I found this thread not only interesting, but it was also the kick in the pants that got me to do something about the repeatedly failing water intake valve/solenoid on my Miele Optima (G2420-SCI). The unit was installed new in 2008-2009. We moved into the house in early 2013, and by August that year we experienced our first failure. I do not know if the valve failed in the interval between 2009-2013. I called the local factory authorized installer, and they came out promptly. As I learned after the 2nd failure, they didn’t replace the entire hose/wire/valve, but simply cracked the case and wired-in a new valve. They charged me price of entire unit. Eighteen months later, same problem. I found some info on retrofitting the Miele valve with a GE valve, but I guess I was too timid to try it then. So, I called Miele and explained the problem. They comp’d me 33% on the new part, and this time they changed out the entire assembly. It worked fine until July ’16 when it developed same problem. This time they comp’d me the entire part and did another replacement. Every time they checked the inlet water temp it was below 130 degrees. The new part installed in August ’16 has barely lasted 8 months! We tried to use the machine over Easter weekend, and it came up with the same humming sounds of no water coming in and then popping off the “F12” fault code. After embarrassingly spending/wasting $1000 on 3 valve replacements, I finally decided to look back into the GE valve, and that’s how I got here. I was a GardenWeb member for years before Houzz, but lost touch, until I found this thread. Good x2. I followed the instructions on the YouTube video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LaqSO-Oyuw I opted to use the GE WD15X10003 valve as per the video, and not the WD15X93, mentioned earlier in this thread. As far as I could tell online, the two units are functionally comparable. The bracket and molded switch housing of the X93 are somewhat different, necessitated by the fact that the X93 is designed to be tucked into a cramped under-washer position in a GE system. It is also about $10 cheaper than the X10003, but the X10003 was available by Prime on Amazon, so I could fix it right away. I would guess that any of a number of these valves would be fine, since they would sit on the floor of the under-sink cabinet, and not require specific in-machine installation. The water inlet connection on the GE valve is a 3/8” Female iron pipe thread (FIP). My water source connector is a S/S flex hose with a 3/8” female compression fitting. To mate them I needed to pick up a 3/8” male-male brass connector with one end MIP and the other a compression thread. Connecting them was no problem, but getting them leak-free at the MIP-FIP connection was a bit of an issue. One has to hold the valve in one hand while tightening with the other and it’s hard to get a good grip on the valve portion. I used plumber’s tape first, but on the second try I used 1 wrap of plumber’s tape and a thread filler-sealer called “Hercules Block.” It’s a somewhat messy blue paste, but it did the trick. The wire connections were straightforward, just as explained in the video. I test ran it twice yesterday, and it worked normally, just as the OEM valve, and so far, there are no leaks. The time between failure and repair was only 3 days (not the typical Miele 3 weeks), and the out-of-pocket costs for valve, connector, sealer, electrical connectors was $40. (not $450+). The satisfaction of DIY, and un-shackling from the burdensome, confiscatory Miele system?....priceless. My only regret is that I should have done this after the 2nd failure...or the 3rd...slow learner, I guess.

I hardly ever buy extended warranties. For some reason, I bought it for our Miele DW. And guess what, we had the lemon - but in reality it was most likely the local repair place was incompetent with Miele and might have caused its pre-mature death(they lost the service contract with Miele - wonder why...) Anyway, I received a check for the original purchase price of the Miele. I was determined to replace it with something else and researched and looked and bought another Miele - we only have a 5 year warranty We had one issue within year 1 or 2. I don't know if they repaired or replaced the part - I mentioned something about the top rack thing that kept coming apart - they sent me a whole new top rack... I am jinxing myself but that is our only appliance with a service contract and it is with Miele directly - Miele factory service comes out and they know what they are doing.... So, roll your dice and see what comes up... If you are feeling lucky, save the $$, if not, remember what it costs to replace... I am glad they are offering 10 year contracts - I saw that in some European appliances and mentioned it to Miele.... Maybe I made a difference... LOL

mihai914, I have actually not been to the unboxed location but have been to MTC in Whitby (see link). They also carry Miele out of box and B grade goods. For some reason, MTC usually has more stock of the full size machines - they get them more often than the unboxed store and usually have the higher end ones (ie. 4842). They are shipped to MTC direct from the Miele warehouse. They currently have the following available: LAUNDRY W1213 WHT 6KG W1215 SS 6KG T1313 5kg W1612 5.5Kg W4842 Full Size T9800 Full Size T9820 Full Size The few times I have seen units they are either perfect (just no box) or they have had very minor imperfections. One pedestal had a small ding in the front, machines have some scratches - nothing major. The current W4842 has a small knick on the top edge so is 40% off retail ($1,529). If you call MTC they will give you pricing over the phone and tell you what is wrong with the unit. I get "hurt" by the gas dryer. I have to have a qualified gas fitter do the install. If I was buying electric, I could buy the discounted one and plug it in ... tempting ... although neither my husband or I are very handy and would end up having Miele install anyway so not sure you save that much (plus no 10 year warranty). The Brick has the Bosch Vision 500 on for $600 off. The Brick told me they'd give me $600 of the 800 as well. Sears said they would match that price and give me an additional 10% ($60) back. That makes the Bosch much more reasonable. Based on how they look, I don't think I could pay full retail for those machines. Maybe it's hidden in the mechanics but I just don't see how they look/feel like a premium brand. I am far more impressed with the LGs (just based on looks/feel alone). I don't know if I'd be happy with the Bosch long term (if it bugs me already). I feel more "happy" when I see the LGs. But happy isn't worth much :) Here is a link that might be useful: MTC Clearance - Miele discounted

Mark, I did buy the 6745 with the 10 year warranty. We're in a open floorplan, we've had it about a month now; I'm not sure if it's quieter or not, but it washes very well, and I like the auto door opening feature. I installed the second Miele myself; the only snag was the water line didn't want to connect so (a long story shortened) we bought a 12" extention line to connect it, this went on easily. Like fauguy, I owned a previous Miele before. Despite having problems with it and checking out competitive models from Asko and Bosche, we elected to go back to Miele. The Asko bottom racks were too low, and our dishes had problems staying where they were put on the bosche racks when opening and closing them. On the Miele, the problems we had was the in-line water line with the solenoid box on it which crapped out for the third time. Now, apparently they've put the solenoid within the dw. And as for the warranty, although over an hour away, Miele will reimburse us after paying our local appliance repair facility I have a ConsumerReports on-line subscription, and I'll tell you it isn't for the reports on any appliances. Their user reviews rarely reflect CR's take on them. Brent