This was to replace our old Siemens machine that lasted a good 5 years
I bought a Bosch side-loading Washing machine(5.5 KG - WAG14060N) on Aug 4th 2013. This was to replace our old Siemens machine that lasted a good 5 years. The one before that was a "Normal" Godrej workhorse that is still working well at our maid's house:).so much for costly "German" engineering that does not work in India.
I bought it from Vijay Sales and after a botched installation(the guys who install are not from botch although the shop claims so) we got the guys from Bosch/Siemens to fix it.
The machine worked well while the warranty lasted(till July 2015) and come August it stops completely. I call up the Bosch service desk and they send a couple of guys after 2 days - their number in true caller says they are from "Vijay Washing Machine". The examine and say the PC Board for the machine is gone(without even opening and checking the board to make sure - just because there is a slight black patch on the plastic box hosting the Circuit board. They say they will have to import the board and hey do not know "how long it will take" and"how much it will cost" but they
will confirm next day.3 days of repeat follow-up later they called today to say just the Circuit board will be "Rs. 9980". and labor will be additional. But wait they said I need not worry as the product and all "electronic & mechanical parts" .any thing other than the cover that is covered by a warranty of "1 WHOLE MONTH".
I had respect for Siemens as our dishwasher has lasted a good 10 years and still going good, but their washing machine was not as good and Bosh which seems to be a sister concern just seems to be banking on siemens good will and falling flat on quality. I think they are dumping substandard stuff in the indian market and I will please suggest that all customers please research extensively before putting their hard-earned money on impulsive buying just because the brand is good and the "Paid" shop-floor guys convince you to go after "German Engineering".
These products are not "Tested" for indian conditions and they are dumping it here. I am angry for being cheated twice but my advice to all is not based out of anger, it is based on genuine feeling of the indian subsidiaries of these firms taking Indian customers for a ride.
This is how good brands orchestrate their own downfall.
BTW do not get Swinged by folks who have just bought the machine, even I would have rated it good while it lasted.
On a seperate note I found firms in US selling the circuit board(for similar models) at$34 and less but this model is india specific, any one knows a firm that sells after market parts?
Else I will have to give this to a Bhangarwala and buy a good old Videocon or Godrej .key to happiness is simplicity is a wisdom I am learning from the Germans
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