Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Still willing to help? S2 vs. S3 time...

I would think that in the USA the scarcity of Aeros ensures low availability and high prices. Perhaps consider importing a LHD car from Europe?

S2 and S3 are mechanically identical (or near as to make no difference) - but S3 looks much better. Here in the UK, those looks (different front end, necessitating different bumper/splitter, cowl and wings is about £10-13k second hand.

The various cars use different generations of BMW technology in the drivetrain/electronics. S1 uses the 286bhp drivetrain, S2 and S3 use the 333bhp drivetrain (although quite a few seem to put out more power - I think BMW underquoted that engine's power significantly), and S4 uses the 367bhp drivetrain (which conversely seems to have a significant minority putting out a bit less than quoted). S4, in my opinion, has by far the best interior trim, in terms of style and quality.

I run a Series 2 (boshly's old car, in fact), and I love it. It's a high mileage example (50,000 miles), and as such completely sorted, trouble free, and feels very, very well put together (apart from a loose door handle - getting fixed at next service!). I would probably rather have an S3, due to the revised front end - but to drive and sit in, there is absolutely nothing in it.

Only grumble - I really don't like the factory sidepipes. Far too quiet at idle, and odd sounding at higher engine revs. Traditional rear exit sports exhaust would be my preference: more traditional V8 rumble!

Thanks, I'm looking into that now; not so much for the price difference, but to get to wider selection and avoid the vicegrip the of the US dealer network.

If you see any choice LHDs around for sale pass them my way...sadly no AeMaxs, they're "show and display" only in US of A.

Hi Mateo.

Have a look here:

http://www.autoscout24.eu/ListGN.aspx?atype=C&mmvmk0=51&mmvmd0=16609&mmvco=1&make=51&model=16609&pricefrom=1000&ustate=N%2CU

Or have a look at the Morgan factory web site.

Rudolf

--Original poster here--
I've found one!
A 2005 Series II with 9,xxx miles on it. Silver with a slight blue tint to it, blue top, blue interior. Side exhaust, original wheels.

Took it for 30 minute test drive yesterday.

The good:
+ Oh such a feeling to drive! The sound!
+ It has spent it's life in a heated/cooled garage since new.

The bad:
- Is the clutch throw on all Aero's so tiny? The pedal moved no more than 12-inches. Didn't bother me but I fear for my friends' ability to handle it.
- Clutch seemed to almost stick (really more like a click) at the bottom of the travel. Is this normal?
- Minor dings, grubby driver's seat.
- Check engine light for emissions caused by yamaha gas cap fitted for California emissions -- believe it left Malvern this way

The price: Asking $95k. By my tracking of the market in the US that's ALL the money--I'm not going to bite at anything near that price.

*What does the group think is reasonable? I have my guess. You can find some pics on e-bay motors here:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=181136765390&viewitem=&sspagename=ADME%3AB%3ASS%3AUS%3A1123#ht_985wt_1167

Clutch travel is relatively small, don't think 12 inches sounds too small, too much if anything?

The biting point is quite low and can be snatchy if you're not used to it.

No idea as to engine warning light as result of fuel cap, I think they all had Yamaha fuel caps from memory? Pretty sure my S2 did. However yellow engine warning light on is not uncommon.

Not sure any of it helps but good luck!

Under California regulations fuel tank breather vapours must pass through a carbon canister on motorcycles. This means that the fuel cap can not have the small breather hole normally found on motorcycle fuel caps and that the tank has to be built with a special breather tube. I have no idea what they do on cars. I read somewhere that some cars use a positively pressurised fuel tank and that, if the tank does not hold pressure, say if the fuel cap is not fitted, you can get a warning light.

I found an explanation at http://www.autoshop101.com/forms/h62.pdf

The other common cause of an engine warning light on cars with performance exhaust systems is the reading of the second sonda lambda sensor which indicates the catalyser is not functioning correctly.

Thanks all!

This is my first Morgan purchase, not an inconsequential amount of money (for me), and my first "toy" car.

I'm a bit nervous so maybe a couple more questions...

What else should I be checking for? Any big ticket items? Does 9k miles on a 2005 car require any major work?

I've read the FAQs and found none of the enumerated pitfalls.

Minor niggles:
*Doors make a "pang" or loud click when extending toward fully open, I believe they may need to be realigned.
*Didn't test waterproofness of top.

Cheers- if all goes well it will be parked next to my E90 M3

I know all the feelings your are experiencing - you have to take the plunge its worth it !

Some of the things you mention are normal - the door check strap - mine is like that - the hood may not be entirely water tight although some "fettling" by an experienced morgan trimmer will improve this

The clutch is a bit snappy , and can be difficult to drive at low speeds

I have side pipes on my S3 and compared to the rear sports exhaust on my old S1 they are much better IMHO -

Good luck and let us know how you get on

Gajet