After speaking to various US dealerships about the issues with my M3W, there was a common thread among them. Morgan does not allow enough reimbursed repair time for a proper repair and therefore, the dealerships, understandably, don't won't to go that route as it is a money losing proposition for them before they ever turn the first bolt. For example, I was told that Morgan only allows 8 hours shop time on a compensator swap and that several competent mechanics (some of which provide service on other high-end European sports cars) are seeing three times the hours for the swap. No matter how much sympathy the dealerships have for you, they can't afford to absorb Morgan's responsibilities.
As a side note, I mentioned to one dealership that I would consider doing the repair myself which pissed him off severely. It appeared that taking that approach would take ammunition away from the dealerships in negotiating a correction from Morgan in the shop times required for the necessary repairs. So, the lack-luster approach that Morgan has taken in standing behind their product affects more than just the consumer but also the people that are trying to move their product. To some degree, we are stuck in the middle of a tug of war between Malvern and the dealerships.
Upon a little further investigation on the bevel box situation, it is my understanding that Morgan realized that there was a NVH (noise, vibration, harmonics) issue with the box (which wouldn't bother me in the slightest as I had no illusions it was a highly refined car...in fact the crudeness was part of the attraction) due to the method in which it was mounted. Rather than make a change to the mounting or just leaving it the way it was (my preference), they attempted to fix it chemically with a lube additive which isn't working out too well. As I gather, there was nothing wrong with the bevel box but just the way the sounds were perceived. In attempt to address some indigestion, their cure is causing congestive heart failure...and no one from Morgan, that I can see, is officially advising to do away with the treatment. I'm sure the snake-oil salesman sold it as just what Morgan needed...it happens. But when it was clear it wasn't working out, let people know. Instead of being treated as Morgan family, we are the bastards at the family re-union.
As far as the seller or dealership being responsible, Morgan is the one that offers and issues a warranty on the M3W. By all rights and with all other manufactures that I have ever encountered, if I purchased a M3W in California but have an mechanical issue in Florida, I should be able to use the dealership in Florida for a warranty claim as it is Morgan that should reimburse the dealership during the warranty period.
From a brutal corporate perspective it is better to have a few hundred disillusioned and angry M3W owners than no M3W Limited.
Not knocking Aldermog as I gather he has no malicious intent (like most of us) and I believe he is loyal to another Morgan product line that he is satisfied with which is the way it should be. But the above statement isn't necessarily an "either/or" statement. It could be just as easily be both which wouldn't have been as big of a concern before Al Gore invented the internet.
No one wants here wants bad things for Morgan...we just want them to keep their word (warranty). I feel no sympathy for Morgan as it's like you say...it's business. And sometimes in business, you just have to take in on the chin (fulfill warranty claims)to maintain (or in this case, repair) your corporate image and reputation. Typically, it works out better when its on a voluntary basis as opposed to being forced to ante up. They can do the right thing now and inspire confidence in current owners which could be a strong sales force for their product, as well as,future buyers turning this into a positive for the company. Silence isn't always golden. Personally, I wish they would step forward and say what their intent is...we will help you with your issues...or tough sh:t...it's the limbo thing that is most disturbing to me.
At some point in time, if they plan to keep selling M3W's, they've got to get it sorted...we current owner could be part of the solution instead of being treated as the root of the problem or ignored. I'd be glad to help...but you can't help those that won't admit they have a problem. I would like to be part of the family, too but its a two-way street.
Z
