Hi Jerrod, I think you should buy one of the new machines and tell us...it WOULD match your new dryer ;)

I also have a W1986 and never knew more than the wash time was extended but I have noticed the initial time does reduce once it starts, probably as you say due to the load size.

On mine the first and last rinse are longer and more time is taken at the end when the machine is adjusting the load for the last spin, so if I have a one item load, or one that may be hard to balance the extended option is the thing I may choose to use and since the time is adjusted for smaller loads..one item loads don't take that long to complete. I don't think the prewash is longer.

Here you go, still have the W4840 for another week.

If there is any variability other than time, I have not noticed any. Perhaps load size don't have enough variance to drive any cycles changes.

Extend adds:

30 mins for Normal, WF, Santize, Ex W and Custom

20 mins for Denim/Jeans, Comforter, Table Linens

0 mins for Handwash, Dedicates, Outerwear, Express, Dress Shirts, Beach Towels

jerrod

the w4800 series do not change the time based on load size unlike other of their machines. a normal cycle which is slightly over an hour will always take that long regardless if you have a smaller load.

my w1200 series machines will decrease cycle lengths on some cycles on smaller loads. this is not the case in the w4800 series. any extra time a cycle is lengthened (or more accurately, the timer is paused) is due to longer time required to fill, drain, and balancing of the larger load (a full load of towels for example).

Crooks - So there is only variation in the wash length and nothing changes for the rinses and spins?

Cyberspacer - If the time is not load dependant do you see any cycle format variations when extended is used.

Jerrod

Have not looked that closely, but my instinct based on my experience with multiple sets of Miele laundry is that there probably is. I'll have to get back to you on that.

"So there is only variation in the wash length and nothing changes for the rinses and spins?"

Not that I noticed - never saw any. Now like most machines, different cycles for hand-wash and dedicates. They do slow down. But all FL do that in some fashion.

I have really lately not been impressed over all with it. Perhaps, just burned out. Just too average in operation for my money. I suspect the older Miele machines would be great, just like my older Bosch. It seems it is for the person who is happy with a cold wash, bleach and asks how long does it take to wash. Time variations would be just an irritant. Are we really so pressed that some machines have a remote monitor to show cycle time left? Geez.

This is going to offend some folks, but it reminds me of the late 80's/early 90's Cadillac cars. Perceived as a better built, higher quality and marketed as such. In reality, a Chevy equivalent and not much better trim/fit to boot. And it rambled down the road as compared to MB, Audi, BMW of same time period. W4840 sagging, but well built, heavy door with glass on both sides being a proof point. For Pete's sake, at least make it adjustable.