Bought the most expensive vacuum I’ve ever purchased at the recommendation of BIFL. Returning it just days after it arrived.

Submitted by dishungryhawaiian t3_zrbrr2 in BuyItForLife

After numerous post about the Miele C3 I caved and bought one on a great Black Friday deal. Tried to use it but every time I turned it on it makes a loud whistling sound. Tried to google the issue but everything leads to either an obstruction or a broken seal of some sort. It’s brand new and never used so it shouldn’t be either. Anyone else experience this?

I’ve started the return process because the company doesn’t have any replacements available but if I can figure it out on my own I’d rather keep it. I don’t want to wait a whole year for another Black Friday deal…

33

Comments

You must log in or register to comment.

caroonth t1_j12s94e wrote

Do you have a Miele dealer you could take it to? Your local dealer should be able to diagnose the problem and let you try a loaner to see if you actually want to fix it or return it.

19

dishungryhawaiian OP t1_j12sy51 wrote

Didn’t even know there were Miele dealers lol… Whatever I do I need to do it quick because I’ve already started the return process, I have exactly 5 days to ship it or I’m stuck with it.

8

caroonth t1_j12u7jt wrote

That's one of the advantages of having a Miele or other nice vac vs a Hoover or whatever off the shelf of a big box store. They service them, honor the warranty, etc.

7

stella-eurynome t1_j12tw5i wrote

try a local vacuum sewing store, they usually have euro vacs and might be able to help. But, I would just exchange it. You don't lose the discount that way. Give the place your bought from a call and let them know it's defective and to send a new one when you send that one back.

5

ConBroMitch t1_j13why2 wrote

Post over in r/vacuumcleaners they will get you sorted.

This is very unlike a Miele machine.

9

Sekshual_Tyranosauce t1_j15a4co wrote

Or a canary in the mineshaft. It wouldn’t be the first company that built a loyal following with excellent quality only to cash in churning out cheap, garbage versions of their product.

Looking at you Kitchen-aid mixers and Remington Arms.

3

ConBroMitch t1_j15fvmn wrote

You have a point - but I certainly hope that’s not the case! Though, typically those types of moves come after an acquisition of sorts ie. Remington. To my knowledge Miele has not changed ownership.

5

Xyz1234qwerty t1_j12rscu wrote

Isn't even so expensive tbh

Here in Italy is just 200 euro

Anyway I would return it and try again if you like the model

7

dishungryhawaiian OP t1_j12sfqq wrote

I haven’t checked the conversions but in the US, it was $900+ on sale… But for me, even $200 would be the most expensive I’d have paid for a vacuum.

13

limee89 t1_j14m1pk wrote

For that price I would send it back and demand a new one! Can they not do an exchange?

4

dishungryhawaiian OP t1_j14xs2b wrote

They have no more in stock, so they claim. They were quick to offer a refund so either they do in fact have them but would rather not let it go for the sale price anymore or they actually don’t have them and a refund is in fact my only option.

2

bblickle t1_j13ugrj wrote

I mean it looks pretty simple to narrow down.

If you disconnect the entire hose assembly from the body does it still whistle? What about if you put your hand partially over the mouth to obstruct the air? If it still whistles it’s in the body. If not, it’s in the hose somewhere.

If the sound is in the hose assembly, start at the far end and remove parts until the sound goes away. If it still whistles with only the hose attached it’s probably something stuck in there. Your handyman, handy neighbor, plumber, or electrician has a tool they can push through there real quick.

7

dishungryhawaiian OP t1_j14yfds wrote

I’ve done all of this, still can’t figure it out. I’m a pretty hand person and an avid DIYer. Normally I’d just disassemble the whole thing but I feel for the price I paid for a brand new product, I shouldn’t have to do all that and waste all that time. Appreciate the info though! Once I do get a working one, I’ll keep all this in mind.

6

bblickle t1_j15ei9m wrote

Agree it should work out of the box. Just thought a quick fix might have been easier than repacking and schlepping it.

4

5spd4wd t1_j154dij wrote

I had a Miele upright. One little plastic part on it broke, couldn't be replaced and the vacuum would not pull vacuum without it. And yes, I bought it from a professional vacuum shop that sold & serviced Miele. Miele, never again.

3

tbenz9 t1_j12tl13 wrote

Check out "vacuum wars" on YouTube. That guy knows his stuff and recommends vacuums in all different kinds of categories.

2

nolanhoff t1_j13sgyw wrote

There might be something in the tube that’s causing the whistling. Push something through the tube and make sure it’s clear

2

ButterIsMyFriend t1_j14u6ce wrote

Highly recommend Sebo

2

dishungryhawaiian OP t1_j14y0ec wrote

That brand is also the next highest recommended brand. Seems like Miele and Sebo are the best of the best. But unfortunately I’ll be waiting prolly until next Black Friday to make another purchase

2

Jimmytowne t1_j15x28s wrote

Not sure if this is the case with Miele, but I know dewalt and kitchen aid sell cheaper made versions of mixers and drills on Black Friday. Might want to look into that.

Personally, I’d return it and have them send you a new one

2

Siva-Na-Gig t1_j15zapa wrote

At this point I just assume all new products are garbage. I bought an old hoover canister vac from the 80’s in a fun 80’s color scheme and it’s the best vac I’ve ever had by a mile.

2

dishungryhawaiian OP t1_j16lple wrote

I generally agree with this statement. Been keeping an eye out for used older models but the deal was too good to pass up so I just went for it. Smdh, should’ve just waited lol

2

[deleted] t1_j13jzfq wrote

[deleted]

1

gardener1337 t1_j13l3wr wrote

You tell me the hepa filter, rated for 6 months of use will last you forever? Man Dyson is overpriced designer toys. The used plastic gears on the roller that takes up the dust.

1

eggrills t1_j27h1d7 wrote

You should have bought a Rainbow...

1

inahd t1_j142ore wrote

You could always check the used market, for a vacuum you can afford....

0

dishungryhawaiian OP t1_j14xg1z wrote

I bought this one because it was amongst the top recommended vacuums, and I can afford it. I’m at a stage in life where I’m tired of buying the cheapest products which don’t last long and I’ll end up having to buy them again and again. I want BIFL things.

3

inahd t1_j159jno wrote

Personally I got a used rainbow vacuum for like $20, and my miele vacuum sits in the garage.

0

Jasp99J t1_j13q9bd wrote

Just get a Sebo Automatic X7

−1