The Miele W1986 and T1576 laundry appliances are very fine machines. With proper care, they should both provide at least 20 years of faithful service.

I can't say whether $1,500 is a fair price, but it's roughly half of what the two machines would have cost new. If they're in good condition with no mechanical problems, the price would seem reasonable to me. Perhaps someone else would have a better notion of current used-market prices.

Under ideal circumstances, the washer should have the original shipping brackets reinstalled to protect the suspension. These aren't simple bolts, but two fairly long rods that insert though the back of the machine, with a flat crossbar that locks both rods into place. Getting them reinstalled can be a bit tricky, and may require opening the front of the machine to properly align the sockets into which the rods insert. If you contact Miele Customer Service, they can provide you with instructions for opening the front, and diagrams showing where the rods need to fit. The dryer doesn't require any special procedures beyond careful handling.

If the shipping brackets aren't available, you can order a set from Miele, but if that proves difficult or impossible, it's still possible to move the washer with the utmost care. The washer will need to be kept upright and as level as possible. Tilting it to transport on a two-wheeled dolly isn't recommended, and under no circumstances, should the washer be transported up or down stairs on a dolly. Tilting or bouncing is likely to damage the suspension.

Without shipping brackets you will need three or four very strong people to lift the machine, keeping it as level as possible. During transport, the machine shouldn't be subjected to sudden jolts, fast turns or abrupt stops. If you can move it gently without substantial tilting, all should be well.

Miele laundry appliances are extremely sturdy, but rough handling while transporting the washer without shipping struts, can cause damage. If you exercise care though, you should be okay.

Hope this helps.

I forgot to mention....if your DH is handy, he shouldn't have any problem with getting the washer and dryer properly leveled and installed. There's nothing complicated or difficult in getting it done properly. It can, however,be a little time-consuming, as it may require a lot of trial and error to get the washer weight evenly distributed to all four feet -- which is vital to ensure smooth and quiet operation during the spin cycles.

You can download the installation instructions from the Miele website.

Hi Dutchy7

Please, Please,Please, whatever you do, insert the shipping struts before transporting the machine. There are storage clips on the back of the washer where you can store these struts. Ask the seller if they are there. If not, call Miele (1-800-999-1360) and order a pair. Even if you keep the machine level, the ride in the van can blow out the shock absorbers and over-stretch the suspension springs - the machine's innards are suspended from these 4 springs on top and stabilized by the shocks on the bottom. Even a short trip in a van can set up bouncy-bouncy oscillations that will damage these components.

Jamesk & paulc118,

Thanks so much for your helpful comments. I'm getting a much clearer picture of what I need to do, and to avoid.

I'm really hoping that the seller magically discovers the struts before I show up (it's hard to believe installers forget to leave them, but it sounds like that happens fairly frequently). They need the appliances removed in a couple of days which doesn't leave me enough time to get new struts sent from Miele. And I spoke with the local distributor who told me that dealers and distributors never have extra sets - for any of the models, previous or current - on the assumption that they are always left with the customer. I find that weird, not to mention frustrating!

He did tell me I could open up the top and put blankets or pieces of styrofoam on either side of the drum to stabilize it laterally, at least.
And he quoted me an installation fee of $230. Is that about right?

Anyway, I'll do my level best (sorry) to get them home safely. I'm thrilled to be getting them - as far as I can tell from this forum, most later models have paled in comparison.