Model?

that's terrible. i'd be very upset.

Model -- W1213

those are a workhorse. did you use bleach at all?

No, we were warned that bleach is bad for the seals so nothing but a little HE detergent per load, and a little Downy occasionally.

Pat,

I have a W1215 that is about the same age. Was it Miele Service that gave you the news of the damaged bearings? What was the cost that they quoted you to replace the bearings?

Yes, a service person associated with the place we bought it originally.

Service person said parts and labor are more than the cost of a new machine. They kindly checked with the Miele corporate office to see if they would "help" given the early demise.

They declined. We got on the phone ourselves after that, talked to several different people, and similarly, they declined to offer any assistance with parts, labor or replacement.

One interesting thing -- I've seen bearings and seals for this model available though UK sources. But no US sources!

Has anyone tackled such a repair themselves? Successfully? :-)

I'm not, btw, shy about tackling almost any home repair -- plumbing, electrical, carpentry -- be this may be beyond my weight class!

What was the cost of the part that Miele quoted? Also, what were the symptoms of bearing failure?

They weren't specific. Just blown bearing and there's a gasket around the washer drum.

Why?

It just sounds so strange. I am also trying to make sure I look out for the same behavior on my machine. What was the behavior that caused you to call for repair? You may want to reach out to a forum member, whirlpooltrainee on the laundry forum. He is able to provide access to some of the service manuals. Can I ask why you did not have Miele service diagnose the issue? An idea of the repair price would also help with the advice to fix or replace. Just some thoughts. The information you provide may be useful to another user who finds this thread in the future.

Good luck!

It was Miele authorized service. There in no Miele direct service in the Boston area, at least none I could find.

Behavior -- or misbehavior actually: loud clunk during spin, a little oil smell, drum clearly not centered.

There is Miele direct service in Connecticut. It's difficult to believe there is none in Boston. May I ask where you got that information?

Maybe I'm not understanding you... Are you talking about a direct Miele service organization vs a Miele retailer with an Miele-authorized service team?

My understanding is that Miele has "concierge" service in the New York area and extending into nearer Connecticut but not yet available in Boston.

If there's factory service in Boston, I'd welcome your posting a link.

Thanks!

To Jakvis -- is it fixable with a bearing replacement kit which I've seen offered by some UK parts outlets?

Years dont mean much -- how many cycles on the machine?

After 40+ years of infallible service with never a repair from my loyal classic Maytag, I am shopping for a new washer & dryer. I am considering Miele compact Classic W1 and T1 (for its regular 120 electric outlet plug) because all regular sizes have become too large for my small laundry area. Yes, it is an investment to pay $400 more (plus taxes) for each Miele, but I was justifying the solid German quality. But now reading about Miele bearings failing in such a short time (5-7 years) makes me wonder if any brand can assure us of its reliability. I never heard of washer bearings with my classic workhorse Maytag; are these bearings a technology of modern times that has proven problematic for all brands? Of course, the company would encourage you to buy their extended warranty for $320 (after you overpaid $400 for each Classic Miele. I understand the frustrated Miele customers who opt to just buy cheaper brands that they would not be upset replacing every 7 years.

There are a couple bearing assemblies on those old Maytag toploaders that eventually need replacement.

I was then lucky with my amazing Maytag. So grateful for 44 years!