Thread Number: 86853  /  Tag: Modern Automatic Washers
Miele w4840 series
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Post# 1114162   4/9/2021 at 23:01 (1,084 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        

I have a customer that I know of that has one of those big Miele front Load washer and dryer. Window cleaning is my full time job and they told me about their machines- they really like it, but they have found it hard to find people to work on it. I told them I have experience working on washers and dryers - Miele being one of the very few l havnt worked on, but I would give it a try.

Well they said the dryer is having problems, I’m going to at least look at it tomorrow. I’m not sure what’s wrong with it. But the thought I’d ask you guys for tips or are they worth fixing? The haven’t even begun looking to see if they still sell parts.





Post# 1114165 , Reply# 1   4/9/2021 at 23:52 (1,084 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        

Really we need to know what the problem is first.

I don't mean a full diagnosis, but what is the machine doing wrong?


Post# 1114177 , Reply# 2   4/10/2021 at 06:29 (1,083 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
In theory only place to get new parts for Miele appliances is from their North American parts department. These models were discontinued several years back, but they still may be covered by Miele's 15 year part stock guarantee.

If you know exactly what part is needed often things can be found elsewhere such as eBay, European and other sources outside of USA.

You can also try looking online for service/technical manuals or other information. MieleUSA no longer provides any sort of diagnosing or tech support via telephone. You must make an appointment for a call out (and pay dearly) where a tech examine machine.





Post# 1114181 , Reply# 3   4/10/2021 at 08:31 (1,083 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
Miele T9000 dryers

I just searched for Miele T9822 service manual, second result was the service manual.

Post# 1114182 , Reply# 4   4/10/2021 at 09:35 (1,083 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        

It’s the dispenser controller that’s leaking in the washer. Activating the waterproof system. I’m having trouble finding parts

  View Full Size
Post# 1114185 , Reply# 5   4/10/2021 at 10:31 (1,083 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        

I told them I will call Monday to see if there are any parts for it. Unless you guys know where to find parts.

They are thinking of buying a new set. If they do. I’m tempted to take it! Is it worth it?


Post# 1114193 , Reply# 6   4/10/2021 at 13:46 (1,083 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Miele Had No End Of Troubles

launderess's profile picture
With various issues that plagued the W4XXX series washing machines, and various leaks was one.

You can read various posts in forum about issues here: www.google.com/searchQUES...

Again for NOS parts first choice would be Miele USA, but also armed with proper numbers check around internet for anyone selling online.

Don't believe Miele sold W4XXX washers outside of North America, thus any parts specific to these two models of washing machines may not be found say in Europe because weren't sold there for a start. As already noted service manual for W4XXX washers is found online so that's something anyway.

Apparently water path unit for W4XXX was a weak spot that kept causing issues (leaking), to point Miele went back and redesigned the part with new number as you see in your picture. Some still had issues later after even after swapping out part.






Post# 1114195 , Reply# 7   4/10/2021 at 14:04 (1,083 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

The one part I found that MIGHT fit (again, nor warranty on that) is this:
www.buyspares.com/water-p...

They are all pretty simmilar, dunno if the W4xxx series had larger drawers?
Cause that diverter is a pretty common part - any Wxxxx machine used basically the same thing, just diffferent itterations of it.



Anyway, replacement seems futile.

These things are pretty easy in terms of functionality.
So you might want risk takeing it apart and see if some seel failed or such.
Just do it very slowly, take a lot of pictures.






The W4xxx series has been burried as much by Miele as possible.

The idea was sound in itself, just very badly exectued.
Getting hold in the US washer market is basically impossible by now...


Post# 1114198 , Reply# 8   4/10/2021 at 14:18 (1,083 days old) by Sgt10 (California )        
Unlikely to pencil out

I have had 2 miele w4840 machines die a premature death. One had shot bearings, and I can’t remember the problem with the other one, but something that Miele service techs would not touch. When the machines worked, I think they did a great job washing. However, they were less reliable than the typical miele product. I still have the matching large miele dryers (gas), and they do a fine job. Each has had to be repaired, but they are still running. But despite Miele’s promise that they will continue to stock parts for 15? years after a product stops being sold, the Miele servicemen who have given the dryers a casual glance while working on something else have said to me several times that certain dryer parts are no longer available for those machines.

This is a long-winded way of saying that you are setting yourself up for heartbreak (or, I guess a substantial challenge if you find that type of thing rewarding) if you get those machines. Parts are likely to be an issue, and they are also likely to break at some point. And they are, of course, big and heavy, too. The irony of the larger machines is that they could not be filled all the way like the traditional smaller sized Mieles, so in reality their capacity was no larger despite their size. Not Miele’s best product.


Post# 1114199 , Reply# 9   4/10/2021 at 14:34 (1,083 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Interestingly both Bosch and Miele entered North American laundry appliance market with uber sized washers about the same time (NeXXT and W4XXX respectively), and barely a decade or so afterwards withdrew all washers and matching dryers.

Bosch's NeXXT washers and dryers were at least built in USA, and one would have thought that company also did their due diligence in R&D. But alas those washers and matching dryers had issues as well. IIRC like Miele Bosch didn't sell those huge washers and dryers in Europe which meant pretty much dependent upon North American sales numbers for success.

Miele has been building uber sized commercial washing machines for ages, and thus does know very well how to do so. Thus was surprised as the litany of problems that kept plaguing W4XXX series washers. The matching dryers had problems and to be fair Miele hadn't built a gas dryer for residential use (IIRC) so were operating in dark there so to speak.

Thing is overall the Miele W4XXX washers like their smaller cousins of time were built to near commercial standards. These were despite their issues pretty substantial bits of kit.

One thing it came down to is what it always does with Miele; people paid huge sums for those uber sized washers and dryers, only to have them have issues not long after installation. That was bad enough but given Miele's not extensive service/repair network it could be weeks or longer before a tech even came out to look at the machine. Then weeks longer before he returned to do the repair.

Was considering a W4840, found a local dealer who had one at a very good price. Queried the man about known leak issues that triggered WPS. His response was "I just tell my customers to unplug machine, open drain cover, tip washer forward to drain out water... wait then reset washer".

Replied at just 5'7" and 125lbs (stripped) wasn't going to be "tipping" a washer that weighs 300lbs or more forward as part of wash day period. So that was that.

The W3XXX series washers were introduced at same time as W4XXX models and many the former were better built washers and represented Miele quality of old.

Keep in mind despite huge size of W4XXX Miele advised only loading tub about three-quarters full for a "normal" wash. Meanwhile the W3XXX washers could be loaded as one would any other Miele washer. So you've paid more for a larger washing machine, but cannot fully ultilize capacity.

Miele took a killing financially on these uber sized washers and dryers as well IIRC. Which in fact may have been one of the reasons they decided to pull the plug on both.

Unlike Bosch Miele refuses to open a factory in USA. Thus those huge washers and dryers were built in Europe, then shipped to North America. That alone was a huge cost but again since these units weren't sold in Miele's normal largest market (Europe) they were totally dependent upon overseas sales.

IMHO quite honestly the W1 washers are better on many levels then W4XXX series. It's like Miele went back to the drawing board and came up with a better machine addressing previous problems. The W1 has same or greater capacity than W4XXX but less issues with build quality and so forth.


Post# 1114200 , Reply# 10   4/10/2021 at 14:39 (1,083 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Miele only pulled their W4XXX washers and matching dryers in 2016. That was just five years ago which isn't anywhere near the 15 years Miele normally guarantees will keep parts in stock for models after even after production ceases.

Yes, the W700, W10XX, W19XX series largely are NLA parts , but they are machines discontinued twenty or more years ago.

blog.yaleappliance.com/bid/83143...

www.reviewed.com/laundry/...


Post# 1114204 , Reply# 11   4/10/2021 at 16:31 (1,083 days old) by Sgt10 (California )        
Market strategy a mystery

It’s difficult to understand what Miele’s North American market strategy is. Their weakness in the US has long been their service network, an apparent strength in other parts of the world. Yet, Miele’s response to their deficit is to make their service network worse, not better. Their products are not fail safe, it is inevitable that customers will have problems, and when they do, they will be without washer or dryer for some time and have to battle to get service appointment and parts. Their machines are high priced enough that customer resentment is inevitable. And the salt in wound is that their knee jerk response when calling for customer service is to blame any and all trouble on user error. Most of their washing machines are very good, but the weakness in their service network sure takes the shine off the apple

Post# 1114206 , Reply# 12   4/10/2021 at 17:43 (1,083 days old) by Jerrod_Six (Eastern Pennsylvania, USA)        

I have a W1 which is advertised to hold up to 18 pounds and is also sold in Europe, although perhaps not this model. I would suggest your friends go to the Miele website and look at the 860 model. They can download the user manual and see if they like what it offers.

Post# 1114212 , Reply# 13   4/10/2021 at 20:27 (1,083 days old) by richnz (New Zealand)        
its leaking in the washer?

Any photos of where it is leaking exactly?

It can be taken apart and greased.

Was it this machine that had leak issues with the rubber part which connects the dispenser to the tub (Underneath).


Post# 1114220 , Reply# 14   4/10/2021 at 21:04 (1,083 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Full Sized Miele Washers and Dryers

combo52's profile picture

These were very well designed and built machines, but like all W&Ds there were a few problems and Miele does have serious service problems in the US. 

 

I have had a pair of these including the gas dryer, both machines suffered from being overly complicated and difficult to service just like all Miele W&Ds and DWs and don't even get me started on their US built-in refrigerator line.

 

And no these were not built in Europe, the full sized W&D were built in Mexico [ with a lot of parts from all over the world like all Miele appliances ]

 

The full sized W&D were discontinued for one and only one reason, Miele could not even begin to compete with the rest of the world on price and as a result sales were very poor, the full sized models would have been lucky to get 1/10 of 1 % of the US market.

 

This is why it is so hard to have good service in the US with sales hovering around 1 or 2% of the US laundry and DW market and charging such high prices they are forced make good on problems but can not maintain the level of service people expect.

 

There is really only one great choice for a highly durable easy to get repaired or even fix it yourself full sized W&D in the US Speed Queen.

 

SQ équipement is designed to be repaired by its owners [ often laundromat owners ] or do it yourselfers.

 

SQs won't shut down if you oversuds it and it leaks a little, instead you get a little water on the floor, laundry appliances are designed to be installed in laundry rooms with provisions for possible leakage, they are not designed to be installed in living rooms or on hard wood floors.

 

John L.


Post# 1114228 , Reply# 15   4/10/2021 at 21:48 (1,083 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        
Wow lots of info!

I tried ordering the part one of you sent me and it says it can’t be shipped to my address :/

I guess this was one reason I didn’t buy a Miele because parts would take a while to find/order- esp with a growing family and seems like the washer runs all the time.

The fact that it’s 300 lb is keeping me from wanting to pick it up, but I wouldn’t mind tearing into it to learn more from German engineering.

As far as the leak, water keep seeping out right below where the electrical plug ins are. I didn’t get real close because it was leaking pretty fast.



Post# 1114234 , Reply# 16   4/11/2021 at 00:19 (1,083 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        

are you comfortable to dismantle the water distributor?

I am NOT familiar with them, but they look pretty simple.

You might find that the water path from distributor to the detergent drawer is blocked, giving the water no easy place to go except force its way out of the distributor, in all the wrong directions. I'd open up that distributor and look for any bit of muck in any water passage.

 

Check for loose screws and cracked hoses, too. Don't give up on it without checking the easy stuff first.

 

Launderess linked to a youtube video above.

If you open that link in youtube, the comments below have lots of useful info to solve the issue.


Post# 1114255 , Reply# 17   4/11/2021 at 05:37 (1,083 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Miele 4XXX washers and matching dryers were not made in Mexico, but their Unicov plant in Czech Republic. This is same place as W1215 and some other domestic laundry appliances are made as well.

Unicov factory is where Miele makes their toplader washers, and commercial laundry appliances. IIRC for some appliances however Miele produces parts in Germany, then ships things to Unicov for assemgly.

www.houzz.com/discussions...

www.miele.com/en/com/czech-repub...

Miele does not have any sort of production in North America, and that includes Mexico. www.miele.com/en/com/prod...


Post# 1114256 , Reply# 18   4/11/2021 at 05:46 (1,083 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
"... Can't be shipped to my address..."

launderess's profile picture
That's odd!

First thing Monday morning call Miele parts directly and try placing an order for required parts.

Only thing can thing of is that part requested isn't in stock but system doesn't give that as response.

Miele USA had some major changes early in 2019 from what I understand. This washer hasn't even been out of production for ten years much less fifteen. Thus Miele should keep inventory of parts.

Another thing might be if parts are on order from Germany Miele like everyone else has had to deal with covid. Factories closing, quarantines... so they may be like many other businesses suffering from distribution and production problems at the moment.


Post# 1114259 , Reply# 19   4/11/2021 at 06:54 (1,082 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Miele Mexican Built Washers

combo52's profile picture

I will take a picture of the model tag on next time I see one, but it said Made In Mexico. [ I scraped the washer we had when the spider broke ]

 

Miele also builds its BI refrigerators in New Jersey, I will take a picture of the tag on one of those.

 

Sometimes you have to actually get out in the real world, everything you find on line does not tell the whole story.

 

John L.


Post# 1114260 , Reply# 20   4/11/2021 at 06:56 (1,082 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
Only pulled in 2016

Oh really?
Thought that must have been way earlier.


That part should fit, if it doesn't I won't be responsible though xD
And it's like 300$...
Miele will probably ask for even more!




They know how to build big commercial machines - but the closest thing to a US machine would be around 5k from the commercial line.

And they did build 2 generations of gas heated vented dryers for the EU market - what you would call compact.

Rare machines, but very efficient and cheap to run and even more reliable than the normal vented ones from what I have heared.




Bosch did sell 2 or 3 generations of their US sized machines over here and actually were the only ones selling a matching dryer intended for home use.
Neither caught on very well - especially the dryer since it was a vented model with only 2.3kW heating power or there about makeing it extremely slow.
Washers never were much better - with 2kW of heating and no hot water cycle times were quite long for back then.

The only US size offering remaining is LG by now and they actually have 2 machines listed in the current generation.


Post# 1114265 , Reply# 21   4/11/2021 at 08:06 (1,082 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
I'm Sorry? Who do you think you're speaking to?

launderess's profile picture
Do live in the "real world", and when, unless or until you support your claim that Miele makes washing machines in Mexico, I stand by my statement.

Post# 1114266 , Reply# 22   4/11/2021 at 08:20 (1,082 days old) by Logixx (Germany)        
Henrik

logixx's profile picture
Samsung also sell a large washer over here, although you can kinda only get it on eBay.

From looking at the spare parts, the Bosch 10 kg Logixx washer only came with a 1300 watts heater and, yes, no hot-water intake. *yikes*


CLICK HERE TO GO TO Logixx's LINK on eBay


Post# 1114267 , Reply# 23   4/11/2021 at 08:26 (1,082 days old) by Logixx (Germany)        
Production sites

logixx's profile picture
Post# 1114269 , Reply# 24   4/11/2021 at 09:12 (1,082 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
See W4XXX washers going for very little money all the time. If one had room and perhaps glutton for punishment might be tempted, but otherwise am waiting until someone unloads a W1 cheaply.

Just about a week ago someone close was literally giving away a W4840 washer with a non-matching dryer. Listed on CL as in their driveway you just had to go and fetch! As you might imagine listing wasn't up very long....


Post# 1114279 , Reply# 25   4/11/2021 at 11:07 (1,082 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
Samsung

As far as I understand, they sell that as an industrial model.

Whirlpool has a number of US machines on offer under their professional line aswell.
Though one of them is that GE design that already was just some some rebrand of some chinese design.

Funny enough, they sell US dryer designs aswell - one being cut to 3kW (runs of a 16A outlet) and one that runs the standard US power off of 240V requireing a 30A fuse to run (according to the manual).


CLICK HERE TO GO TO henene4's LINK


Post# 1114289 , Reply# 26   4/11/2021 at 12:12 (1,082 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        
I’m picking it up!

Delivery is next Saturday for their new set. So I’m officially getting my first Miele!!

Post# 1114292 , Reply# 27   4/11/2021 at 12:35 (1,082 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Yay it a neat machine

combo52's profile picture

Hopefully  you can get it going and get some more use out of it.

 

The only serious problem we have seen with these are broken [ now NLA ] spiders, if the machine was used properly [ lots of hot washes and hopefully they used the LCB dispenser that came with these machines ] if so it might last a long while yet.

 

And you can post a picture of the model tag that says Made In Mexico so Laundress can settle down.

 

John L.


Post# 1114294 , Reply# 28   4/11/2021 at 12:51 (1,082 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        
A comment from the gardenweb

foraloysius's profile picture


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Post# 1114296 , Reply# 29   4/11/2021 at 13:26 (1,082 days old) by Sgt10 (California )        
Made in Czech Republic

Here’s the tag that came attached to my now defunct w4840, says made in Czech Republic.

  View Full Size
Post# 1114306 , Reply# 30   4/11/2021 at 14:27 (1,082 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        

These were sold in Mexico, yes.

No idea as to why, and probably even in fewer numbers than the US.
But I guess just printing a new sticker for the facia made it worth it.


Post# 1114315 , Reply# 31   4/11/2021 at 15:00 (1,082 days old) by SGT10 (California )        
The thing I find more puzzling than where it is manufactured

Is Miele’s deliberate decision not to uphold its pledge to continue making parts available for these machines. If memory serves, I seem to recall them offering some minimal discount on a new machine when they told me they no longer have the necessary parts for the W4840. I suppose it’s a business decision like any other ... easier to have a few disappointed clients who can’t get parts than to continue manufacturing the odd part. But still, it tells you something about what their promise to continue producing parts is worth.

Post# 1114320 , Reply# 32   4/11/2021 at 16:10 (1,082 days old) by brisnat81 (Brisbane Australia)        

@Logix, the 7500 series Maytag Neptunes were the same here, only 1300watts heating. Luckily they were hot and cold fill, but if you started with cold and tried to heat to 60C, you were waiting hours. They had a transformer in the bottom of the machine, but I dont know whether that dropped all power to 120v, or just certain circuits.

Post# 1114333 , Reply# 33   4/11/2021 at 18:26 (1,082 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Minimal discount for new machine....

That is part of Miele's standard response when they don't want to deal with an older or whatever appliance any longer. On one of service calls for my W1070 head of service in Princeton offered a slim discount if I'd take a new machine and not bother them any longer about my old one. Was then told my machine and address were put on a "don't go list" as not only was machine "old" and not worth bothering about, but they didn't like layout of my home or whatever information techs put in about the place.


@Louis

Recall that debate, and didn't wish to go there unless necessary. Certain Miele appliances had power ratings for Mexico, which lead some to read things as if they were manufactured in that country. Which of course is rubbish...

If Miele refuses to build any sort of production plant in USA for washing machines and dryers, why would they do so in Mexico where their share of appliance market is smaller than USA?

Also were Miele to have a Mexican production plant they could take advantage of NAFTA and send appliances to USA far cheaper than shipping things from Europe.

In end of course we plebs know nothing, I mean we're not service persons with vast years of experience, and or "don't get out in real world".....

@SGT10

If Miele truly has ceased stocking parts for 4XXX washers and matching dryers it speaks to how much they want to get away from those machines.

Consider also Miele didn't sell these units outside of North America IIRC. It likely would cost dear to keep producing parts for washers and dryers that didn't sell in large numbers (compared to other machines) that have or had greater distribution.


Post# 1114356 , Reply# 34   4/11/2021 at 21:23 (1,082 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        
Couple questions

I’m not sure if they have the original shipping bolts. So when transporting it. Do I really need them? I plan to be careful but I thought I’d ask. Is there a side that would help with transport?

Secondly. Why can’t you fill these machines all the way up? Breaking the belt or spider? Curious!

I get a picture when I have my hands on it.


Post# 1114363 , Reply# 35   4/11/2021 at 22:15 (1,082 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Manual only states "Important: Fill drum only 3/4 way. Items need room to move otherwise may get caught in door seal."

www.manualslib.com/manual...

If people routinely disregarded this advice and loaded 4XXX washers like Miele's of old on Normal (drum filled loosely but with about a clenched fist worth of room at top), I do not know.

Miele states 4XXX washers have a 4.0 cubic foot capacity. However IIRC many stated they could fit more into the W3XXX washers than W4XXX because the former could be loaded more fully.

www.houzz.com/discussions...

www.automaticwasher.org/cgi-bin/...

If had to compare would say washers SQ or even Miele W1 are rated for about 18 pounds of wash in normal/cottons, while the W4XXX more like 16 pounds.

Moving H-axis washers without shipping bolts.

Opinions vary on this subject. Some state emphatically machines should not be moved without them, others say long as washer kept upright and not jolted about moving without shipping bolts in place shouldn't be an issue.

Much also likely will depend up on who is doing the moving and how far machines are traveling. Since all of my front loaders came quite a distance (AEG set clear from across country), opted to purchase and have installed shipping bolts.

OTOH if you're doing a local move and job yourself they might not be necessary.



Post# 1114369 , Reply# 36   4/11/2021 at 23:11 (1,082 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        

Well. Getting it in my little nv200 van shouldn’t be a problem. It’s low to the ground, I have thought of carefully putting it on its side. <— maybe I should be yelled at to not do it!
It’s 1.5 miles from my house and the fastest speed is 35mph. So I’m not to worried about road vibrations.
I feel some front loaders are more touchy than others.. I believe whirlpool products are more touchy than a Neptune or LG. I just don’t know about Miele.


Post# 1114376 , Reply# 37   4/12/2021 at 01:03 (1,082 days old) by SGT10 (California )        
Why can’t fill up w4840 tub

I can’t prove it, but I have long suspected that they undersized the motor relative to the size and weight of the tub and spider. Yes, I realize that they made heavy duty commercial machinery of equivalent size, but I think that once they decided to make some components heavier duty than the typical residential machine (perhaps like the cast iron spider), they would have had to upgrade the motor to handle both the components and a very full tub of laundry. And I suspect that they simply thought that the extra cost involved wasn’t worth it. The relation between the force required to spin the mass of tub plus laundry probably increases non-linearly with the mass (maybe the square of the mass? - high school physics was so long ago). Just like cyclists work hard to reduce wheel weight because the rotational weight matters so much to effort expended, the extra weight of a packed tub and iron spider and robust tub would have required a very heavy duty motor. It’s just my guess, but they would have had to do many things to keep costs in the realm of reality, and not at the level of an octoplus or whatever the equivalent commercial unit was at the time.

Post# 1114392 , Reply# 38   4/12/2021 at 06:39 (1,081 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
Don't think that

Miele long had "issues" managing high loading ratios in quick cycles.

Over here, their "short" cycles for full loads were a good 50% longer than the competition.




Designing these machines, they probably had several concerns:

A) Good results in the time asked for just weren't possible to their standards.
Main fear there might even have been saturation - until the W1 series Miele never was particularly quick at soaking full loads.
B) Suspension components probably were designed to handle it, but they didn't want to risk it.
C) Back then, Miele still had their "standards" for balancing. Maybe they couldn't meet that for a full tub.




Makeing a powerful motor really isn't the issue.

While yes, the moment of inertia goes up squared by the radius - not weight - you can just speed up slower and keep power down that way.

And for an inverter based system you just upscale some components on the PCB - that is just a matter of cents in parts.
The current draw just goes up. Not much else.


Post# 1114393 , Reply# 39   4/12/2021 at 06:44 (1,081 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        
Meile Full Sized W4840 Etc

combo52's profile picture

Thank you Louis for posting the model tag from your washer, I have talked to to other repair folks yearterday and because it says Mexico all three of us assumed it was built in Mexico.

 

It is an interesting way to word a model tag, US import law requires the country of manufacture, yet have never found Czech Republic on one of these washers.

 

Dear Laundress, I am sorry I doubted your information about the country of origin of these washers, but it is certainly not the first or likely the last time you or I have been wrong about something.

 

As Far As Moving This Washer, Hi Tom I would keep it Up-Right even for a short move.

 

Any FL washer can be moved without shipping bolts if it is kept up-right, without the shipping bolts they are actually much less likely to be damaged when in a moving vehicle as the suspension system of the washer easily soaks up the jolts etc.

 

Look at all the luxury motor homes causing around the country with either FL combos or FL stack or even TL stacks in them, None require you to put the shipping bolts in place to drive the vehicle.

 

Another point to consider is even if you have the original shipping bolts for a FL washer they are about impossible to reinstall because the inner tub assembly has to be held in place to get the rear bolts to thread into place. We have never bothered to reinstall SBs for any of the hundreds of used FL washer we have delivered and reinstalled.

 

John L.


Post# 1114402 , Reply# 40   4/12/2021 at 09:25 (1,081 days old) by gizmo (Victoria, Australia)        

without wanting to put any extra fuel on a fire, I am reminded of some good advice:

always keep your words sweet

in case you have to eat them.

wink


Post# 1114404 , Reply# 41   4/12/2021 at 09:42 (1,081 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
John,

Just for the record, it isn't a picture of my machine but from a thread on the Laundry Room forum on the Gardenweb. I've been a member there for an even longer time than I'm a member here, although I hardly ever post there anymore. I remembered this was discussed there.

I'm wondering too why Miele has not stuck to their rule to keep parts available. Is it an another issue with the US Miele organisation? It wouldn't surprise me considering that their attitude is much different than we are used to here in Europe.


Post# 1114410 , Reply# 42   4/12/2021 at 10:46 (1,081 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
That's 15 minutes of my life I want back....

launderess's profile picture
Rang up Miele and after spending ages on hold finally reached someone in parts.

Part in question isn't in stock but "can be ordered", which was all the person spoke with could say on the matter. Cost is around $283 or something plus tax, shipping.....

Person could (or would) not say if this part was going to be ordered from Germany as part of inventory, only that if wanted an order could be placed. Of course only way to find out if this is true would be by placing an order.

This isn't exactly new, Miele USA long ordered parts for appliances that weren't in stock from Germany.

As mentioned Miele USA had a total reshuffle last year with new management that brought changes. Many long time employees left, which means new hires. On top of that customer service seems now to have been outsourced,


Post# 1114428 , Reply# 43   4/12/2021 at 13:05 (1,081 days old) by petek (Ontari ari ari O )        
Louis

petek's profile picture
Gardenweb.. now that's a historical memory LOL

I used to like that site but then it changed to something else or format and iirc became sort of difficult to use and a lot of the regulars vamoosed.


Post# 1114436 , Reply# 44   4/12/2021 at 14:09 (1,081 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
Yes, sort of a blast from the past. But the laundryroom is still there. Some of the members have moved here and disappeared from there, but I still like to have a look now and then although the latest format is quite a nightmare to use.

Post# 1114439 , Reply# 45   4/12/2021 at 14:50 (1,081 days old) by Jerrod_Six (Eastern Pennsylvania, USA)        

I called Miele service last month and thought perhaps they were working from home due to Covid-19.

Post# 1114447 , Reply# 46   4/12/2021 at 16:21 (1,081 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
From recent dealings (trying to get that timer for my W1070), seems as if tech support part of customer service now is outsourced to some apart India or somewhere. At least each time one rang always got someone with an Indian maybe other accent.

Parts I believe were or still are working from home; you just sort of can tell by background sounds. Also years ago when rang up Miele USA parts you could hear them plonking away on what sounded like a old sort of keyboard. Don't hear that over past year with covi-19 raging.

Really sad thing is now tech support will only book call outs basically. Department is no longer staffed by (sometimes very helpful) techs who will offer advice and or walk you through a repair or something. Asked one of the persons reached recently in that area and his reply was (we stopped doing that because it caused more problems than it was worth).



Post# 1114552 , Reply# 47   4/13/2021 at 15:03 (1,080 days old) by Jerrod_Six (Eastern Pennsylvania, USA)        

I spoke with the Miele CSR today and after my business was taken care of I asked if they were working from home. The CSR said that some people were but that he preferred to be in the office and socially distanced. I asked where that was, and the answer was that the Miele call center was in the state of Georgia, and my technician is based out of the state of New Jersey. It seems like they did have a system that bounced calls to different call centers because a few years ago I ended up at a German call center with a CSR that spoke English. I asked how that happened and he said the call system would sometimes route calls to an available call center.

Anymore I don't expect to get much real information from a call center which seems like it is used to direct inquiries rather than answer them. The center does have access to my account and is able to pull up information about all of my current and past appliances, and they can talk to the service dispatch desk, but I don't count on them answering any type of technical question. They simply read what is already contained in the user manual or whatever is in a support script that is given to them. I am familiar with this model because it is the same one used at the company I work for so I know what to expect.


Post# 1114579 , Reply# 48   4/13/2021 at 21:10 (1,080 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        

launderess's profile picture
Miele has a call center in Georgia? That's news! *LOL*

Besides NJ knew they had one out in CA for a bit. That one closed and Miele opened another in Seattle or someplace in PNW, they still may have one there for all I know.

Miss the old days when techs actually answered calls to "technical support". Was fortunate enough times to get guys who not only knew my old W1070, but worked on many a same machine.


Post# 1114869 , Reply# 49   4/17/2021 at 11:24 (1,076 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        
Got them.

Here they are! Got the dryer as well, it’s Electric.

They are in rough condition internally but i definitely can clean them up pretty good


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Post# 1114878 , Reply# 50   4/17/2021 at 12:45 (1,076 days old) by appnut (TX)        

appnut's profile picture
Congratulations Tom. Good luck and I know you'll keep us posted.

Post# 1114890 , Reply# 51   4/17/2021 at 16:48 (1,076 days old) by combo52 (50 Year Repair Tech Beltsville,Md)        

combo52's profile picture

Glad you got these, they should be fun to use and play with.

 

The last owners sure did not know how to wash clothing, when a dryer lint screen has that much soil on it you know you are in trouble.

 

Unfortunately the washer spider is probably pretty corroded, was the bleach dispenser cup even in place in the dispenser drawer, it sure looks like it never saw really hot washes or LCB.

 

The last one of these we got was really gross, we used it for about 20-30 loads and it started to clean up pretty well but then the strange noises started and it soon became clear the spider was toast.

 

John L.


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Post# 1114894 , Reply# 52   4/17/2021 at 17:17 (1,076 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        

I bypassed the dispenser hose and it goes directly into the washer- so as of now the dispensers won’t work correctly but at least I can wash clothes.

I have it Hooked up in my garage using hot water for now.. I can’t believe how dirty the water is after each load. Gross!

One reason I don’t want to put money into the washer. I’m concerned the spider is corroded. Unless I can find a new one for decent price I might fix it.

The bleach compartment was in place but I don’t think it ever saw bleach or hot water like you said.

I have soft water as well, so it will probably start to peel it all of more quickly or cause it to break faster.

For now I’m just going to play with it! It’s sure interesting so far!


Post# 1114962 , Reply# 53   4/18/2021 at 03:37 (1,076 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Congrats!

launderess's profile picture
When my Miele arrived had boot swapped out for new and was glad of it. When Miele tech got the thing out it was fouled with mold and God only knows what else, plus had a small hole. What you see growing in folds is only one part, there is the "outside" of boot that is often is gross as well.

Don't think Miele sold spiders as separate part for 4XXX series washers or perhaps many others before. You'd have to get an entire new tub assembly which likely would cost dear. That's even if Miele USA sells new tub assemblies or even spider directly for this machine.

Used W4XXX washers pop up in various states of condition often enough from what have seen. You might want to consider putting feelers out to find a parts donor washer. This way you can harvest parts to create one good machine.

If you can let washer heat water suggest running a "maintenance" cycle at highest wash temperature with dedicated cleaner or maybe something else. Letting washer heat on it's own warms up entire machine which will help dislodge crud


Post# 1116662 , Reply# 54   5/8/2021 at 14:33 (1,055 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        
Updates!

Observations.
The washer is Efficient! On average it’s 6-7 gallons of water per load.
I have done quite a few loads in it and I love the algorithm. Miele is much slower than my LG with turbo wash- but I see Miele’s beliefs in taking care for your garments.
I am comparing this Miele to washers I have owned in the past or present. Some might find it controversial. lol

Washing performance
It’s interesting to watch Kirk Rivas dirty jeans test videos, LG didn’t perform as well as Electrolux or some water hog machines. I knew buying an LG, it would suffer from a heavy duty performance, but I know I could add/change options for the washer to perform better. Miele, on one hand, felt if you selected heavy soil or sanitize option it would clean to your expectations. Clean means clean. Hence miele has the fastest sanitize cycle I’ve ever known. One hour and 27 minutes!
Overall, Miele seems to clean very well. especially when heavy soil loads are selected. Normal cycles in comparison from LG I felt are the same.

Rinsing performance
I wash wands from window washing weekly, I have done this test on numerous washers. Basically the wands are full of grime and dirt from the windows with leftover dawn dishsoap. I wash them with little laundry soap. Whirlpool duet was one of the worst at getting all the soap rinsed out. LG is the best as rinsing without using extra rinses- it has lead me to believe the spin spray rinse is a useful tool, Miele not offering this, it’s lacking in rinsing power- though, it was better than Whirlpool.

Spinning/balancing performance
I once had a Bosch axxis washer, I could load completely full and it would handle any kind of load with very little balancing problems- the Miele reminded me of that performance- I have done several full heavy loads and really didn’t have to redistribute more than 3-4 times. Vibration was minimal and smooth. LG and Whirlpool struggle to handle a full load- hence it was a large load of 4.5cu ft

Many others on there have said, the Miele W1 handles just as much or more than the W4XXX series and often performs better.


Post# 1116692 , Reply# 55   5/8/2021 at 18:21 (1,055 days old) by Launderess (Quiet Please, There´s a Lady on Stage)        
Thanks for update

launderess's profile picture
Am that glad you are enjoying your new washer.....

One reason haven't been to bothered to nab a used Miele W4XXX is that felt the W3XXX and certainly W1 series are in their ways better. IMHO Miele was eager to scrap the W4xxx series and go back to the drawing board which got us the W1.


Post# 1123965 , Reply# 56   7/24/2021 at 00:24 (979 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        
I found a service manual.

Found a service manual and went to town on it. I added water+ because I thought a little more water will help boost it performance. Will have to do a few loads

Operating hours is 2028 - that seems really low to me. Isn’t the average operating hours 15000 hours?

Lastly, the RPM have me in shock- I can change it up to 2000rpm. So going from 1400 to 2000.. I’m curious to know if any one else has done this and would it harm the machine??


Post# 1123975 , Reply# 57   7/24/2021 at 07:18 (978 days old) by Logixx (Germany)        
would it harm the machine??

logixx's profile picture
Probably.

Post# 1123977 , Reply# 58   7/24/2021 at 07:32 (978 days old) by henene4 (Heidenheim a.d. Brenz (Germany))        
2000rpm

Most Softtronic machines offered that functionality.

The machines with brushed motors could be configured up to 1600rpm, brushless once up to 2000rpm.



It will shorten the life of the bearings some.

I know that EU machines can handle it.
Can't say that for sure for the US full size machines.




Operating hours:

So, the machine only counts full hours of cycle runtime.
So a 59min cycle would not change that counter.

Over here, that wasn't an issue since most cycles were about 2h.

In the US where many cycles are less than an hour the discrepancy could add up.


Post# 1123984 , Reply# 59   7/24/2021 at 09:05 (978 days old) by foraloysius (Leeuwarden, Friesland, the Netherlands)        

foraloysius's profile picture
The big drum in combination with 2000rpm could be a recipe for problems when the load is off balance.

Post# 1124023 , Reply# 60   7/24/2021 at 21:07 (978 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        

Turns out the Miele a smarter than we thought it was. It didn’t even hit 1400rpm on a rough load I had in there today.

Post# 1166061 , Reply# 61   12/9/2022 at 09:31 (475 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        
I finally fixed it!

After a year and a half, I finally found a dispenser for a decent price.
In the mean time i had bypassed the dispenser water path to the spray nozzle.
Initially I was concerned for the spider corrosion and didn’t want to spend money on the machine. It never saw cold water wash and rinse. I had a y adapter and only use hot water for my business rags and such. The hot water really cleaned up the machine nicely.
One thing I love about this machine, it can counterbalance better than most front loaders out there. There have been times I had a load of pillows or down alternative comforter that wouldn’t spin out in the LG. But on the first try in the Miele. It spun out.

Changing out the dispenser was amazing, super easy and fast. Probably one the easiest dispensers I’ve taken apart!


Post# 1166082 , Reply# 62   12/9/2022 at 15:51 (475 days old) by Tomdawg (Des moines)        
And two loads later..

Same problem, leaking just like the old one did and activating the flood proof system.

Do you guys think this is a software issue? Or I just happen to buy another used dispenser that was on its last leg?



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