Bosch Dishwasher - all models Review

My wife & I bought a Bosch SHU5305/uc12 in Feb. 2002.  We are planning to replace it with another brand (likely Miele) due to the repetitive repair issues with the Bosch.  Currently, we are on the 4th main circuit board (including the original) - all of them having failed in the exact same manner, a failed/overheated solder joint on the main computer control chip with it routinely failing every 18-24 months.  The last board was provided by Bosch although we paid for the installation labor.  I suspect that this board was part of their massive recall as our dishwaser was very close in its serial number to those covered by the recall. 

The other major repair was the main pump motor assembly.  It moaned & screeched so loudly as to be mistaken for the tea kettle whistle while in another room clear across the house!  Currently (08/2009) the unit is screeching and moaning again.  At $300+ for just the parts, and the latest control board being 22 months old, it seems foolish to spend the money for the parts, despite my ability to easily repair the unit.  Also, the racks are starting to show "chips" and some rust is showing through the vinyl coating.

My good comments: I like the fold-down prongs in the back half of the lower tray.  I like the built in disposer (even though it gets little use due to our being on a septic system).  I like the adjustable upper rack, although our crystal barely fits on its lowest level.  I also like the "add drying agent" alert LED on the front panel.  The stainless exterior finish and tub have held up well. And we like the delayed start on the wash cycle, allowing us to wash the dishes at 1:00AM

Overall, we are very disappointed in the electronics quality and NOISE of the Bosch - even when it was new and or freshly repaired and properly working.  Luckily, we purchased a 5 year extended warranty, & as noted Bosch supplied the latest control board.  But we are now almost 2 years out of warranty I have little faith that it will run much longer without replacing major parts.

IF you're planning to buy a Bosh, I'd strongly advise you to spend the extra money on a good extended warranty.