According to the very helpful parts man in Arizona, respecting the load weight and using low sudsing detergent are two key factors to keeping these machines working; possibly affecting the life of the tub bearing. Mine is not abused in that way. I like the way the regular cycle, the only one I use, goes from the wash drain into the first of 4 deep rinses. The design of the intermediate spins between the rinses make great sense. It is pretty amazing how such a lightly built machine, compared to a Miele, can be so durable.
I think he said that they were not sold in the US after 1999 or 2000. He said he still had a good stash of parts so to be sure to check with him before getting rid of her if she suffers a failure.
One thing that is amazing is that for years now it only fills with hot water for the wash, no matter the setting which is not a problem, but with the temperature dial set at 115F and the hot fill of 140F, the machine still has to do a bit of heating to get the water up to 115F and that is with a non-metal outer tub so a lot of heat is lost heating up the stainless steel inner basket with the small amount of water this machine uses.