Well, a few things
One, download the manual and read it first. It is only 1.6mb or so as pdf.
I've got one in English, in case you can't find it. Just email me.
Two, even Mieles have their weak points. I'd check the following carefully:
Is the rubber boot in perfect condition? If moldy or dirty or excessive residue, that will tell you the machine was not cared for and may have other problems.
If the rubber boot has a hole or tear but is otherwise perfectly clean (and not just recently cleaned) then you know you are in for a very time consuming repair...tho' not an impossible one. Does the door close smoothly (it will need more force than a Frigemore)..and open forcefully when you push the yellow button? Leaks?
Check whether the heating elements are scaled up or are reasonably clean.
Check the filter. Careful, there could be a few liters of water in there. If it has one or two bits, no problem. If it is full of nasty strings and other things...
While down there, does the door pull still work? If someone forced it then they may well have done other nasties to the machine.
Run a quick rinse and spin. How does the spin sound? Can you get to the 1600 (at least here in Germany) without sounding like Laundress proverbial 'leaving on a jet plane' lament for the older Mieles? If there are any bearing problems or electronic problems here, I would definitely skip this machine.
Does the water pump out freely and the pump sound normal?
Look at the screens protecting the water valves. Are they filthy or clean. A sign of service, again. Oh and those hoses...what year did Miele stamp into them?
Of course, to be fair, it has to be in balance before you test the spin program.
What does the dispenser drawer look like? That fabric softener siphon is a Miele weakness, so don't be overly critical there, but is there detergent residue (or even mold) everywhere? This model could be programed to first dump the water softener in and then the detergent, (again, at least in Germany). If the owners will let you make that adjustment (see back of manual) and the machine will accept it, then the logic is probably ok. If it won't...well, I wouldn't buy it except as parts.
I think that covers it, really. Anybody else remember any specific weakness?
Oh, and if you do buy it...be sure to follow the instructions for shipping exactly. If you don't you may easily damage some expensive components.
Ideal would be a wash to make sure it heats and the program runs correctly.
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