

Transmission Service Guidance

The 2009 Bentley Arnage RL is a rear-wheel-drive vehicle. While earlier Arnage models used a 4-speed automatic transmission, the later RL variant is equipped with a 6-speed automatic transmission .

Service Schedule

Transmission oil is replaced as part of the regular service schedule. The transmission oil intake strainer is typically replaced at 30,000-mile intervals.

Conservative Owner Guidance

• If service history is unclear, consider having the transmission fully serviced by a specialist
• If shifting becomes rough, delayed, or accompanied by unusual noises, have the transmission inspected immediately

Spark Plug Timing

Service Schedule: Spark plugs are replaced at 30,000-mile intervals as part of the scheduled service.

While one owner account from a 2005 Arnage RL noted spark plugs being cleaned rather than replaced at 46,000 miles , factory guidance recommends full replacement at the specified interval.

Technical Specifications

Coolant Service Timing

Service Schedule: Coolant is replaced at 30,000-mile intervals.

Coolant Type

The Arnage uses a glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water.

Owner Guidance

Given the age of the 2009 Arnage, any coolant that has been in service beyond 4-5 years should be replaced proactively. Proper cooling system maintenance is essential for the 6.75L V8's longevity.

Brake Fluid Recommendations

Brake fluid is a critical safety component that degrades over time by absorbing moisture from the atmosphere. The Arnage RL features ventilated discs front and rear with ABS .

Service Schedule

Brake fluid is replaced at 20,000-mile intervals as part of the scheduled service.

Conservative Owner Guidance

A conservative approach is to flush brake fluid every 2 years regardless of mileage to prevent moisture absorption and corrosion. A documented service on a similar Arnage RL included a brake fluid flush at 46,000 miles .

Additional Maintenance Considerations

Service History Importance

Maintaining a comprehensive service history is critically important for the 2009 Arnage RL. Well-maintained examples with full main dealer or specialist service history are significantly more desirable and valuable. Service records should document all maintenance performed, including oil changes, brake services, and major component replacements.

Battery Maintenance

The Arnage uses twin batteries . These should be inspected during every service. A documented service on a similar Arnage RL at 46,000 miles included replacement of both batteries . The vehicle should be kept on a trickle charger if not used weekly to maintain battery health and prevent electrical system issues.

Drive Belt

The engine drive belt should be inspected at every annual service and replaced as needed. A documented service on a similar Arnage RL at 46,000 miles included replacement of the serpentine belt .

Suspension and Rubber Components

With the vehicle now over 15 years old, rubber components are at end of life. The Arnage RL features independent suspension front and rear with automatic ride height control . Common wear items include suspension bushings, ball joints, and suspension end links.

Head Gasket Awareness

The 6.75L V8 in the Arnage has a known susceptibility to head gasket failure, often attributed to a combination of factors including lack of proper scheduled maintenance, abusive driving habits (particularly not allowing the engine to warm properly before hard use), and cooling system neglect. Regular coolant maintenance and proper warm-up procedures are essential preventive measures.

High-Mileage Maintenance Planning

For 2009 Arnage RL examples approaching or exceeding 75,000 miles:

1. Major service: If not documented, consider the comprehensive service
2. Coolant flush: Complete system flush with fresh coolant
3. Brake fluid flush: Full hydraulic system flush
4. Transmission service: Replace fluid and strainer if not documented
5. Spark plugs: Replace if not done within the last 30,000 miles
6. Drive belt: Inspect and replace if more than 5-6 years old
7. Batteries: Inspect and replace if showing signs of age
8. ABS/ASC relays: Confirm replacement has been performed (due at 15 years)

Long-Term Ownership Considerations

The 2009 Bentley Arnage RL rewards diligent maintenance. As a low-production, hand-built motorcar:

• Oil changes: Regular oil changes with the correct viscosity and approval are essential for engine longevity
• Cooling system: Regular coolant changes and cooling system inspection are essential to prevent head gasket issues
• Warm-up procedure: Allow the engine to warm thoroughly before hard use
• Specialist care: Given the vehicle's complexity, using qualified specialists familiar with the Arnage is strongly recommended
• Documentation: Maintain a comprehensive service history to help preserve resale value