Repair or Buy New Washing Machine

fcmisc

I have a Bosch VarioPerfect washing machine.

It is approximately 5 years old.

Yesterday, it started tripping my home's RCD. I think it only trips the RCD if I leave the heating option on (it was on a delicate mode, with 40 degrees C water setting when it failed), as it is now attempting a cold wash and hasn't tripped.

I therefore think (but am not sure) that the heating element is tripping the RCD.

So my 3 options are:

- Just use cold washes in the future. I am hopefully moving to a new home with built in washing machine in 3 months time anyway.
- Get it repaired. Cost of £99 + parts here, or £12*12=£144 on a monthly payment plan.
- Buy a new washing machine. It costs about £349.

What would be the most cost effective? My home move is not confirmed. A £99 repair could easily fail. £349 will obviously cost the most immediately. I can afford it, but if I didn't care about the money I wouldn't be a member of this forum.

Owain_Moneysaver

A local repairer may be able to do it for less than the Bosch Home cost, and give you a guarantee on the repair (at least a 3 month guarantee!).

ohreally

Likely to require an element. Contact a local for a chat.

http://www.espares.co.uk/search/ma856pt1559/washing-machines/elements/bosch

SailorSam

Have a look on YouTube, there may be a video on there describing similar faults and how they can be fixed.

MichaelCNichols

I'd buy a new one I guess. Maybe because the last repair made on my washing machine was botched. you, on the other hand, may have some luck if you find a good repairman.

MeredithTThomas

If I were you, I'd buy a new one. But that's my opinion. others may prefer to have it repaired.

JuzaMum

I have the same washing machine and had the same fault. I got a new element on EBay (from spares4homes) for £10 and found a youtube tutorial. Unfortunately after following the instructions and opening the machine from the front we found our model had an easy access opening on the back to access the element! After finding this out the new element was fitted and the machine has been working happily ever since.

Jonesya

How handy are you? - you might be able to change the element yourself.

I've got a Bosch Excel 7 varioperfect and my element failed, fortunately access to the element was easy, just remove the back panel and it's in front of you, so a quick job to swap the elements. Cost £10 for a new element off Amazon.

Stating the obvious, only attempt if you're happy you know what you're doing and always unplug the washing machine, to isolate the electricity supply, when working on it.

benson1980

Other option is to break it for parts to fund a new one. I had a not particularly good indesit that broke. Got around £120 back selling random parts (£25 for the door, for example). It is a bit of a hassle though.

dermonte

I had that payment plan to fix our washing machine with bosh. Signed the deal, the engineer came and couldnt fix it. Said it would cost more to fix, so bosh cancelled the contract with me refunding the first payment. I think there is nothing to lose if you want to try to get it fixed, if not they refund your money.

fcmisc

I was about to get a Bosch service contract, as I am a bit short on time and just wanted it fixed. But while trying to reproduce the error, I found that it is working today. The only difference (other than it having bedsheets rather than shirts) is that I have not turned on the Eco Perfect mode. It is now running fine on 40 C.

Could the Eco Perfect be tripping the RCD? Or could it be something else?