Miele - end of life ? or just a glitch? W970

[MrX]

We've had a few problems with a 10 year old Miele W970 in recent months, nothing too drastic, but enough to make us wonder if it's time for it to be replaced.

1) One of the fill valves failed last year and had to be replaced.
2) Then the heating element failed a while ago and was recently replaced
3) Now the machine's refusing to fill for the wash cycle and it seems that another fill valve is gone.

Each repair's costing quite a lot of money >€150 and we're wondering if it's just gone to a stage that some of the electrical components are just coming to the end of their useful lives.

Mechanically the machine's in great shape and it seems to have healthy bearings and absolutely no problems with the bodywork.
It looks exactly the same as it did when it was first installed i.e. it's in perfect condition. The cabinet is amazingly well put together.

It's used very heavily and might run up to 4 or even 5 loads a day and has done for the last 10 years.

We're just starting to worry that if we keep repairing it that we'll have nearly covered the cost of an equivalent machine as there seem to suddenly be a lot of minor failing components.

The machine's extremely easily serviced and repaired, but it's just that the economics are not really adding up.

Any thoughts ? Do you think it is time to replace it with a new Miele?

We're thinking that if we replace this fill valve that if anything else fails that we should just replace the whole machine.

We reckon it could have done up to 13,000 cotton cycles at this stage!!!

 

[dj-gabriele]

Wow! 13000 cycles!

And I think that I use my washer too much running it 3 times a week for myself haha.

Well, if the repairs are going to cost that much I personally would get a new machine. After all should anything fail it will be covered by warranty at least. Plus a new machine will use less water and electricity than an older model. A new Miele will sure be a nice choice!

 

[MrX]

13,000 is calculated on average 5 washes per day Mon-Friday
52 weeks a year
for 10 years.

There may be slightly less activity, but the machine's closer to 12 or 13 years old
and I didn't include sunday/saturday.

 

[mielabor]

Did you repair the machine yourself or did you have it repaired. Minor repairs can usually be done by yourself and will save you money. One of the good things about Miele is that every part is numbered so you can order what you need without problems. I have done several repairs myself only to be forced to buy a new machine when the bearings went faulty.

I agree with the quality of the cabinet. Thanks to the porcelain coating it was still in pristine condition after more than 20 years. I have an Asko for almost a year now and I can already see scratches in the paintwork.

 

[MrX]

It was repaired by a local Miele service agent. They've quite a good service network here.

Like everything though, it's pricey !!